WWGRMD: It's time to relocate from the black hole....

Stefan said:

The taxes in Cali are pretty damned high, I wouldn’t suggest moving there.  There’s a bit of an exodus out of Cali for those able to move due to the taxes and unfounded pensions that will eventually bankrupt the State.

Hmmm California’s population continues to grow.  Traffic is getting worse.  If paying higher taxes is required maybe they just have to follow Hawaii. Impose a paradise tax.  

North Dakota and Mississippi have no taxes. But not a lot of people are moving there.  Connecticut and New York have high taxes and a lot of people live there.  

I wonder why earning a good income is more important to me then the taxes I pay?  Help me understand the math.   If I can make two or three times the money in a high tax state that I can in a low or no tax state why shouldn’t I prefer the high tax state?  

Isnt it true you can’t get something for nothing?  

I wouldn't live in Mississippi for any amount of monies lol

yupididit said:

I wouldn't live in Mississippi for any amount of monies lol

My family lived in Mississippi for a time, this is the correct take.

My in-laws reside in Ocala, FL and I see zero redeeming qualities so that suggestion has me scratching my head.

I'll 2nd Chattanooga and metro Atlanta. Lots of hospitals around Atlanta - not all of them far from reasonable housing costs. Brutal summers but pleasant for 3 seasons and hilly.

Florida has jobs, plenty of jobs, the pay is substandard. Not saying I’m being paid any more than the rest currently, but it’s a lateral move. I already have an ex coworker friend has has multiple openings outside Tampa...

Talledega, Alabama worthy of consideration? A casual look at properties seems to offer some interest, a few are waterfront with docks. Probably not a factor for the OP, but having a boat, being on water (not necessarily the ocean) would be a big plus if it was the right area. How the area in general would compare to say a place like Asheville, I have no idea. 

frenchyd said:

Stefan said:

The taxes in Cali are pretty damned high, I wouldn’t suggest moving there.  There’s a bit of an exodus out of Cali for those able to move due to the taxes and unfounded pensions that will eventually bankrupt the State.

Hmmm California’s population continues to grow.  Traffic is getting worse.  If paying higher taxes is required maybe they just have to follow Hawaii. Impose a paradise tax.  

North Dakota and Mississippi have no taxes. But not a lot of people are moving there.  Connecticut and New York have high taxes and a lot of people live there.  

I wonder why earning a good income is more important to me then the taxes I pay?  Help me understand the math.   If I can make two or three times the money in a high tax state that I can in a low or no tax state why shouldn’t I prefer the high tax state?  

Isnt it true you can’t get something for nothing?  

Obviously. 

The problem is, that for most people, the high tax/high cost of living areas.............the salaries don't cover the increased cost of living/taxes. Much less your notion that you'll make 2-3x times the salary in a high tax state. 

For example, I live in the OKC Metro. 11 years of experience in my field, Senior in my title, etc etc.

If I wanted to move to San Diego, the cost of living is 65% higher there. So even if I got that raise to move there, it doesn't really make up for the COL difference. Because either a mortgage or apartment rent are on average 230% higher than higher than OKC. 

And a quick search according to Glassdoor, shows my title/industry/experience is only worth about 25% more in San Diego.

Id recommend north florida also, or the gulf coast. Gainsville area, i think mayo clinic is there.  Along the panhandle and little bit down. The rest of Fl, not so much. Population is booming, housing is a bit steep right now $$$, but lots of old people with $$ so some real nice medical facilities. No state income tax, no front plate!(i assume growing up with front plates, they may not seem like a big deal, but having never had front plates, i also think they suck). Also no vehicle inspections. Gun friendly if thats your thing.  The beaches, lots of fishing, freshwater fishing too is great. Lots of stuff for the kids. Great short winters. Year round you can nice cars.  

I also like georgia, south carolina, Tn, some of “Missippy” but inevitably even if im somewhere in MS that seems nice, i still end up talking with someone who assumes im racist(im a big white guy with shaved head and Puerto rican wife, mixed race kid, NOT racist!) like them and the N word starts flying. No im not saying all of MS is like that, but there is enough of it sadly.  Louisiana is cool but im not sure id want to live there. Texas is texas. Depends on where you are looking, very different from one spot to the next. 

Maybe some more hints for your likes, dislikes, hobbies, politics, needs, etc could help.