If you could live anywhere....

[DVSentinel]

I'm partial to North East Texas. Yeah, there is the heat during the summer, but not much cold during the winter. But, with my Fibromyalgia and other problems, joints hate cold, it works for me.

I used to really love Oregon. Still visit there once a year to see relatives. But visiting there, they just have too many weird laws and the cost of living difference is a shocker compared to east Texas. Texas has no income tax, Oregon has no sales tax. But then Oregon doesn't have self-serve gas either.

But then, I live in the country, never liked cities. I noticed in Oregon, and in South Carolina (my brother lives there) that they have laws restricting what you can do/build on your property, even outside the cities. Here, if I want to add a shed or barn, I just put it up, no permits, no inspections.

[Ms Grumpy]

So what do you think is better. No income tax, no sales tax, besides a job or the weather what is the biggest draw for moving to a particular place ?

[DVSentinel]

Being disabled and retired, job is not big for me. However, if job is, check unemployment rates. Oregon is high, Texas is medium. As far as Taxes, I take sales tax over income tax. Sales taxes vary depending on what you buy, food little to no tax, so depending on your spending habits, it affects you differently. Income tax however is you make X amount and the government is going to take a percentage of it regardless.

Weather is only part of a choice for me. Politics and people make a big difference to me and can disqualify someplace that I might like for scenery or weather. When I first came to east Texas, some people waved when I drove by, even though they didn't know me. Good indication of Friendly people. How much the government is into my business definitely affects my choice.

Cost of living is high on my list also. I have a fixed income and the lower the cost of living, the more comfortable I can live. Costs such as housing can vary even in close proximity. In my county, two of the school districts are rated very high, so costs in those districts are higher than others, even in the same county. Property tax and school tax are separate here, so vary by district.

This does not affect me as much being a disabled veteran, I don't have to pay Property or School taxes in Texas. I also get to register 1 vehicle for free. Veterans benefits is another factor for me, maybe not for you.

What are utility/energy costs? Ours is pretty low on average, but then, we are the largest energy producing state. Again, location within the state can vary. Traveling between the two states, Oregon and Texas, on average, Oregon's gas prices are usually $.50-$1.00 more per gallon. Oklahoma actually seems to have about the lowest on average from my experience, you can probably look it up.

What activities do you like to do? Are they available in a particular location? If your into snow skiing, Texas ain't for you. Like scenic drives, ok, Oregon, or at least western Oregon has us beat hands down on that. So does Alaska and Colorado (yes, I love mountains). Tennessee has some beautiful scenery also.

Being a car guy, I take into account if the state requires DEQ in a particular location or not. My county has only visual checks and safety checks, not full DEQ. I'm not sure, but I think Oregon only requires it in certain counties also. Other states, I haven't looked into. Oklahoma doesn't have any vehicle inspections at all. Texas goes by federal standards, Oregon, like the whole west coast goes by California standards. Personally, I avoid so called "green" states.

So what do you want? Weather? Cost of living? Activities? Car friendly? My area doesn't really rate the highest in any of these categories, but does decent in most of them. The further west you go in Texas though, the lesser the scenery becomes. (unless of course you like deserts)

[Ms Grumpy]

Wow..those are great things to think about and consider. We are still in the "want to move" state and have been looking into housing costs. Schools are a huge thing for us as well as being able to drive/register my Chevelle.

Thank you for the food for thought on many important issues.

[DVSentinel]

Well, moving is a big thing sometimes. In my case I have to admit, that my choice also was made easier since that is where my parents and 1 of my sisters live. Family is always important.

[Ms Grumpy]

I know, part of the reason that we are still here in Michigan is because of family. Years ago I moved to Indiana and it devastated my mom. She is 76 yrs old and even though one of my sisters lives in my moms house, my mom still depends on me being around. I love my mom to death and grumpy knows that if we move, there had better be room for her. He likes my mom too and knows that my sister is taking advantage of her and would gladly take her just because he knows what a special lady she is. So there are so many factors in deciding where and when to move.

[flash]

Georgia has both sales and income taxes ,you just cant escape them.

[BillsCamino]

Came across this article today...seven states with no income tax.
http://247wallst.com/2013/03/19/seve...-income-tax/2/

[Ms Grumpy]

I just keep finding things that are making the decision harder and harder. Thank you Bill.