I'm not going back
The California State government is a democracy in fact.
The New York State government is a democracy in name only.
I love having propositions to vote on, almost like voters actually count; not just three men in a room.
I love that the voters can, and did, recall a failure of a governor.
I love that I pay 1.9% in property taxes, allowing my largest investment, my home, to appreciate.
In NY, house prices are forever nearly stagnant relative to inflation because of 6%+ property taxes. No one can afford property to raise in value.
I love that my income tax is only ~5% higher.
I love that the cost of educating a child of California is the same in a public school in Beverly Hills as it is in a public school in Lancaster.
So the equation is:
Roughly the same income tax
+
Drastically lower property tax
+
Never any toll roads (that why we call them FREEways)
+
Functional democracy
* (times)
Weather
/ (divided by)
Family proximity
=
Staying here
The New York State government is a democracy in name only.
I love having propositions to vote on, almost like voters actually count; not just three men in a room.
I love that the voters can, and did, recall a failure of a governor.
I love that I pay 1.9% in property taxes, allowing my largest investment, my home, to appreciate.
In NY, house prices are forever nearly stagnant relative to inflation because of 6%+ property taxes. No one can afford property to raise in value.
I love that my income tax is only ~5% higher.
I love that the cost of educating a child of California is the same in a public school in Beverly Hills as it is in a public school in Lancaster.
So the equation is:
Roughly the same income tax
+
Drastically lower property tax
+
Never any toll roads (that why we call them FREEways)
+
Functional democracy
* (times)
Weather
/ (divided by)
Family proximity
=
Staying here
We miss you. But its nice to have a place like yours to visit.
I'd launch into my "come home!" speech, but it looks like you've made up your mind. ; )
I'll save the speech for when the babies come someday.
Reply to this
Yeah, everything changes when we have a baby. I'm also not nerly as resolute as I make out, but I am appreciating any aspects of life here that are actually an improvement on the life we has in NY. Not that life was at all bad there, just being over appreciative. Mostly to make Kelly homesick while I'm abandoned here
Reply to this
I miss California. I *really* miss Amanda. It sucks (sometimes) being so far from family, but we've been able to create new family and friends in California.
Reply to this
10 Reasons why New York is better than California
1. Wegmans
2. Real pizza and wings
3. Police chases do not interrupt TV
4. It’s OK to drink beer
5. Illegal immigrants come from Canada
6. If something is 20 minutes away, it only takes 20 minutes to get there
7. In NY, you can afford a house if you make less than six figures
8. Fish is not served in a taco
9. Water and trees
10. Chinese food is not made by Mexicans
Reply to this
Brilliant. Funny sh*t.
Reply to this
Don't get me started on the grocery stores in California. I miss Wegman's very much.
Reply to this
They can't in good conscience charge you a lot in property tax when the state will soon be in the Pacific Ocean.
Reply to this
Or perched on a fault line.
Reply to this
Looks like you have made quite the solid decision. If those are truly the most important aspects about choosing a place to live for yourself then I think there is not even a question. For me the proximity to family trumps all and you definitely have that on your side!
Franky
Health insurance for individuals
Reply to this
Liverpool have won everything but never a World Championship. I am sure in the future they will once again make the effort to win the tournament. They have had good rhythm in the Premier League this season.
Reply to this