Having done some studies on taxes in different areas I can say without reservation that no matter how they are labeled the bottom line on taxes is very close nationwide. That excludes a few areas that are just crazy high or low. Alaske (low) California and New York (high) come to mind. Texas has no income tax but their sales, personal property and real estate taxes tend to make up a big part of the difference. Advalorum taxes in Texas will take your breath away but real estate is still cheaper that many parts of the country as is total cost of living. Having said that Austin Texas in the number one growth city for business in the country and 4 of the top 5 are in Texas. That's all hard for an old Okie to admit or swallow but its true.
Lots to like in the Austin area... Great Food - Great Entertainment - Great Education Opportunity - Young Vibe - Lottsa New Construction - Now all they gotta do is build a Drag Strip out at Circuit of the America's...Because of the partnership with the University, City and the state, that area attracts many high tech companies. It's got a really great quality of life ( that was hard for me to admit) with many activities every night. It also doesn't hurt that Austin with the University of Texas there was also named as one of the top ten party cities in the US. It has a young vibrant feel about it. I have many friends who have relocated there in the last 10 years. But on the down side you all are correct its hotter than who'd thought it there.
Property taxes balance out with "No Income Taxes", as Chris Cook mentioned they're going to get revenues one way or another. Sales taxes are higher here too (8.25%), but both seem fair to me, a person gets taxed on what they choose to spend in life. If you want to live a cheap life, live in a small place and save all your money, therefore you pay less taxes.I'm kinda thinking it has something to do with his family?... Tony has talked about retiring from driving at some point (maybe that time is getting nearer) and with his son playing baseball, Texas - UT Austin has lots of sports programs going on... Ref Taxes - Cost of living there... I'd have to agree with John Waters above... Texas has lots going for it, but affordable property taxes are not one of them... That and the unbearable heat (for me) is keeping us away from making that transition...
She must have close to a million dollar home then. Dallas tax rates are comparable to those in Austin, just over 2%.I think I am spoiled after living in Florida for 23 years !!! My property tax is small when compared to what I would have payed if I had moved to the Dallas area.
My daughter New home in Dallas is over $18,000 a year !!! That is about $14,400 dollars more then I am paying now.
I love going to visit but moving there is out of the question for me. Yes they have no state income tax but nether does Florida.
Just my opinion. Jimbo
Property taxes are 3% here west of Houston. I moved here 3yrs ago and I bought a brand new house that was about 40% larger and my property taxes are slightly below what I was paying in IL (homes were a lot cheaper in TX). Within 1 yr I was able to pay my house off, which provides a ton of financial flexibility. From a tax basis, I am way ahead of what I was paying in IL. Your money goes a lot further down here.She must have close to a million dollar home then. Dallas tax rates are comparable to those in Austin, just over 2%.