property taxes

[cookiedough]

I know is totally dependent upon location, but has anyones property taxes the past 2 years total gone up 20% like mine? Ever since 1993 property taxes have gone up ONLY 1-3% with some years going down say 1/2 a percent, give or take.  I have lived here in same small town, same house, etc. since 1993 when taxes were 216% cheaper per year than they are now.  Taxes have doubled plus 16% more since 1993 from 2019 some 26 years later while salary rate has only doubled. 

Everyone in this small town is complaining about it.  For instance,  there are 4 lots for sale asking 35K per city 100x110 foot lot, well over 5 years now for sale no one in their right mind would buy at that full asking price up the hill from me with more scenic views but about the same exact size.  Just got my property tax bill this past weekend and every single house/lot in town is now going to be assessed at FULL market value.  I looked at our just city LOT assessment and is at 42.3K which is over 8K more than the full buying price of lots up my street at 35K.  HOw can that be if being assessed at full market value at over 42K when same sized lots up the hill are asking 35K?  I smell a rat in this town and the city assessor whom I talked to since had to see the inside/outside of my house back in October must be in with the rat?   They have a lot of new village board members the past few years whom I think have NO clue on how to budget funds or run a small town.  If I had more time and patience with people,  I would run this town and could probably have won the recent election as village president since the lady who won ran unopposed.   

House value WITH land is about what i could sell my home/lot combined for but to have the land assessed at 8K more market value from what new same sized city lots are going for within 200 yards from my house is not right.  I talked to my much older elderly neighbor up the street and her fancier, much bigger home with her living alone last year skyrocketed even much more than mine.  If I had to pay her property taxes at near 6K which is MORE than living with about same sized house in big city Madison WI  I would just move then to Madison and not have to drive there to work.  (she is retired of course being in her mid 70s no idea why she needs a near 2000 sq. foot home living alone?)

So glad back in 1993 I built what I could afford to live within my means small 1104 sq. foot ranch home despite what the a-hole fancy builder up my street who is selling those 35K lots (he bought all the land up the hill 20+ years ago when lots were 5-6K each) told me when way back in 1993 he stopped in front of my house just built me age 22 at the time and told me he did not like my house since it did not fit in with his idea of houses in the neighborhood.  It was his way of politely insulting me stating it was not big nor fancy enough him building a lot of homes in the town and in the subdivision so I politely told him to F off and look the other way then while he drives up the street 20 times every day.  Have not talked to him once since 1993 and he is only 2 houses up the same side of street...   

[Daniel Meyer]

If you were to break it down to a monthly payment, my property taxes are more now than my mortgage, insurance, and property taxes COMBINED were when we bought the place. Around $600/month now. One of the reasons we're gonna have to retire elsewhere (we're still hoping for the Old Vic)...as we won't be able to afford the taxes on this place in a few more years.

Been up 10-15% per year every single year we've owned it...including the year the state governor got "significant property tax relief" (his words) passed.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Taxes the number 2 reason I left Kansas. We're at half here in Florida vs. KS. And no income tax on my retirement money.

Number 1, it's 74 degrees outside right now.

[Jess from VA]

I'm the second owner of my home.  The original owner (my seller) paid $17, 500 for the house and third acre in 1960 (it's a matter of public record).

My taxes today would allow me to buy another home at that price every four years. 

Of course, in my area $17,500 won't buy you something to live in, except a used car (but not including the parking).

[cookiedough]

Been up 10-15% per year every single year we've owned it...including the year the state governor got "significant property tax relief" (his words) passed.

so it is possible to get 10-15% per year rate increases on property taxes...  even though past 24 years here has always been 1-3% yearly increases.  Doesn't that seem to the average person since NO difference in services, etc. for like forever,   there has to be something very wrong with the way the village board is spending taxpayer money the past 2 years with new governing bodies in place for the most part?  A lot of the old timers on the village board in their 70s are not there anymore with 2 being my neighbors.   Maybe this younger generation down there now just like to spend money more foolishly?  I do know they hired an independent company wasting am sure 100's to see if our subdivision would prefer sidewalks since the study was on asking if you feel safe on walking in the streets since our entire subdivision several blocks long has NO sidewalks.    Also heard by the village street crew workers this small town village board is considering not allowing burning barrels in our backyard have been doing that forever no problems just not on Sundays or after 6 p.m. as well as putting 2-3 hour parking restrictions downtown (one main street) which is stupid due to some businesses downtown, mostly bars.     There is NEVER EVER every spot taken even on weekends downtown so what is the big deal on having to move your vehicle every 2-3 hours?? 

[scooperhsd]

Big stink in KC MO Jackson County about property taxes jumping up 14.9% (they have to do onsite inside and out inspections if 15%) and yet some big wigs / well connected folks getting only 6-7% increases for million dollar homes. Big story on local news.

[98valk]

50% increase in three yrs, skipped this yr, going up next yr.
property taxes are also listed per state
https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php

[old2soon]

Big stink in KC MO Jackson County about property taxes jumping up 14.9% (they have to do onsite inside and out inspections if 15%) and yet some big wigs / well connected folks getting only 6-7% increases for million dollar homes. Big story on local news.

              I Know I can't but Can You spell-REVANUU?  When I still lived in Lake County Illinois while my taxes continued to climb my services on the other hand stayed static and in some cases slid backwards. I left in 78 and have NOT regretted that decision.  And I'm Sure my former house can Not be purchased for under 18 G like I did.  I'd ask Ross-da prez-to chime in but ya might need asbestos ears! RIDE SAFE.

[bscrive]

35K for a lot.  That is super cheap compared to where I live.  The lot beside us sold for 115k two years ago and we only live in the far away suburbs of Ottawa.  In Ottawa, a lot would probably be 150-250k, depending on where it is.  Thankfully, our taxes are not that bad because we have our own well, septic and no bus service.

Yep, when we retire, we will definitely be moving.

[Oss]

in nyc my small 2 story building with me on ground floor and tenant with 1200 sq feet the real estate tax is
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

20,100.00

When I bought in 1980's it was about 1/4 of that

The  *&%^*&^%  mayors say they did not raise taxes because they speak out of their southerly orifice.

They raise the rate and the assessed value therefore the tax goes up

Bollocks

My tax on my 1/4 acre home is barely a thousand below that

So I dont feel bad for any of youse

[..]

They are politicians.

They are crooked.

Vote them out.

BUT as we know most can't be bothered to go to the polls.

[cookiedough]

35K for a lot.  That is super cheap compared to where I live.  The lot beside us sold for 115k two years ago and we only live in the far away suburbs of Ottawa.  In Ottawa, a lot would probably be 150-250k, depending on where it is.  Thankfully, our taxes are not that bad because we have our own well, septic and no bus service.

Yep, when we retire, we will definitely be moving.

yah, 35K for city lot here in hicktown WI town is HUGE about near 1/2 of a smaller sized city lot in yuppie vil large Madison WI some 35 miles away.  To put it into perspective in 1993 those same sized lots I bought were going for 5K each and told my mother in law to buy up all 3-4 of them down the next street at 5K NOW for in 20 years will be worth 20-25K which they were easily.  If only age 23 at the time I had an extra 20K laying around....      

Will see in 15 years if we make it to retire would be nice to find land way, way up in northern WI if any land left to buy up there somewhat cheap, I doubt it...      My next door neighbor recently retired age 62 and his wife will retire next year only age 60 (no idea how that one works but she works for the state of WI so BEST benefits possible that I know) and both plan to move way up north in WI.  Living the dream would be nice right northern WI no neighbors on a lake with some land?    

[cookiedough]

Big stink in KC MO Jackson County about property taxes jumping up 14.9% (they have to do onsite inside and out inspections if 15%) and yet some big wigs / well connected folks getting only 6-7% increases for million dollar homes. Big story on local news.

Yah, that is not right for sure like said mine up 16% in last 2 years which is HUGE for where I live vs. say 1-3% tops every year past 24 years here no improvements in town that I am aware of.  I am curious though how my lot is worth 42K when they are assessed at full 100% market value going for 35K up the hill same sized lots? 

I did contest my property taxes some 15 or so years ago when I found out (public records downtown can look up any neighbors house) my smaller square footage house was accessed about the same property taxes as my neighbors house  being 400 sq. foot larger and did get my taxes reduced to what they should have been.  Guess might have to do that again at least on the LOT even if 7-8K difference every 100 bucks helps when going up 600 bucks in 1 fricking year.  I moved to a very small town similar to what I grew up in some 12 miles away in next smaller town nearby  to avoid paying 2-3K more property taxes closer to Madison WI driving there 35 miles one way to work both wife and myself but that variance in property taxes is slowly diminishing year after year

I pay my moms house property taxes in next nearby same small sized town I grew up in which is less than half of what I am paying now for my home, but my house is assessed over double in value since newer 1993 vs. say 1960 for moms house, but near same square footage. Never understood how that could be.  Here property taxes went down 50 bucks per year, lucky her, even though she is not living there anymore need to sell it in spring is my goal.

[fudgie]

Mine only went up a few $$. House value went up $50k tho. 

[cookiedough]

Mine only went up a few $$. House value went up $50k tho. 

that is awesome for you, never heard of that one before.  best keep quiet about it in your town would not spread that around in case you get assessed in person by the city assessor...

Your city govt. and elected governing board must be doing it right!   

[cookiedough]

I am nosy though and should go down to the village and snoop again on my 2 next door neighbors since both bought the empty same sized city lot beside them both next to their houses decades ago.  They boasted 10+ years ago on how the land to pay taxes on were dirt cheap say 5-7K value or so but if what is true,  they have to ALL PAY now in this town same 42K EACH per city lot full assessed value just like me.  To me now that is NOT cost justified to own the empty city lot just to have more green grass to mow every week but no neighbors on the other side of your house would be nice to have.  I can honestly see in this small town 20-25K tops for a city lot 100x110 feet or so, but 35K is insane that my builder neighbor 2 houses up my street whom I told to F off in 1993 is asking.  I thind he found so far in 15+ years of owning all those lots up our street about 4 foolish and rich, elderly enough to buy them at his asking price. 

My millionaire age 93 or so elderly lady who's rich husband died 2 years ago has the MOST expensive home 3 houses up from me in entire 1200 population town by far.  I looked at her property taxes some 15 or so years ago and was like 15K per year on her 850K home that can fit 4-5 of my homes inside for sure.  Why an elderly couple at the time around near 80 wanted to build such a luxury home for just a status symbol is beyond comprehension and the 2-3 times per year the grandkids come over.  He was an old farmer from Illinois who sold his 100,000's of acres and guess needing to spend some of it?  She showed me the tour of her house and was insane the size of the rooms her master bedroom was about 1/2  my entire house with huge vaulted ceilings.  His oversized garage was my dream garage was fully heated was below zero out and went up there once and was like 70 degrees inside just the garage warmer than my house set at 67 in the winter.
You would think with that home and a few others up the hill in that 500K range paying much more fair share of their taxes, my taxes on my 160K home should go down right, not up?     

[Valker]

Property taxes can be frozen (in Texas) when the owner turns 65. All you have to do is apply with your photo ID. Mine won't be going up any more.

[cookiedough]

Property taxes can be frozen (in Texas) when the owner turns 65. All you have to do is apply with your photo ID. Mine won't be going up any more.

Lucky to be in TX,  WI will tax you until death literally.

The WI DOT in 2019 just drastically raised their licensing fees.  Just paid my enclosed trailer plate fee and went up from I think 20-30 bucks per year to 50 bucks per year just to mostly let sit for storage alongside the house and use it 3-4 times per year on the road.  Do not even get me started on my 5 vehicle plate fees  - YIKES.    and you wanna bet the majority of that extra revenue is not set aside to ONLY fix WI roads?   

[G-Man]

My town did a recent town wide reassessment.  When the dust settled, some had to pay more, some had to pay less, and some stayed about the same.

The town felt bad for those whose taxes went up...... you know, for the folks who added un-permitted decks and bathrooms.  My friend's neighbor doubled the size of his house and wouldn't even let the assessors in.  Anyway, to "help" out these poor folks who scammed, they instituted a phase-in where their taxes would be increased over 5 years so it doesn't hurt that much.  BUT, in order to do this, they had to phase in the DECREASE that some folks received. 

So, they forced people who were already overpaying, to continue to overpay for another 5 years after THEY did a reassessment.

 

BTW, NY State has a 2% max tax increase per year.   It's such B U L L S H I T.  Between fire, school, town, and state..... taxes go up a lot more than 2% each year.  How else could my taxes have doubled in 14 years??

[tonybluegoat]

At the risk of being hated... my property tax last year was $309. It went up $9 from the year before. 10 years ago I had a decent sized brick home with a pool near Dallas. My youngest kid was starting high school so I decided we were going to Bail Out!

I decided that I either needed to get rich or get poor.  So I opted for getting poor on purpose.

I bought a 10 acre place in East Texas for $50,000 with a mobile home on it. Since then I've built some other housing.. I call them "Bungalows" because each one is small and self contained. The main thing is that they look like storage sheds from the outside, but inside they have tile floors and cedar trim.  They're nice on the inside, plain on the outside.

So my farm has a mobile home and 2 "bungalows" on 10 acres with goats, chickens, etc. Because it's in East Texas where land goes for about $3,000 per acre, the mobile home is old and the other buildings look like sheds not houses the taxable value is $39,800.  Take $25,000 out of that for "homestead exemption" and I have a taxable value of $14,800.

I added to that an agricultural exemption that saves me sales tax on lots of things.  The biggest so far was my tractor package - saved me $1,700 in sales tax.

10 years ago I did some analysis and realized that the biggest expenses that I had no control over ... and that were going to increase exponentially over time ... were:

1. Taxes
2. Healthcare
3. Energy

I went to work for myself (taxes), live in Texas (no income tax),  bought a homestead (taxes), activated my VA benefits (healthcare), installed solar and bought a used Prius for myself and my wife (energy), installed an old school wood burning heater (energy).

The trade off is that I have to drive a few hours every weekend to do my job (I only work 6-8 days per month  ), but it's a joy, no traffic, country roads... and I don't get to live in a "nice house." At least it's not impressive or nice looking on the outside.  The result $60 electricity bills, $309 taxes, almost no income tax, $15 per month for health insurance for me and my wife. I could live on $900 a month if I wanted to.

I was just delivering a dog to a client I've had for a few years.  He told me he pays almost $250,000 per year for his 3 kid's college. Plus his wife is having constant surgeries, and he lives in the most expensive part of Austin between a golf course and a lake.   He says he will never be able to retire.  His life is all bills all the time.  I essentially retired at 40 and make pennies on the dollar compared to him. It's the benefit of having a low maintenance wife.

I agree taxes are ridiculous and getting worse. Somehow a $90,000 house is all of a sudden worth $350,000 and the taxes are more than the mortgage was. Add to that healthcare costs that will bankrupt you and energy that's about to go haywire again (wait 18 months) and it's a recipe for insanity.  A 2.5% property tax with no increase means that you have to Repurchase your house ever 40 years. With increases it's basically a perpetual mortgage on an increasing cost basis. Freedom doesn't exist if you don't own your own house. If you miss one year's payment then the country can seize your land (worth hundreds of thousands) over a few thousand in taxes. It's why we will never be free.  They went from controlling people with soldiers, to controlling them with priests to controlling them with banks. Go to work, be a drone or lose your home, car, food, life. It sucks being a peasant. No matter who you vote for that won't change.  We are just peasants with nicer food and air conditioning. That's why I bailed out... I used to be a Vice President for a marketing company. It wasn't worth it!

[Jess from VA]

Interesting story Tony, and thanks for sharing it.  

What we have here is across-the-board never-ending and ever-increasing income redistribution;  from the earner to the government(s).

The only other observation I have, is having a low maintenance wife isn't just easier on the finances, it's easier on the sanity.  

----

When my brother built an airplane from scratch, the State of Michigan wanted to assess a huge tax on it.  I was listening on the speaker phone when he said.... look, I didn't build an airplane and sell it to myself; I'm not paying any sales tax.  He ended up compromising and letting the tax collector save face by paying taxes on a bunch of used aircraft instruments he ordered on-line (which he then rebuilt).  He had to pay something to make them go away.  

[tonybluegoat]

Interesting story Tony, and thanks for sharing it.  

What we have here is across-the-board never-ending and ever-increasing income redistribution;  from the earner to the government(s).

The only other observation I have, is having a low maintenance wife isn't just easier on the finances, it's easier on the sanity.  

----

When my brother built an airplane from scratch, the State of Michigan wanted to assess a huge tax on it.  I was listening on the speaker phone when he said.... look, I didn't build an airplane and sell it to myself; I'm not paying any sales tax.  He ended up compromising and letting the tax collector save face by paying taxes on a bunch of used aircraft instruments he ordered on-line (which he then rebuilt).  He had to pay something to make them go away.  

Unfortunately Texas is one of the last places where some fraction of independence from the government still sort-of exists.  Property Taxes are the only real headache... other than toll roads if you live in the big cities (which are a legalized criminal enterprise). We don't have state income tax. Some states charge "property" tax on stuff like cars and boats and RV's.  Texas doesn't do that. There's no business income tax either! There is a just a corporate franchise tax if you incorporate in Texas (0.375%).  There is a sales tax, but it doesn't apply to food and stuff like that.  Plus Texas says that Creditors are responsible for giving out credit to irresponsible people... which means that there is no risk of having creditors go after your property, etc. if you stop paying for some reason.

Another big difference is that Texas electrical system is almost entirely deregulated.  That means that I can choose from over 200 electricity companies.  I pay 6.5 cents per kwh for electricity all in, including distribution. The high power lines are all clear of trees, so we don't have forest fires from wind. In CA the electricity rates are 25 cents per kwh and they have rolling blackouts due to what is essentially a government given monopoly on electricity. It's nice to be Texan.

The trade-off is that Texas ranks near the bottom on public healthcare and welfare.  If it weren't for FEDERAL government programs it would truly suck to be poor in Texas.... it would probably kill you.

[tonybluegoat]

They are politicians.

They are crooked.

Vote them out.

BUT as we know most can't be bothered to go to the polls.

I would agree, but vote "them" out and vote Who in? YOU could be elected tomorrow and nothing would change. Republicans, Democrats, Independents... who has changed anything?  The only reason there is no income tax in Texas is because the original constitution forbids it.  If not for that they would take as much income tax as every other state does.

[RP#62]

When I lived in Ft Lauderdale, some neighbors of mine were comparing what each paid in property taxes and found that one was paying significantly more than the other for essentially the same sized house and yard.  The one paying more decided to complain about it to try to get his taxes down.  Upon hearing of the disparity, the tax assessor raised the taxes on the neighbor paying less.

-RP

[Patrick]

When I lived in Ft Lauderdale, some neighbors of mine were comparing what each paid in property taxes and found that one was paying significantly more than the other for essentially the same sized house and yard.  The one paying more decided to complain about it to try to get his taxes down.  Upon hearing of the disparity, the tax assessor raised the taxes on the neighbor paying less.

-RP

That sounds typical. I wonder the neighbors are still talking to each other now.

[Patrick]

Geez, and I thought taxes in upstate NY were bad.

[old2soon]

          When I was living in East Texas-1st XYL-wife and I noticed an immediate and significant drop in our taxes-Everywhere. tbg-I used to live in Garrison. I pay some additional taxes here in Missouri But very manageable on Social insecurity. And I duz reside in what's considered Rural Missouri-even though I do live in town. I have been informed What my Brother and SIL pay in taxes but Not my place to reveal the amounts involved. RIDE SAFE.

[bscrive]

in nyc my small 2 story building with me on ground floor and tenant with 1200 sq feet the real estate tax is
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

20,100.00

When I bought in 1980's it was about 1/4 of that

The  *&%^*&^%  mayors say they did not raise taxes because they speak out of their southerly orifice.

They raise the rate and the assessed value therefore the tax goes up

Bollocks

My tax on my 1/4 acre home is barely a thousand below that

So I dont feel bad for any of youse

My buddy told me a few years ago that his house in Weston, CT is the cheapest house in his area and his taxes were $23K.  My jaw almost hit the floor.  Mine is less than 1/7th of that.  His house is worth about twice the price of mine.  Talk about gouging.

[The emperor has no clothes]

With inflation, what was a $1,000 tax bill in 1980 would now be over $3,000. The problem (at least for me) is that wages haven’t kept up with that same rate of inflation.

[J.Mencalice]

Interesting story Tony, and thanks for sharing it.  

What we have here is across-the-board never-ending and ever-increasing income redistribution;  from the earner to the government(s).

The only other observation I have, is having a low maintenance wife isn't just easier on the finances, it's easier on the sanity.  

----

When my brother built an airplane from scratch, the State of Michigan wanted to assess a huge tax on it.  I was listening on the speaker phone when he said.... look, I didn't build an airplane and sell it to myself; I'm not paying any sales tax.  He ended up compromising and letting the tax collector save face by paying taxes on a bunch of used aircraft instruments he ordered on-line (which he then rebuilt).  He had to pay something to make them go away.  

Unfortunately Texas is one of the last places where some fraction of independence from the government still sort-of exists.  Property Taxes are the only real headache... other than toll roads if you live in the big cities (which are a legalized criminal enterprise). We don't have state income tax. Some states charge "property" tax on stuff like cars and boats and RV's.  Texas doesn't do that. There's no business income tax either! There is a just a corporate franchise tax if you incorporate in Texas (0.375%).  There is a sales tax, but it doesn't apply to food and stuff like that.  Plus Texas says that Creditors are responsible for giving out credit to irresponsible people... which means that there is no risk of having creditors go after your property, etc. if you stop paying for some reason.

Another big difference is that Texas electrical system is almost entirely deregulated.  That means that I can choose from over 200 electricity companies.  I pay 6.5 cents per kwh for electricity all in, including distribution. The high power lines are all clear of trees, so we don't have forest fires from wind. In CA the electricity rates are 25 cents per kwh and they have rolling blackouts due to what is essentially a government given monopoly on electricity. It's nice to be Texan.

The trade-off is that Texas ranks near the bottom on public healthcare and welfare.  If it weren't for FEDERAL government programs it would truly suck to be poor in Texas.... it would probably kill you.

Yes, keep building million dollar plus high school football stadiums (and training facilities) for the elite few and Texans can ante up every day for the privilege of their Republic staying out of touch with the realities of living within their means.   Yup, bigger and dumber.  CTE for all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLxV8aHRZAQ

[Rams]

From my prospective, the only folks that have a right to complain about taxes are those that vote to keep government small and don't support all the give away programs (unless you got outvoted).   If you like big government and social entitlement programs, quit yer bitchin.       You got what you voted for.

Rams   

[Patrick]

Outvoted ?

Its easy for that to happen when you in a state like NY.

[Big Rig]

And NJ....

[DirtyDan]

And NJ....

 

Kingman AZ .........FROM NJ so glad I made it out

Dan

[Davemn]

Around here property taxes are about 1% of the real value.
$500k = $5k/yr

[Rams]

Outvoted ?

Its easy for that to happen when you in a state like NY.

Patrick,
Not knowing you personally or your political positions, I can only assume you qualify as one with a right to bitch based on your posting.   There are those who support social entitlement programs and bigger (Big Brother) government that should be happy to pay their taxes.   Really depends on who was sent to serve and who "they" voted for.    A good example would be any politician that promises healthcare for all but, can only fund such a "entitlement" by raising taxes on those who are already carrying a heavy burden while others pay much less than their share.   Not throwing stones at anyone, we get the government we deserve, I'm told.

Rams 

[cookiedough]

Around here property taxes are about 1% of the real value.
$500k = $5k/yr

maybe I need to move to MN then NOT WI since my 160K home is 3600 now (sure wish was 1% being 1600),    back in 1993 was 1500.  2 years ago was 3K and I thought that was hwy. robbery, now it is plum crazy insane!  

same exact house as mine in Madison WI 35 miles north is valued at 275K give or take and around 5K up to 6K depending on location in that big town for property taxes.    I eat a lot of that 1500 or so in savings up  on gas money driving to/from work daily both of us.  

Who knows, the way things are going at work for both me and my wife,  we both could get fired this Friday?      I am fine with that but wife's income is double mine.  At least then we can be like 50% of America and go on welfare then right?     Even if wife looses her job her unemployment benefits is still more than I make, but that does not last forever either.  

Too bad both of us not closer to early retirement being age 62 or I think we would be like my neighbors who one retired just recently age 62 and the other soon at only age 60.  

[98valk]

my house in nazi jersey,  $7k/yr 0.24 acre, house value $190k. high tax has lowered housing prices last two yrs.

[tonybluegoat]

Interesting story Tony, and thanks for sharing it.  

What we have here is across-the-board never-ending and ever-increasing income redistribution;  from the earner to the government(s).

The only other observation I have, is having a low maintenance wife isn't just easier on the finances, it's easier on the sanity.  

----

When my brother built an airplane from scratch, the State of Michigan wanted to assess a huge tax on it.  I was listening on the speaker phone when he said.... look, I didn't build an airplane and sell it to myself; I'm not paying any sales tax.  He ended up compromising and letting the tax collector save face by paying taxes on a bunch of used aircraft instruments he ordered on-line (which he then rebuilt).  He had to pay something to make them go away.  

Unfortunately Texas is one of the last places where some fraction of independence from the government still sort-of exists.  Property Taxes are the only real headache... other than toll roads if you live in the big cities (which are a legalized criminal enterprise). We don't have state income tax. Some states charge "property" tax on stuff like cars and boats and RV's.  Texas doesn't do that. There's no business income tax either! There is a just a corporate franchise tax if you incorporate in Texas (0.375%).  There is a sales tax, but it doesn't apply to food and stuff like that.  Plus Texas says that Creditors are responsible for giving out credit to irresponsible people... which means that there is no risk of having creditors go after your property, etc. if you stop paying for some reason.

Another big difference is that Texas electrical system is almost entirely deregulated.  That means that I can choose from over 200 electricity companies.  I pay 6.5 cents per kwh for electricity all in, including distribution. The high power lines are all clear of trees, so we don't have forest fires from wind. In CA the electricity rates are 25 cents per kwh and they have rolling blackouts due to what is essentially a government given monopoly on electricity. It's nice to be Texan.

The trade-off is that Texas ranks near the bottom on public healthcare and welfare.  If it weren't for FEDERAL government programs it would truly suck to be poor in Texas.... it would probably kill you.

Yes, keep building million dollar plus high school football stadiums (and training facilities) for the elite few and Texans can ante up every day for the privilege of their Republic staying out of touch with the realities of living within their means.   Yup, bigger and dumber.  CTE for all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLxV8aHRZAQ

Yikes! That's a bit of an over-reaction.  Sorry that we're better than your rocky mountain berg.  It must be tough living somewhere that can't even afford a properly sized stadium for you kids to play in. 

[Patrick]

Outvoted ?

Its easy for that to happen when you in a state like NY.

Patrick,
Not knowing you personally or your political positions, I can only assume you qualify as one with a right to bitch based on your posting.   There are those who support social entitlement programs and bigger (Big Brother) government that should be happy to pay their taxes.   Really depends on who was sent to serve and who "they" voted for.    A good example would be any politician that promises healthcare for all but, can only fund such a "entitlement" by raising taxes on those who are already carrying a heavy burden while others pay much less than their share.   Not throwing stones at anyone, we get the government we deserve, I'm told.

Rams 

And school taxes are a heck of a lot more than property tax by about 3x.