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To the original poster:
We were both born and raised in WNY, and lived there our entire lives with the exception of 1977-1979, when we lived outside of San Diego, CA.
When we were contemplating retirement the decision was made to NOT retire in NY, for many, many reasons. Weather, taxes, political climate, and especially the heavy burden of social programs.
We wanted to still have 4 seasons, with winter being short. We purchased a home in SW Kentucky last year, retired this year, and made the permanent move down here in September.
The first thing I noticed was gas was about $.50 cheaper a gallon, then when I changed my plates over to KY it cost me $29.50 for a 2 year registration w/new plates (I checked my NY reg, $96 for 2 year period w/old plates). Our car insurance went from $1,450/yr to $974/yr. It just goes on and on!
My property taxes down here are $1,20/yr., back in NY they were multiple times that. Like I said... the heavy burden of the social programs!
Oh, and the average snowfall here for the winter is 20"-22" which typically falls during Dec., Jan., and Feb.
Yep, I'm fully aware of that! The same comments I heard from a couple of people in NY! I'm old enough to realize there are trade offs with every decisions we make in life.
I did my due diligence prior to coming here, it wasn't a blind move. We were very familiar with the area before we embarked on this journey. We have had extended visits here over the past 40 years.
What I also know is that gas is $2.00 a gallon down here right now, there are no tolls on the roads, AND the roads are GREAT! My utilities are lower, my vehicle costs are lower, my property taxes are lower (although I do have to pay for my private garbage service, $160/yr.).
The police and fire departments seem to be adequate, haven't heard of any major deficiencies there.
As for getting what I paid for... I should have been so lucky to get what I paid for in NY!! Unfortunately everyone else got what I paid for... you know: free housing, free groceries, free health care, free utilities, free cell phones, I think you get my point here.
I'm not being argumentative, just pointing out what some people may not see!
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