thinking seriously about moving to nc. (currently in south central pa) (Raleigh: transplants, sales)

[Woot21210]

Hello,
Me and my wife have been contemplating a move down south, specifically to the Raleigh general area. Now we have not thought about this lightly and we are only in planing atage, but wanted ask some specific questions.
#1 I find our cost of living here is very high due to our proximity to Baltimore MD and many of my own neighbors commute to this area daily for work. Now I know taxes are 2-3% higher in Nc vs pa (6%), but what other hidden expenses are there? I've found pa property taxes are unreal (4000+ or - in taxes for homes generally around $150,000,) and I know there are a ton of variables but generally what is the tax rates you all pay?

#2 I know there are car property taxes, but we have safety and emission inspection (~50/car) plus an annual registration that goes up each yr (~40/car) plus the highest gas taxes and pretty high car insurance rates. So again generally for 2 sedans any estaments for costs in nc would be good.

#3 weather. This time of yr especially it gets cold in winter up here (not like upstate NY but still cold. I see your weather tends to be about 10° warmer throughout the yr vs here. Is this accurate? Personally I can deal with heat better then cold I just don't do well in extreme hudmity or muggy conditions. How are your summers? I've been to nc in June and august each time for about 10 days and the heat did not seem to bad.

#4 jobs. Now both of our companies have offices in raliegh metro but the overall job market I'm sure is better then here (really only MD has jobs that everyone commutes to unless your in trucking, retail, or warehouse work)

Just my general thoughts nothing in stone but have visited many times and always loved it.
Tia

[saturnfan]

We have a $32 yearly inspection + yearly property tax on vehicles.

Taxes are rising because of the influx of transplants creating infrastructure needs.

The current Republican legislature is pro-business and anti workers. New tax changes give high paid employees more breaks and forget the modest income folks.

Jobs pay less in many fields, notably public service and teaching.

Summers can be very hot and humid.

The safety net for unemployment, etc is full of holes.

Rents and home prices are rising because NC bribes companies to relocate to already crowded areas.

Little public transit.

Rudeness is rising especially on the roads.

Be sure this is the place for you. Don't just decide based on taxes.

[MikeJaquish]

Your tax burden will be similar in NC. There are just some slight regional differences in methods of taxation and how taxes are collected. NC and PA ranked at 17 and 10 respectively in 2011 in overall tax burden.
State and Local Tax Burdens: All States, One Year, 1977 - 2011 | Tax Foundation
We moved here from Lebanon PA and our property and school taxes here are now just about the same amount we paid in Lebanon in 1997.
A $150,000 home in Wake County would carry about a $1500 tax bill. Give or take 10% or so, depending on what town you live in, and even lower if you live in the county outside a town. Our $150,000 home had a $2750 tax bill in 1997, and we paid about $2959 on a $313,000 tax value in 2014.
Property assessments are recalculated every 8 years, with new assessments due in 2016. I expect a small bump in value, a small decrease in the tax millage, and overall, about a 4%--5% increase in 2016.

Personal property taxes on vehicles are a minor item in that mix, at about 1% of the car's value.
My 1998 pickup costs me about $40-$50/year.
My 2013 car, about $220.

Tax Rates & Fees

http://www.wakegov.com/tax/taxratesf...xRates2014.pdf

#3. Our weather is for real much better in winter. We get worried when temperatures hit 20, and call it "bitter cold." Our ground does not freeze beyond an inch or so deep, if that.
Improved climate was a major contributor to our decision to move here. And, you will see more blue skies and less dreary weather all year. I look forward to crocuses and daffodils in early February.

#4. It is a more diverse job market locally. If your jobs can get you here and get you established, you will see broader opportunities if you have a desire to do something different and have skills.

#5. Some of us know that every cloud has a silver lining. Others only know that every silver lining has a cloud around it.

[jaiho]

1. Income Taxes used to be higher. As of 2014, the rate has been reduced.
2. Car property taxes yes, but, sales tax on purchases is a lot less than states up north.
3. probably more like 15F difference. Summers are hot, but, I don't think that they are terrible.
4. Job market depends on what industry you are in, public sector jobs aren't as desirable here. Software is a different thing, likewise with Biotech and health services (nursing, medicine, etc)

[ucctgg]

Originally Posted by jaiho

1. Income Taxes used to be higher. As of 2014, the rate has been reduced.
2. Car property taxes yes, but, sales tax on purchases is a lot less than states up north.

With the exception of New York, the sales tax is pretty much the same in NC and up north.

State and Local Sales Tax Rates in 2014 | Tax Foundation