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I did some significant number crunching when comparing NC and every New England state as a possible alternative before we ultimately moved from Virginia to North Carolina last year. New Hampshire aside, every New England state would have presented us with a higher overall tax burden than NC. Of course, everyone's situation is different. In my case, my C-Corp travels with me, and the state personal income tax advantage MA has over NC, is washed out by the higher MA corporate income tax. Property values seemed to be much higher in MA (unless you were willing to really live outside the metros) and the property tax rates were much higher.
Groceries and the day to day stuff are pretty comparable; too close really for me to call. On one hand, some groceries in MA are cheaper, but on the other hand, gas is notably more expensive in MA. A/C is cheaper in a modern house than heating is. It seems to all wash out.
Our CoL went up after we moved from Roanoke, VA (one of the cheapest places to live in the COUNTRY in my opinion). But down here we get another month of weather warm enough to enjoy outings, which is priceless when you're a family that loves the outdoors
Moved here from NJ 5 years ago and would say ditto to everything theanowapefamily said. It's also just a better way of life - to me My commute to work is half of what it was in NJ. I can actually live close to where I work which was not possible in NJ. Weather will beat Vermont for sure! If you hate snow - like me then you will love the mild winters. It does get chilly but overall...I LOVE the Spring and Fall here! NJ was hot then was suddenly cold.
We're certainly paying less in taxes than we were in Rhode Island. Now that place was really crazy with taxes and fees. I moved a year ago, and I'm STILL paying them for my vehicle.
I think you're right on the first two points. As far as safety though, this area is very safe. Yes there are some bad areas, but going from a state w/ less than 1million people to a metro area with more than a million people is a real culture shock. It's just not smart anywhere to leave your doors/windows/cars open and unlocked even when you're not there.
I think you're right on the first two points. As far as safety though, this area is very safe. Yes there are some bad areas, but going from a state w/ less than 1million people to a metro area with more than a million people is a real culture shock. It's just not smart anywhere to leave your doors/windows/cars open and unlocked even when you're not there.
I totally agree on your last point! I am from NY originally, so it's not the population size. Maybe it's all the 'bad press' I hear...you can never tell the truth until you live somewhere.
We moved here from the San Francisco Bay Area and we find it to be approx. 15% less expensive for daily items. We feel the food costs are similar when comparing Harris Teeter to Safeway back home. We do not miss the near 10% sales tax or the extremely over crowded and understocked stores.
Daycare expenses are hugely lower - we are saving $800/month alone on that one.
The biggest savings is on the housing - it is nine times less expensive and the property taxes are extremely low.
I think the San Francisco Bay Area is totally out of whack compared to some the places noted above. But this thread does put out a good point. Do your homework before you move. If you are moving to lower your costs, then make sure the costs are lower before you move. Talk to a tax advisor if you have to....
One last note...I agree that the financial stability of this state is significantly better than California and many other states. The cuts that we hear about in NC are nothing compared to what is being cut in CA. Schools and the infrastructure are not suffering.
Someone from NY (if I remember correctly) posted a terrific inquiry a while ago - he or she gave a list of items and services and asked about what you would pay for them in NC. If I remember correctly, most were comparable with NY costs, some were less expensive, and one or two (I think I remember veteranarians and salon prices) were actually more expensive. Whatever the results, it was a smart poll to take before moving to an area.
Groceries are more expensive here that they were in WNY.
But, the sales tax, property tax and utilities are WAAAAAAY better here.
I was paying almost 9% on everything in WNY. Anything NC throws at me is no big deal. My property taxes for my old house in WNY were $3500.00/year for a lot that was 40 x 110 with a 1100 sq. ft. house. I now have a .20 size lot with 2400 sq. ft. house that is 10 years old and I only pay $2000.00.
And the utilities? Let's just say that I will never see a heating bill for $600.00 for the month of December. Even my electric bill for the AC for this summer was cheaper than what I paid for AC in WNY. No budget plan needed here.
I'm pretty OK with it all.
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