Research and options (Charlotte, Asheville, Henderson: house, employment, income)
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This is a question for anyone who has either already relocated or is in the process of making the move to North Carolina: What other states/areas were you considering and why? What was the final deciding factor that "closed the deal" in favor of North Carolina?
Thanks. Just making sure we're making the right decision.
In the final evaluation, it was down to Eastern Tennessee (ETN) or Western North Carolina (WNC). Both had similar climates and geology for us, but Tennessee had a better overall tax structure.
We had spent many years coming to the WNC mountain areas, so we somewhat knew the area, so this year we went to ETN. Spending time in the general Knoxville area and visiting the Tenn tri-city area (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol), we didn't find anything that we preferred over the Asheville-Hendersonville-Brevard-Flat Rock-Weaverville areas.
After considering the tax consequences, we decided that WNC was for us. We jumped back on I40, drove a couple of hours, and sat down in WNC. We've since bought a house and have begun the settling in process.
The overall deciding factor for us was the mild-4-season climate, topography, and proximity to artistic and entertainment activites that we enjoy. Combined with the lower cost for housing, as compared to where we originated, it was close to a no-brainer.
However, I'm sure that what I listed is not for everyone. For example, employment was not a consideration since we are retired, but don't get me wrong, we're not 64 year old retirees. We're lucky enough to be able to retire in our mid-40's. As such, we needed some more active outlets. That's what WNC provided for us.
In our early decision process, we also considered areas far outside of the South. We considered places like South Dakota and even Minnesota, but the winters always drove our process elsewhere. These places were attractive to us from a cultural, religious, and crime-free standpoint, but those 40-below winters took their psychological toll. That's why we had to make compromises and look elswhere.
Since coming here, we have found very little to disagree with our decision. As long as someone could live here without the need for a high-paying job, the mountains have a lot to offer . . . IMO.
BTW, you didn't specify what part of North Carolina you're considering. It's not a small state and there are variables that may make different portions of the state more or less appealing to you, including the region I listed. I know there are some attributes of other NC areas that kept me from looking at them, but that's what makes the world go around, right? There's different places for everybody.
Garth, I enjoyed the verbalization of the thought process that led you to NC but I am blown away by your statement that you were able to retire in your mid 40s. Pray tell, what did you do (obviously so well) that enabled you to do this with no fear of running out of retirement income? I would really like to know.
This is a question for anyone who has either already relocated or is in the process of making the move to North Carolina: What other states/areas were you considering and why? What was the final deciding factor that "closed the deal" in favor of North Carolina?
Thanks. Just making sure we're making the right decision.
I haven't moved to NC yet, but it's definitely the state I've decided on. Right now I live in Florida, and I considered NC, SC, Georgia, and Tennessee. Didn't want to go any further North due to the colder (and longer) winters. NC came out on top for three reasons:
1. Beauty (just my opinion, but I think it's the prettiest of the bunch)
2. Higher pay
3. Better retirement (for my particular job). I'm only in my mid-30s, but I've already got my eye on that brass watch.
Garth and Quack, thanks for your replies. Although I've lived in many different places as a child, the decision to leave New Jersey for Charlotte, NC is a really though one for me. Surprisingly, my husband and children are very much looking forward to it (???) The reason that I'm having a tough time, this time around, is probably because now I'm the parent and responsible for making the right decision for my children and their future. And as I'm getting older (ugh!) change doesn't come so easy for me.
Any other input would be appreciated, thanks!
Pray tell, what did you do (obviously so well) that enabled you to do this with no fear of running out of retirement income? I would really like to know.
Well, without going into great detail, I'll just say that we're both retired government employees. It's that old "20 and out thing" with defined benefit pensions and a little savings along the way. We're not rich, but we're not poor either. We're just able to live comfortably and do what we want to do instead of doing what others want us to do.
We haven't made a decision yet but we're look at both east Tenn and west N.C. they're both beautiful and better than Texas. It's the state income tax in N.C. that we're concerned about.
You're absolutely right, CharlotteAgent! Thanks so much for taking the time to show my husband around. You and SouthCharlotte&UnionCounty really sold him on the place!
We haven't made a decision yet but we're look at both east Tenn and west N.C. they're both beautiful and better than Texas. It's the state income tax in N.C. that we're concerned about.
This may sound a bit naiive, but could you elaborate on that? What's your concern with the income tax in NC? Can't be much worse than NJ.
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