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But more important than high tax rates are state/city debt burdens for underfunded defined benefit pensions and retiree healthcare.
That stuff is worth nothing to a current taxpayer, it is just off the books debt for labor performed in previous decades. Really an albatross around certain jurisdictions’ necks, like Chicago, NYC, PDX, IL, NJ, and CT. Unless you have a special reason to want to live in those places, I would avoid and instead save for myself or pay taxes to a place that is spending on you or the future.
This website has a report that shows the distribution. Within 1 or even 2 standard deviations, I might not care, but there are some that are way out there that must be resulting in subpar use of tax dollars to benefit the past rather than the present.
Depends on the person. In my world, tax burden is not a major consideration. The higher the QOL the more taxes one would have to pay. OTOH, the term QOL is subjective to the individual.
If you never use rapid transit, public parks or public schools, there is no need in paying for those amenities.
My criteria for living in a city is good parks, useful transit, up to date bike infrastructure to name a few. At the same time I hate to see tax payers money wasted on corporate relocations and stadiums. I don't mind paying for pensions as long as it isn't over done. A well run city is important but that "a well run city" is subjective.
There are many things to consider when relocating but I realize that for me to live out my ideals, there are going to be taxes.
Depends on the person. In my world, tax burden is not a major consideration. The higher the QOL the more taxes one would have to pay. OTOH, the term QOL is subjective to the individual.
If you never use rapid transit, public parks or public schools, there is no need in paying for those amenities.
My criteria for living in a city is good parks, useful transit, up to date bike infrastructure to name a few. At the same time I hate to see tax payers money wasted on corporate relocations and stadiums. I don't mind paying for pensions as long as it isn't over done. A well run city is important but that "a well run city" is subjective.
There are many things to consider when relocating but I realize that for me to live out my ideals, there are going to be taxes.
I think schools should be important to all of us, regardless if you have children or not.
With the exception of California, nowhere. Everywhere is relatively expensive and will get your ass in taxes somehow. I moved here to GA after not having paid state income taxes for years living in TX and FL but it made not one lick of difference.
I think schools should be important to all of us, regardless if you have children or not.
I agree. I value intellectualism and believe that everyone benefits from a smart and well adjusted population. Obviously, not everyone agrees. I live in the Central West End of St. Louis. We host a horrible school district with strong options for magnet and private schools. This is less than a mile away from one of the best districts in the country. When you mix in excellent and world renowned universities, I see and feel the disparities every time I walk outside.
I agree. I value intellectualism and believe that everyone benefits from a smart and well adjusted population. Obviously, not everyone agrees. I live in the Central West End of St. Louis. We host a horrible school district with strong options for magnet and private schools. This is less than a mile away from one of the best districts in the country. When you mix in excellent and world renowned universities, I see and feel the disparities every time I walk outside.
Correct. Like it or not, them kids will be taking care of us when we're old.
I agree. I value intellectualism and believe that everyone benefits from a smart and well adjusted population. Obviously, not everyone agrees. I live in the Central West End of St. Louis. We host a horrible school district with strong options for magnet and private schools. This is less than a mile away from one of the best districts in the country. When you mix in excellent and world renowned universities, I see and feel the disparities every time I walk outside.
I used to live in the CWE as well. You live in a wonderful pocket of neighborhood and just north of you is the renowned Delmar Divide. I also lived 4 building units into Clayton on Rosebury Drive so my stepdaughter could enjoy the high school there. That is a very schizophrenic area, to put it mildly. To make matters more frustrating, anyone who works in St. Louis city (not county) is subject to a one percent income tax, which a lot of goes to maintain Forest Park. Yet, the schools are horrible. School quality, to me, isn't predicated on income or property taxes, but on the quality of the parents. The kids are a neutral chip at birth waiting to be burned. The teachers, resources, and materials are all neutral. It comes back to the parents, not the taxes they pay.
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Tax Burden Cities
