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Old 04-17-2009, 01:54 AM
 
4 posts, read 6,720 times
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Does a family of engineers with 12-13 years of experience have a chance to get jobs these times and than afford to buy a decent house in a decent area and raise 2 children?? Sounds like SD is a great place to live in...only if you make good money. I understand the houses are overpriced, but what else is? Food? Utilities? Gas? Please help me with some answers!! Thanks!
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Old 04-17-2009, 06:49 AM
 
Location: Tijuana Exurbs
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Overall, only housing and gasoline are expensive. Everything else is close to national norms. Of course the high cost of real estate does filter into other prices somewhat, but not that much. Prices fall dramatically once you leave the beach communities. California taxes are generally quite high, both income and sales.

I would think a couple of engineers would pull in some decent money. I can't really be specific about that. And it would depend on what area of engineering you have experience whether you could find jobs. Others will have to help you with that.

A decent suburban house in a suburban area could easily be gotten in the 400k to 600k range. I think in some east and north east county areas you could find places in the 300k to 400k range as well. It all depends on the commute you are willing to put in.
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Old 04-17-2009, 08:10 AM
 
Location: San Diego, CA
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California's over all taxation rate is just about the national average (10.3% compared to 10.1% for the national average). The big issue is the cost of land.
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Old 04-18-2009, 01:47 AM
 
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
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California has very high tax rates. They tax you on everything, not just income. I pay more taxes here than I paid in NYC. A lot more.
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Old 04-18-2009, 08:26 AM
 
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Are there any specific tables that I can compare CA taxes with taxes in other states. I'm in Ohio, specifically. Truthfully, this is my BIGGEST concern at this time. Thank you very much in advance.

Wishing everyone a good week-end.
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Old 04-18-2009, 12:43 PM
f_m
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna7 View Post
Are there any specific tables that I can compare CA taxes with taxes in other states. I'm in Ohio, specifically. Truthfully, this is my BIGGEST concern at this time. Thank you very much in advance.

Wishing everyone a good week-end.
State Comparisons

Based on what I can tell, if you have a home mortgage deduction, that is where you can get ahead. Aside from that, you will pay a fair bit of taxes (of course depends on income range).
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Old 04-18-2009, 04:17 PM
 
2,016 posts, read 5,204,847 times
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Originally Posted by f_m View Post
State Comparisons

Based on what I can tell, if you have a home mortgage deduction, that is where you can get ahead. Aside from that, you will pay a fair bit of taxes (of course depends on income range).

Thank you very much, f_m; I'm going to take a look.
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Old 04-20-2009, 10:54 AM
 
9,525 posts, read 30,471,515 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moni6 View Post
Does a family of engineers with 12-13 years of experience have a chance to get jobs these times and than afford to buy a decent house in a decent area and raise 2 children?? Sounds like SD is a great place to live in...only if you make good money. I understand the houses are overpriced, but what else is? Food? Utilities? Gas? Please help me with some answers!! Thanks!
yes, a 200k or so income will get you a nice lifestyle here. Taxes are definitely a concern but the huge mortgage interest deduction from the expensive housing will actually work in your favor. You are in the perfect position to move here.
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Old 04-21-2009, 11:42 PM
 
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Thanks for your answers. We are mechanical engineers, but my husband also have 2 masters, one of them MBA. So we would need about 200k to make it decent, I understand...anyone knows if this is even possible these days? I know California is not doing great with the unemployment rate, but I hope companies are still in need for engineers.
We both love ocean and sunny days and the possibility to walk on the streets (after living in a small city where we had to drive everywhere), so SD sounds really good...except for being able to make a decent life. Any other info would be very appreciated, thanks!!
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Old 04-22-2009, 09:51 PM
 
23 posts, read 59,409 times
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As an engineer I would imagine you could get a job anywhere and a good house anywhere regardless of the economy. But don't always rely on your job skills. Sometimes all it takes is a good body and a crafty mind and you can live anywhere on Earth! Worked for me, and I barely got my degree at 39 just by having my ex-husband put me through school thanks to a good prenup. Also my house is paid for so I have no mortgage. Values have dropped but who cares? I'm staying put, and besides - I have an annuity! LOL. You'll do fine, quit being paranoid.
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