Help a Dutchy out... (renters, car insurance, credit)

[DutchyF]

Hey Jax folks,

Currently I'm living in Europe (Netherlands) and I have plans to move with my family (2 kids) to the USA for my work.

My area of business would be in the surroundings of the St. John's towncenter shopping mall and therefore I would be looking for recommendations for renting a home. We would be looking for a 4-5 BR, approx 2500 sqft home in a family friendly area and for which the commute to work is "hopefully" avoiding traffic jams. Any suggestions?

Furthermore I would be very interested in finding out what the general living expenses are in this area (for a family of 4 with 2 kids under the age of 4), such as:
* Rent Approx 2000 USD per month
* Utilities ??
* Home Insurances ??
* Groceries ??
* Car insurances assuming a 10,000 USD car (second hand)
* any other expenses i should think off?
The above will purely be for guidance so that I can assess what is left at the end of the week/month as a net income for the family.

I would love to get in contact with both Europeans and Americans who have relocated here and can advise me of any pitfalls/suggestions/recommendations/do's/dont's/etc.

Looking forward in getting some feedback/suggestions.

Regards,
DutchyF

[fsquid]

i always pass the dutchie to the left hand side

[madcapmagishion]

Furthermore I would be very interested in finding out what the general living expenses are in this area (for a family of 4 with 2 kids under the age of 4), such as:
* Rent Approx 2000 USD per month - Very doable but why a 4/5 BR home when 3 will do? $1300 - $1500 per month
* Utilities ?? - Depends on how cool you like being in the summertime here where it averages 90+ degrees F in the summer $150-$200 per month
* Home Insurances ?? - If your renting all you need is renters insurance called HO-4 $10 - $20 per month
* Groceries ?? - depends on how much and what you like to eat, a typical family of 4 can spend easily $100 -$200 per week
* Car insurances assuming a 10,000 USD car (second hand) - Depends on your driving record.
* any other expenses i should think off? - electricity and other utilities, cable & internet
The above will purely be for guidance so that I can assess what is left at the end of the week/month as a net income for the family.

All of the above in red are just my opinions on the matter.

[DutchyF]

Thanks for the quick turn-around on my post.
Driving record - no damage for the last 15 years.
Electricity is I guess covered in the 150-200 usd reference which you made...What about other utilities as an approx?
you mention cable and internet...would I be right in estimating 100 dollars for the 2?

sorry for bugging you again...

[Peter the Brit]

Driving insurance and credit is a problem as your record does not follow you to the USA and they will treat you as a new borrower and driver.

[madcapmagishion]

Originally Posted by DutchyF

Thanks for the quick turn-around on my post.
Driving record - no damage for the last 15 years.
Electricity is I guess covered in the 150-200 usd reference which you made...What about other utilities as an approx?
you mention cable and internet...would I be right in estimating 100 dollars for the 2?

sorry for bugging you again...

Auto insurance is to unpredictable to estimate.
Water, sewer and garbage could go about $100 a month unless its included in your lease.
Basic cable with phone & internet could be as low as $99 per month with better plans going for up to $150 a month. (with Comcast)