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We spent a week in Raleigh just before memorial day, checking the place out etc. One thing I noticed in particular is that, not counting auto/house insurance, housing costs and taxes, is that the cost of living (food, clothing, fuel etc.) was really close to where we live in Fort Lauderdale FL. In some cases higher. That surprised me.
Would anyone be able to compare the area around Charlotte to either Raleigh or Ft Lauderdale? How about further north, say between Charlotte and W-S.
Also, would the info for Charlotte hold true for the Northern part of South Carolina, since it's so close?
We spent a week in Raleigh just before memorial day, checking the place out etc. One thing I noticed in particular is that, not counting auto/house insurance, housing costs and taxes, is that the cost of living (food, clothing, fuel etc.) was really close to where we live in Fort Lauderdale FL. In some cases higher. That surprised me.
Would anyone be able to compare the area around Charlotte to either Raleigh or Ft Lauderdale? How about further north, say between Charlotte and W-S.
Also, would the info for Charlotte hold true for the Northern part of South Carolina, since it's so close?
Thanks.
I noticed that too "(food, clothing, fuel etc.)" cable and internet too!... but there are other things to consider. I now pay an average of $300.00 on electric (becauce of the new FL fuel charge, I would pay over $500.00 for July, August, and Sept each), $100.00 on water, $40.00 on Sewer/garbage. Moving into an area where the new homes are more energy efficient and what seems like higher minimal standards, is also something to consider. Even though there is a state income tax in NC where FL has none, there are more funds for programs for children and family services, which FL lacks strenght and everytime there is a tax cut in FL, the children and family services get the cut first. Not to mention our emergency forces- fire, police, etc.
I don't live in Raleigh but my understanding is that we have the same provider for electricity that they have. I have a 1700 square foot ranch brick, built in 1984 and the highest electric bill I have had in 14 years of living here was under $300.00. And that was before replace the heat pump. After that, the highest one we have had in $236.00 and that is in the hot, humid summertime.
I noticed that too "(food, clothing, fuel etc.)" cable and internet too!... but there are other things to consider. I now pay an average of $300.00 on electric (becauce of the new FL fuel charge, I would pay over $500.00 for July, August, and Sept each), $100.00 on water, $40.00 on Sewer/garbage. Moving into an area where the new homes are more energy efficient and what seems like higher minimal standards, is also something to consider. Even though there is a state income tax in NC where FL has none, there are more funds for programs for children and family services, which FL lacks strenght and everytime there is a tax cut in FL, the children and family services get the cut first. Not to mention our emergency forces- fire, police, etc.
I believe Ripath is retired, so young family type social services such as public schools, childcare and the like are not an issue. Probably doesn't care to pay extra for those services either since they will not be using them.
We spent a week in Raleigh just before memorial day, checking the place out etc. One thing I noticed in particular is that, not counting auto/house insurance, housing costs and taxes, is that the cost of living (food, clothing, fuel etc.) was really close to where we live in Fort Lauderdale FL. In some cases higher. That surprised me.
Would anyone be able to compare the area around Charlotte to either Raleigh or Ft Lauderdale? How about further north, say between Charlotte and W-S.
Also, would the info for Charlotte hold true for the Northern part of South Carolina, since it's so close?
Thanks.
Cost of Living Comparison - Check your private message mailbox.
I believe Ripath is retired, so young family type services such as public schools, childcare and the like are not an issue. Probably doesn't care to pay extra for those services either since they will not be using them.
Sorry... maybe I wasn't clear... Children and family services are for those troubled youths who need help. Families in need as well. The more public (gov't run) programs we have for our troubled teens, the less crime we have in the future. People often ask on the FL forum why has the crime risen all over? Many of the programs no longer exist. I think this is something everyone should be concerned with. Especially those who are worried about the people from the "wrong side of the tracks". I don't mind paying extra taxes if it means that the kids today were guided down a different path for a safer future. This was just my explanation of one reason why paying state income tax is NOT a bad thing in NC.
Sorry... maybe I wasn't clear... Children and family services are for those troubled youths who need help. Families in need as well. The more public (gov't run) programs we have for our troubled teens, the less crime we have in the future. People often ask on the FL forum why has the crime risen all over? Many of the programs no longer exist. I think this is something everyone should be concerned with. Especially those who are worried about the people from the "wrong side of the tracks". I don't mind paying extra taxes if it means that the kids today were guided down a different path for a safer future. This was just my explanation of one reason why paying state income tax is NOT a bad thing in NC.
True, but many Seniors are on a limited fixed income where excessive city and county taxation increases becomes a real quality-of-life issue for them. Great if your working with a growing income, not so great if you're no longer in the workforce. Can't say I'd recommend Wake or Mecklenburg Counties for those folks. Way too risky especially in the area of property taxes. I've seen many reports of folks who had to sell their home of 30-40 years because of skyrocketing property taxes when they retire.
More government programs with our higher tax dollars does not fix any social problems. It never did and it never will. More government programs will not clean up the crime in Florida or anywhere else.
Now extra money for police and fireman is fine with me.
You are right, mm34b. Retired a couple of times, going for the third with this pending move. Kids grown and out, etc etc.
I work in the construction field, on the engineering side (field work, inspections, etc.) and would continue to do so after the move. I can't sit around and do nothing, and, since I am interested in a brand new house, there would be minimal to do.
True, but many Seniors are on a limited fixed income where excessive city and county taxation increases becomes a real quality-of-life issue for them. Great if your working with a growing income, not so great if you're no longer in the workforce. Can't say I'd recommend Wake or Mecklenburg Counties for those folks. Way too risky especially in the area of property taxes. I've seen many reports of folks who had to sell their home of 30-40 years because of skyrocketing property taxes when they retire.
Any suggestions if not Wake county?
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Yep Retired
