OT Where is everybody from?

[Plymouthy Adams]

cost of living going up...chance of living going down

[T120]

Interesting comments about the way communities have grown and changed over a relatively short period of time.Some people have cashed in and sold real estate at inflated values and moved elsewhere.They relocate somewhere.Some who have chosen to stay don't like the changes that have taken place.It's a familiar story.I was down in Portland,Oregon last year for the Spring auto swap meet,stopped for the night in Couer d'Alene,Idaho on the way back and was surprised at the growth as it was 15 years since my last visit.From the motel manager, to overheard conversations in the cafe where I had breakfast - the story was the same.Long time residents seemed annoyed with the growth and the changes taking place in their city.

Edited December 9, 2009 by Ralph D25cpe

[Joe Flanagan]

Greg . . . ah . . . You stole my rant. That's exactly what I was going to say. Northern Virginia/DC area, the development is beyond out of control. It kills me when they tear down old houses and put up what someone described as "monuments to megalomania and bad taste." They did this literally right across the street from me. It broke our hearts. It was a 1916 bungalow with a front porch, a big yard and a massive, massive oak tree in the back. They leveled everything, tree included. They shoehorned two ugly, tacky, overblown monstrosities in there. I was ready for arson or murder or both. I can't wait to get out of here. Six years (a little less, actually). That's when we can retire. Heading north, to some city they haven't trashed yet. There are some interesting industrial cities along the eastern seabord that declined long ago. The old housing stock is still there and the places maintain a lot of their character. Only problem is they're usually also dangerous places. Some of them are turning around though. That's what we're looking at, anyway.

[Norm's Coupe]

Greg,

I know what you are saying about selling high, then having to get rid of the capitol gains. But.......If you don't sell, you don't have to worry about getting rid of capitol gains. Plus, whatever your house is worth, it's like money in the bank, if you need it when you get even older. If you never have to use it, great. Then the kids will get it. Then, those people buying those big houses also have to pay higher property taxes. They seem to forget that part up front, then are surprised when they get the bill at the end of the year. That's another reason I stay put. Taxes and fees are cheaper here than they are in sticks. I hate to have to pay taxes of any kind. As it is now, if you divide my annual property tax bill into 12 months, it's higher than what my house payment, including insurance and property tax use to be each month when I first bought it in 1973. That's a sad state affairs if you ask me.

And, lets not forget. Some who cashed out of their old house, then bought a new one during the peak years are losing money if they had to sell today. Me........I could almost give my house away and still not lose money, even in this market.

[fstfish66]

life is funny isnt it,,,

[knighthawk]

hope you guys realize, there is no capital gains tax on the first $250,000, per person , $500.000 per couple..... another note : a lot of these small towns will NOT change and refuse to let new bissness come in , BUT will raise taxes to meet their expenses, end result.... cheaper real estate but higher cost of living..

[grady hawkins]

Am located in the mountains in Hendersonville North Carolina

[BobT-47P15]

Hey Grady - I do believe I just saw an article about your 47 Dodge coupe in

Cars & Parts magazine new issue. Fine looking vehicle it is.....and I bet it

drives reeaall nice too.

[hkestes41]

I'm in Plano, TX. Been here about 16 years.

Was born and raised in Carl Junction, MO about 15 miles or so from BobT. Lived there my whole life until moving to TX.

[Jim Clark]

Was born in Westchester NY, Raised in Alamo GA, 30 mi. S. of Lou E. and 65 mi. south of Tim A. I live on the old farm where I was raised.