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The good thing about houses with big property is that you can operate a farm, say one with Christmas trees. You're not a real farmer though. You only have to sell like $500 a year of trees and pay super low property taxes. Lots of rich people like Bruce Springsteen, elite horse farm owners in Bedminster and some rich athletes have done this scam.
Part of the explanation is the proximity to NYC.
Another part of the explanation has to do with the large number of small towns in NJ, each with its own governmental structure. This situation leads to high taxes, and real estate taxes are factored into rental costs.
However, just to make you feel better about living costs in NJ (and in the US, in general), you should be aware that the taxes deducted from your salary are FAR lower than what you are used to in your native country. While many Americans believe that they are paying very high taxes in comparison to the rest of the civilized world, the reality is that the total tax burden in the US is extremely low in comparison to most European countries.
You will also find that gasoline in the US costs FAR less than you are used to paying in Denmark. Just like with taxes, most Americans gripe about the cost of gasoline, but are apparently unaware of how much gasoline costs in most other countries. Even with recent increases in gasoline costs, we are still paying less than $1.00 per litre in this area. Just for the sake of comparison, can you tell us what the price per litre of gasoline is currently in Denmark?
Food is also likely to be somewhat cheaper in the US.
Conversely, public transit is more expensive in the US, but--in balance--you will likely find that your low tax situation and relatively low expenses for gasoline will make for a less expensive living situation than you are used to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScandicA
But taxes aren't that low either in America? Yes, we do have high taxes in Denmark, but at least we get lots of things back, such as 5 week paid vacation, free school/college, free health care, low/no property tax, etc. of which you must pay there.
I looked up online, someone living in Mahwah pays 22 000 property tax every year for normal sized house.. That is crazy! Thats what I pay for rent every year
As ScandicA said, in Denmark you have free healthcare, free university educations, etc. High taxes, yes, but you get so much back, unlike in the U.S.
Denmark was chosen as the "happiest" place in the world:
Hi Scandia! My father was born and raised in Odense!
I will be working in Paramus, NJ at a Markerting firm and will be moving by Christmas of this year.
We are excited moving, but we have never been to New Jersey yet only to California and Las Vegas. We looked on pictures and it looks nice. We want to buy a house in Paramus or very close (no more than 5 - 10 kilometers). Thank you for your help
Where are you coming from? Denmark
Why are you moving? Work
Where will you be working ? If NYC, what part of NYC? Paramus, New Jersey
Will you buy or rent? Buy preferable
What is your budget ? $300.000 to $450.000 (Modern house, not old)
What kind of place are you looking for ? At least 150 square meter house with large backyard (3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms)
Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you ? Wife + 2 children, no pets
Do you need/want good public schools? Yes
Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in
(examples: families with young children, young, mature, artsy, diverse, safe, close-knit, block parties, etc)
Safe, family friendly, good schools, large european population preferable, close to everything
Err may I ask you WHY YOU WANT TO MOVE HERE??!!! You are better off staying in denmark why do you want to live here it's a **** hole here?
Work & experience I can see. But you'll get nearly 6 mos. of crummy weather here too although our summers are warmer. Basically I saw the sun a handful of times in February.
Work & experience I can see. But you'll get nearly 6 mos. of crummy weather here too although our summers are warmer. Basically I saw the sun a handful of times in February.
Your area receives about 2,600 hours of sunshine vs. 1800 hours in my city annually - big difference.
Here it gets dark by 3 pm in late December, but it stays light until 10 pm during summer.
NJ weather will seem like paradise for us Scandinavians
The good thing about houses with big property is that you can operate a farm, say one with Christmas trees. You're not a real farmer though. You only have to sell like $500 a year of trees and pay super low property taxes. Lots of rich people like Bruce Springsteen, elite horse farm owners in Bedminster and some rich athletes have done this scam.
Not to mention former Governor Christine Whitman. She was cutting firewood on her estate and selling it to pay the farm tax rate.
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