[RunD1987]

Definitely Southington and it's possibly to go with a lower budget. Not wanting to be the bearer of bad news, but don't want to be stuck with a high mortgage if the job relocates or you are laid off. ESPN just went through a bout of lay offs. On the flip side know people who have worked for the company from year's and love it!!!

It's just the volatility of CT job market right now.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

It's just the volatility of CT job market right now.

ESPN is not responding to volatility of the CT job market. ESPN is responding to pressures that have antecedents years ago in the media industry. The biggest volatility in the CT job market right now is in the public sector.

[hvexpatinct]

Southington makes the most sense by far. Very convenient to ESPN very doable on that budget. I assume you've investigated property tax rates, heating costs and the like already,but if not, Southington is doable at a lower price point if need be.

There are plenty of family friendly amenities around and Southington is one of the more convenient locations for big box type shopping -- Costco is in New Britain and the East end of Waterbury, just a few exits away in either direction, and the other big box shopping is right in town.

[kongkong4750]

Thank you so very much for everyone's input. You guys showed me how nice Connecticut people are!

Speaking of housing budget, we're very fortunate to have some successful early investments. So we either will pay off right away or get a very small mortgage. We are not worried about the monthly payment on mortgage at all.

After reading your comments, I checked taxes and utilities, looks like 10k per year is inevitable which I think it's acceptable comparing with renting. For renting, I would pay $2000+ for the house I want, that's more than what I would pay for owning.

How's the car taxes? I didn't check that out clearly, too many variable factors. I pay $250 a year for my 2012 Honda Accord for annual registration fees, is that close to CT?

Planville's schools look not good but the houses look cheaper, would you recommend?

Southington looks like a very nice option, I will do some research on that.

Thanks so much again!

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by kongkong4750

Thank you so very much for everyone's input. You guys showed me how nice Connecticut people are!

Speaking of housing budget, we're very fortunate to have some successful early investments. So we either will pay off right away or get a very small mortgage. We are not worried about the monthly payment on mortgage at all.

After reading your comments, I checked taxes and utilities, looks like 10k per year is inevitable which I think it's acceptable comparing with renting. For renting, I would pay $2000+ for the house I want, that's more than what I would pay for owning.

How's the car taxes? I didn't check that out clearly, too many variable factors. I pay $250 a year for my 2012 Honda Accord for annual registration fees, is that close to CT?

Planville's schools look not good but the houses look cheaper, would you recommend?

Southington looks like a very nice option, I will do some research on that.

Thanks so much again!

In terms of most ratings, Southington would be better school-wise than Plainville.

The car tax can vary from town to town depending on that town's mill rate. Let's say your Accord is now worth $12,000 to the town. It would then be assessed at 70% of that, or $8,400. The Southington tax rate is around 28 mills, so your tax would be $235. In Farmington, the tax would be $202, but West Hartford would be $311.

Now, if you wanted to buy a brand new Volvo next year for $50,000, that would be where you'd see a big tax increase - $50,000 * 70% would be $35,000 assessment and taxed at $980.

Your registration fees would be in addition to that, and I think are around $80 every 2 years.

[kongkong4750]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

In terms of most ratings, Southington would be better school-wise than Plainville.

The car tax can vary from town to town depending on that town's mill rate. Let's say your Accord is now worth $12,000 to the town. It would then be assessed at 70% of that, or $8,400. The Southington tax rate is around 28 mills, so your tax would be $235. In Farmington, the tax would be $202, but West Hartford would be $311.

Your registration fees would be in addition to that, and I think are around $80 every 2 years.

So basically CT is making money on cars every year. What are other these kinds of taxes burdens except property and car taxes?

[Ghengis]

no advice on housing or anything like that but when you are on camera, how about a shout out to CDers on here or, do the ol finger-in the-ear, tongue-in-the-opposite-cheek as your sign on that only we will know about?

here's a couple of witty sign-off, catch phrases you can use...

"...and that's all the sports that I think you need to know about"

"...bye for now from Kong-Kong and my magical ______ (pretty much any word that rhymes with Kong will work here)"

"...Butter 'n Toast, Toast 'n Butter, I tell it like it is, and I love me Mutter"

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by kongkong4750

So basically CT is making money on cars every year. What are other these kinds of taxes burdens except property and car taxes?

sales tax on most items, though not most groceries. 6.35% - that is statewide. There are no variances from town to town or to city. Colorado has a state sales tax, but each community can have an additional tax, I believe.

[Mr_250]

Originally Posted by kongkong4750

Thank you so very much for everyone's input. You guys showed me how nice Connecticut people are!

Speaking of housing budget, we're very fortunate to have some successful early investments. So we either will pay off right away or get a very small mortgage. We are not worried about the monthly payment on mortgage at all.

After reading your comments, I checked taxes and utilities, looks like 10k per year is inevitable which I think it's acceptable comparing with renting. For renting, I would pay $2000+ for the house I want, that's more than what I would pay for owning.

How's the car taxes? I didn't check that out clearly, too many variable factors. I pay $250 a year for my 2012 Honda Accord for annual registration fees, is that close to CT?

Planville's schools look not good but the houses look cheaper, would you recommend?

Southington looks like a very nice option, I will do some research on that.

Thanks so much again!

If that's the case (and congrats) Farmington and Southington are the two best choices. You'll get more bang for your buck in southington (I live in town) than Farmington. Also, depending on where in Farmington you live traffic is a nightmare because there are only 3 or 4 main roads to get in and out of town.

Both towns are very nice. I could say I see a lot of young people in southington. A lot of schools and community activities as well. Plus walking trails, 2 downtown areas which they are building up.

[kongkong4750]

Originally Posted by Mr_250

If that's the case (and congrats) Farmington and Southington are the two best choices. You'll get more bang for your buck in southington (I live in town) than Farmington. Also, depending on where in Farmington you live traffic is a nightmare because there are only 3 or 4 main roads to get in and out of town.

Both towns are very nice. I could say I see a lot of young people in southington. A lot of schools and community activities as well. Plus walking trails, 2 downtown areas which they are building up.

Thanks for the great info on traffic. I'm very uncomfortable with traffic. All my family do is just regularly shopping, watching movie, eating outside, playing sports, that's it. We want everything to be around within 15mins driving.