Thinking of moving to Plano Texas (Dallas, Frisco: transplants, real estate, 2013)

[seacap]

I am thinking of moving to Plano, Texas but unable to decide whether to move or not. I have job offer but that is with a bank IT division so kind of thinking whether that job is secure or may get layoff if recession hits.

Also I am not sure if it's a good idea to move to Plano, TX from Pacific Northwest, Seattle, WA specifically. Here in Seattle I am currently working for a healthcare company so thinking whether it's a good or bad idea to move to a bank by leaving healthcare company.

Have some concerns on weather difference between Seattle, WA to Plano, Texas.

How are the property taxes in Texas compared to WA. In WA, we usually pay around 1.1 % of county's assessed price. I heard in Texas it's around 2 to 3 %. Is that correct?

Please give some adivce on these issues and anything else you think for people newly moving to TX.

[LeagleEagleDFW]

Are they going to pay you a lot more? Because some of the most unhappy transplants I know are people that moved here from the P/NW. Unless you hate living in Seattle, or they are paying you a lot more, I'd stay.

[Squirl]

The beauty of the DFW area is man-made -- golf courses, cement hiking trails thru suburban areas, HOA neighborhoods with man made fountains, etc. Some of these things are quite lovely. Our weather is humid. Summers are blazing hot. People are friendly. Schools are generally good. Traffic is congested but you'll find parking spaces and lots of choices in retail and restaurants. If you like bling over nature, this can be a good match. Property taxes fund our schools and most other services because we have no income taxes. Our real estate tends to be reasonable compared to the Seattle area. But expect to pay approx 2.5% before exemptions. Just go ahead and add about $1K +/- to your house payment for taxes and you can roughly budget the cost.

[mm4]

Originally Posted by LeagleEagleDFW

Are they going to pay you a lot more? Because some of the most unhappy transplants I know are people that moved here from the P/NW. Unless you hate living in Seattle, or they are paying you a lot more, I'd stay.

People that move to Boston from the PNW are unhappy.

[lepoisson]

I would suspect that DFW is much cheaper than Seattle for housing. But there's no way I'd move to Texas from Seattle because of the weather alone. The PNW has some of the best weather in the country (despite the rain).

To figure out property tax, it can be really helpful to find a home on a realtor website, then check the county tax site for rates. In Tarrant County, taxes on a $150-175,000 home are around $4000-6000/year depending on precise location in the county, school district, etc. Also, many areas in the metro have property tax increases of 7-15% every year. Make sure to budget that in.

[LeavingMA]

Originally Posted by mm4

People that move to Boston from the PNW are unhappy.

Some of that is the attitude up there, that Boston is the best thing eva (said that on purpose) and nothing could be better, but then they all move south. I can say this because I'm from outside of Boston. The difference is I really love it here and all my friends and family that visit really like Dallas. I'm not moving back to the northeast again.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

I would suspect that DFW is much cheaper than Seattle for housing. But there's no way I'd move to Texas from Seattle because of the weather alone. The PNW has some of the best weather in the country (despite the rain).

To figure out property tax, it can be really helpful to find a home on a realtor website, then check the county tax site for rates. In Tarrant County, taxes on a $150-175,000 home are around $4000-6000/year depending on precise location in the county, school district, etc. Also, many areas in the metro have property tax increases of 7-15% every year. Make sure to budget that in.

The large increases in annual taxes are new and not likely to continue at this rate. From 2007-2013, my property tax bill was almost flat every single year on my old place- went up less than $50/year and 1 or 2 years, went down a little bit.

[UnfairPark]

If nothing else then you'll have a bigger, better and newer house for same price as your current one in Seattle but you get hot climate and no scenery for backdrop. Unless you are getting a significant salary increase or a big promotion, it's not worth it.

If you must move to DFW then Plano is one of best choices in this area.

[Mershu]

With all the headquarters & jobs coming to Plano, recession and layoff should be the last of your concerns.

I lived in Bothell, WA for 8 years and here are the differences I notice:

- Summer is hella hot; but an acceptable trade off for the gray PNW days.
- Traffic is much nicer in DFW, and Texas builds infrastructure way faster
- Less winerys in DFW, but more craft beer!
- Less democrats in DFW!! (translated: Less of your tax dollars going to stupid places)
- Do not have to power-wash mold off your sidewalks in DFW
- Two airports are better than one
- No income tax (WA considering income tax of some sort?)
- Better schools for your children in Frisco/Plano
- Walk-ability is lower in DFW
- Overall lower cost of living - including utilities, gas prices & housing
- higher property taxes & car insurance
- Significantly lower housing prices
- Less greenery, but just as many lakes
- Better economic and population growth

Good luck!

[MurphyPl1]

Do you love Seattle? Because I've noticed that people who love it there, hate it here and vice versa. I think Seattle may be the polar opposite of Dallas in almost every category. Climate, politics, activities, landscape, food, etc.