BAH!!! We have massive 2-3" snow storms here more often than you think - at least two in the last decade. The HORROR!!!! P.S. - What's this "Snow Shovel" thingy??
Just curious, I know Texas (as well as any city/county) has no state income tax, but does it tax capital gains at all?
Property tax is a biggie, sales tax, that's about it. Franchise tax (business income tax) these days too. http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/
DFW = pavement and people... Don't even think of moving there until you spend some time in August walking around(not hiding in an air conditioned car/bldg). Relatively cheap, no income tax, real estate taxes ~= 2% or assessed home value. Auto registration tax is about $60 each year No 'market value' crap taxing like some states do. If you're looking to stay 20+ yrs, consider that eventually, TX will likely have to go to some sort of income tax(biz franchise tax is part way there, already), as having made the transition from an ag/ranching/natural resources state to a populous state means revenues sources will have to change. The invasion/annexing of TX by Mexico means there is some downwards pressure on education & economic bases, and these trends are expected to increase in the future(do some web searches for demographics & economics on any/all states to which you might move). That said, TX has traditionally been a very friendly biz state. And, there are some excellent universities in the state. States/Feds have three sources of revenue from us grunts: 1) what you make, 2) what you spend, 3) what you own. You make the call on what combo TX will do in the future. High sales tax, so buy $$$ stuff off of the web. Unlike some states, no sales tax on raw food ingredients(grocery store). Depending upon your situation, you may have a long distance/time commute, which can add co$ts, cuz things are really spread out/congested in DFW, unlike some other large cities that are just congested. Personally, I'd take Vegas, even though an apt. there might cost a couple hundred $$/month than in DFW(-maybe-; could be about the same, too). Vegas has all the economic bennies, but is close to LAX, SFO, West Coast, and also has non-stop flights to anywhere, just like DFW airport has(often cheaper, as Vegas is a 'destination'). Also, note that Texas has an 'atmosphere' that is somewhat distinct from the rest of the U.S.(rowdier, "everything's BIGGER/BETTER in Texas", etc). Some people like this, some don't. Judge for yourself.
I'm not sure on Vegas. Some of my family lives in Charlotte, NC area, would like me to come down in that area.
I wouldn't go so far as to say i'z not a fan of the DFW area, just trying to point out some considerations others may not have brought up. Been to lots o' big cities, DFW is another one of 'em...has some bright spots and some not so bright spots(as all cities do). One thing I didn't mention was that just about anywhere can be a nice place to park, if'n one has the $$$ to afford it
"DFW= Pavement and people" Exactly! I posted earlier about "Urban Sprawl" and that sums it up. If buildings and mesquite trees are you require for landscape scenery, then you'll love it here.
I cannot believe how freaking cheap it is to buy a huge house in Southlake. On the advice of a friend, we began looking at home prices there, and for $1m I can get a sick, sick house. No wonder you guys can afford a Ferrari (or two). The $700k house I have here is like a $250k house there. You don't get jack here for $1m. Even the homes in the $600k range look like $2m+ homes here. Heat we are used to. Lots more amenities there, too. The house in the below link isn't worth much more than what I own now and my house looks downright cheap and crappy in comparison. We are pretty impressed by this. http://www.beckywasham.com/RenderDetails.aspx?mls=10656703 That is a sick house for the money. I guess it's all relative... You guys have it good. It's a possible option in the near future. RMX
I love St Johns drive through the Park Cities, and the main road, if you can call it that, in Westover Hills. But not a hangout. Lots of uber cars in North Dallas, but not Palm Beach or Rodeo Drive.
Thanks for the information. DFW seems to be a have a lot of money around, but is it just spread all over the metroplex? One thing I've notice is that a lot of the luxury restaurants, boutqiues, hotels are coming or have recently come.
Jay sorry to disagree moved here from the Chicago area and yes last year was a hot summer but on balance I can deal with the heat better than the cold. I really enjoyed giving my son in law my snow blower. Martin
Seems like each region has something you deal with (snow in the Northeast, excessive heat in warmer climates, hurricanes on the warmer parts of the coast, earthquakes in California, ect.).
Well folks, I saw my surgeon today, and agreed to do one more surgery at the end of the year. It was a tough decision, but it is something I, along with the doctor, think would provide a great benefit and rather do it now than later. Now I'm thinking of trying to land an internship of some sort during the summer/fall.
Also, DFW is one of the biggest foreclosure markets right now. With patience you could probably get a killer deal.
I came across this today. A good read (and laugh). http://www.dallasobserver.com/2007-11-29/news/******bags-in-the-mist/
I was down in the DFW area for about a week and half during the easter break (for my family down their). All I can say, I loved the area. The weather, energy, lifestyle, restaurants/entertainment/recreation, business-friendly atmosphere (which I'm guessing why you have so much construction going on). I like how the houses and stores have their own charm (and the houses are all brick, at least where I was). I like the appeal of having a major international airport with pretty much non-stop service to any place in the US and to major international points around the world (and wait until Southwest starts to open up Love Field under the new agreement). The best part, is saw my first modern Ferrari (outside of car shows, ect.). It was a beautiful silver 599, sitting the valet circle at the Gaylord Resort. It put a smile on my face. I was pretty close to Southlake (pretty much the next town over in the Northwest School District). The town square is really beautiful. Very high-end (out of my price ranges big-time), yet it is a site to enjoy. My family told me it is really special during the holiday season with all the lights and display. An upscale European-style shopping district with a Southwestern influence. It's been about six years since I've been down, and that was the square was in it's original forum before the expansion. For those in Southlake, I take it the town has quite a few exotics. Of course, I'm guessing other pockets throughout the DFW area have some as well. I hope to move down by the end of the summer, as long as my current medical process goes as well as planned (just had surgery last week).
