So our hyper timid KY Supreme Court finally annonced we could conduct jury trials after May 1st- but until then the courthouses are closed to anyone other than state court personnel. So when our Circuit Judge wanted to sit down with the prosecutors and defense bar to discuss how the Age of Covid would affect jury trials, he couldn't host it in his own courtroom. We volunteered our conference room , where we met without masks or social distancing, as everyone was vaccinated. I won't go into how convoluted and ridiculous the new jury trial procedures will be, but suffice it to say that defendants will have numerous grounds to appeal- based on what I believe to be legitimate issues.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I live in a close in neighborhood, which was pretty close to being a ghetto when I bought here in 2011. The gentrification is now in full swing. Within 3 blocks of my house, there are about 24 new houses under construction. Mostly the type where they split a lot and put in 2 narrow houses, separated by about 2 feet so they are indeed stand alone houses. In one location, they are putting in 9 houses across what was 3 lots. Each a stand alone house.
One of the builders told me he would buy any lot in this neighborhood for $75k, but he is not getting any takers. HAR (Houston Area Realtors web site) shows lots going for a minimum of $105k, most asking $125k. Back in 2011, 2012, 2013 I could have bought any number of lots around here for $25k. If only.
I bought this house in 2011 as a HUD foreclosure for $50k, cash. I couldn’t finance, no one would generate a mortgage for that small an amount, so I pulled the money from my 401k. It cost me another $10k in repairs before I moved in. Today, Zillow says my house is worth $180k. The builder I was talking with told me I could sell it in one day for $200k. But then where would I live? I have no mortgage, and my taxes are frozen (over 65 years old) at a VERY reasonable rate. Don’t ask, you would cry.
I remember a few years back @abacomike talking about the cost to live where he is. I was quite impressed, it seemed very reasonable, and included a lot of amenities. Maybe if I can find a deal like that around here, I may one day consider selling out and moving.
I don’t think I would ever relocate to Florida. (I know, never say never.) But I could see New Mexico, up in the northern half of the state. Santa Fe, Albuquerque, somewhere in that general area, but without the crazy property values.
I live in a close in neighborhood, which was pretty close to being a ghetto when I bought here in 2011. The gentrification is now in full swing. Within 3 blocks of my house, there are about 24 new houses under construction. Mostly the type where they split a lot and put in 2 narrow houses, separated by about 2 feet so they are indeed stand alone houses. In one location, they are putting in 9 houses across what was 3 lots. Each a stand alone house.
One of the builders told me he would buy any lot in this neighborhood for $75k, but he is not getting any takers. HAR (Houston Area Realtors web site) shows lots going for a minimum of $105k, most asking $125k. Back in 2011, 2012, 2013 I could have bought any number of lots around here for $25k. If only.
I bought this house in 2011 as a HUD foreclosure for $50k, cash. I couldn’t finance, no one would generate a mortgage for that small an amount, so I pulled the money from my 401k. It cost me another $10k in repairs before I moved in. Today, Zillow says my house is worth $180k. The builder I was talking with told me I could sell it in one day for $200k. But then where would I live? I have no mortgage, and my taxes are frozen (over 65 years old) at a VERY reasonable rate. Don’t ask, you would cry.
I remember a few years back @abacomike talking about the cost to live where he is. I was quite impressed, it seemed very reasonable, and included a lot of amenities. Maybe if I can find a deal like that around here, I may one day consider selling out and moving.
I don’t think I would ever relocate to Florida. (I know, never say never.) But I could see New Mexico, up in the northern half of the state. Santa Fe, Albuquerque, somewhere in that general area, but without the crazy property values.
Wife is wanting warmer weather, so northern NM is out - we've done a few long weekends to Santa Fe and we like the town fine. Just the possibility of too much snow to make it a palatable place to live.
My plan is to scope out Las Cruces. New builds are right around $300K for the same size house as we're in currently. The town is around 100K population, with El Paso about a 45 minute drive away, if I decide I want to shop for a luxury brand as my DD.
that sounds nice. Our old friend that liked Sentras I think lived there at one point.
There are a number of areas in the country I would like to live in. Unfortunately the wife won't go to any of them. Either too hot, or too far from family.
that sounds nice. Our old friend that liked Sentras I think lived there at one point.
There are a number of areas in the country I would like to live in. Unfortunately the wife won't go to any of them. Either too hot, or too far from family.
The price of our house on Zillow keeps going up. Every few weeks they send me an email telling me how much I could get for it but again, where to go? This place is pretty affordable for us right now so we've put off the issue for a couple of years. I think by then, she'll be ready to make a change and we'll put the house on the market. Guess I'm just old but I only come into Edmunds on my home computer, never on my smartphone or tablet for some reason. No more desktop either since the the last one died back in 2016. Find my laptop can do it all for the things I do on a computer. Surf 90% of the time and maybe pay a couple of small bills each month. Have never thought to return to a regular desktop computer since makes no sense to have another device to use and my current MacBook Air fits perfectly on my desk. I took over our sons room as my office back around 2015, right after the old pc died. Our oldest liked my computer desk so much, we swapped when she bought her house and moved her things out. I got a desk with more room which I wanted so it made perfect sense to switch. Just have one more small piece to move into my office & it'll be done.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
When we retire I hope to sell our current home and buy something on the water at the shore. If we are fortunate enough to have that already then we will downsize to one home.
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
When we retire I hope to sell our current home and buy something on the water at the shore. If we are fortunate enough to have that already then we will downsize to one home.
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
There are parts of New Jersey that are beautiful - central and northern (Sussex County). I have lived in NYC, Chicago and it’s suburbs, San Diego area, Palm Desert CA, north Los Angeles County, the PA Poconos and North Miami Beach and far Northern Ft. Lauderdale suburbs - so I have had a taste of living in the east, South, Midwest and the Western United States. Believe me when I say there is no perfect place to live. But the closest to perfect of all the places I have lived is the northern San Diego area. Climate, picturesque, beauty, etc., are all there. A few earthquakes here and there, but it’s a great place to live.
When we retire I hope to sell our current home and buy something on the water at the shore. If we are fortunate enough to have that already then we will downsize to one home.
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
There are parts of New Jersey that are beautiful - central and northern (Sussex County). I have lived in NYC, Chicago and it’s suburbs, San Diego area, Palm Desert CA, north Los Angeles County, the PA Poconos and North Miami Beach and far Northern Ft. Lauderdale suburbs - so I have had a taste of living in the east, Midwest and the western United States. Believe me when I say there is no perfect place to live. But the closest to perfect of all the places I have lived is the northern San Diego area. Climate, picturesque, beauty, etc., are all there. A few earthquakes here and there, but it’s a great place to live.
Yes. The climate is certainly better elsewhere, No doubt about that. I do like having seasons none of them being what I consider extreme.
San Diego area is beautiful, but I’d imagine the cost of living is even higher than NJ.
If someone ever offers me an obscene amount of money for the farm my wife and I will build a house on Seabrook Island an probably never travel further north than Tennessee- except for a few HPDEs and races.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When we retire I hope to sell our current home and buy something on the water at the shore. If we are fortunate enough to have that already then we will downsize to one home.
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
There are parts of New Jersey that are beautiful - central and northern (Sussex County). I have lived in NYC, Chicago and it’s suburbs, San Diego area, Palm Desert CA, north Los Angeles County, the PA Poconos and North Miami Beach and far Northern Ft. Lauderdale suburbs - so I have had a taste of living in the east, Midwest and the western United States. Believe me when I say there is no perfect place to live. But the closest to perfect of all the places I have lived is the northern San Diego area. Climate, picturesque, beauty, etc., are all there. A few earthquakes here and there, but it’s a great place to live.
Yes. The climate is certainly better elsewhere, No doubt about that. I do like having seasons none of them being what I consider extreme.
San Diego area is beautiful, but I’d imagine the cost of living is even higher than NJ.
I agree. I lived in Carmel Mountain Ranch just east of Interstate 15 and about 15 miles northeast of San Diego. Close to Rancho Bernardo and Poway. Very expensive to live there when you consider taxes (sales, real estate and income) and the cost of food, housing and gasoline at $4.00+ a gallon.
But the climate was perfect. Summers in the 80’s and winters in the 50’s-70’s. I lived about 10-15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean so we were not affected by the summer marine layers of clouds which plague the coastal areas in summer. I lived on the side of the foothills overlooking Miramar Air Station (Top Gun runways) to the southwest.
Very dry most of the year with no humidity. Used to walk early every morning about 3-5 miles a day.
When we retire I hope to sell our current home and buy something on the water at the shore. If we are fortunate enough to have that already then we will downsize to one home.
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
There are parts of New Jersey that are beautiful - central and northern (Sussex County). I have lived in NYC, Chicago and it’s suburbs, San Diego area, Palm Desert CA, north Los Angeles County, the PA Poconos and North Miami Beach and far Northern Ft. Lauderdale suburbs - so I have had a taste of living in the east, Midwest and the western United States. Believe me when I say there is no perfect place to live. But the closest to perfect of all the places I have lived is the northern San Diego area. Climate, picturesque, beauty, etc., are all there. A few earthquakes here and there, but it’s a great place to live.
Yes. The climate is certainly better elsewhere, No doubt about that. I do like having seasons none of them being what I consider extreme.
San Diego area is beautiful, but I’d imagine the cost of living is even higher than NJ.
I agree. I lived in Carmel Mountain Ranch just east of Interstate 15 and about 15 miles northeast of San Diego. Close to Rancho Bernardo and Poway. Very expensive to live there when you consider taxes (sales, real estate and income) and the cost of food, housing and gasoline at $4.00+ a gallon.
But the climate was perfect. Summers in the 80’s and winters in the 50’s-70’s. I lived about 10-15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean so we were not affected by the summer marine layers of clouds which plague the coastal areas in summer. I lived on the side of the foothills overlooking Miramar Air Station (Top Gun runways) to the southwest.
Very dry most of the year with no humidity. Used to walk early every morning about 3-5 miles a day.
As a follow up to replacing two tires on the Q5 I did confirm with Audi service that if the older tires are within 4/32 of the new and the tires match on each axle then no issue. As a safeguard I went ahead and ordered two more tires so all four will be new and match. My wallet is $1000 lighter but I believe well spent.
If the predicted tire shortage happens, you’ll be glad you did.
For kicks I was going to say Edmunds is going to increase the cost of posting but I’m afraid that would give @driver100 an excuse to barrage us. You guys would never talk to me again.
jmonroe
....an increase in the cost of posting....I better get to work, my goal is 40000 by the end of May.
Not gonna happen. I've been averaging about 100 posts per day; at that rate, it would take me 4 months to go from 28K to 40K posts.
(and, no, that's not a dare)
Some people like to hear the sound of their own voices. Some people stand on soapboxes to exercise their vocal cords. Then, there are those who love seeing their thoughts expressed on a page of written words that they composed. Which category do you think driver100 falls into? (Sorry about ending that last sentence with a preposition - but sometimes you just gotta break a few grammatical rules). 🤪😜🤓
I am actually very shy and quiet, but I have a duty to educate and inform my fellow Americans.
I thought you were Canadian. If you meant, “…inform my fellow NORTH Americans…” I would buy into your statement more willingly. 🤪😜
We all live in North America. Why should Canadians have to qualify it? Or, Mexicans, for that matter. They are all Americans.
No they are not. American is a demonym for someone from the United States of America. Since Canadians and Mexicans are not from the United States they cannot be called Americans. Now if you are identifying them by continent there is no continent called America. The continent they are from is North America so the demonym would be North American. As those from South America are known as South Americans.
True. Besides, Canadians and I assume Mexicans are fiercely nationalistic and would not want to be called Americans. They are Canadian or Mexican and are proud of it.
Yeah….used to go down to Brazil and Chile quite a bit while still working. They were very sensitive about the fact they were “American”, too (South Americans). Some were actually insulted when I said I was from “America”. “Well, so are we” was usually their response.
I think it’s a U.S. thing to believe we are the ONLY Americans. That’s not true and those outside of the U.S.A. Will tell you so. So, I got into the habit of telling them I was from the U.S. That seemed more palatable to them. And, I was OK with that.
If someone ever offers me an obscene amount of money for the farm my wife and I will build a house on Seabrook Island an probably never travel further north than Tennessee- except for a few HPDEs and races.
I was just down that way a couple of weeks ago looking at real estate. Like my former Stinger, and like most here, my house is appraised about $75K above what it did a year ago. Tempting, but have to have some place to move to first.
actually rattlesnakes in Jersey too I think. But probably not as many, and no scorpions! I like being warm (hate winter) but don't want to do desert. Something in the NC/SC area is about perfect. Raleigh, or Greenville say if staying inland.
Jersey actually has a lot of things going for it. Convenient to a lot of areas. From down where we are near philly (20 minutes away) its about 3 hours to DC, 2 to NYC, 5 to Boston (all by car), and hour to the Jersey shore. All by car. 4 seasons, none of which tend to be absurdly severe (so you can go outside on summer days, and don't need block heaters to park outside in the winter). Overall good schools and healthcare options.
main problem, too darned expensive overall. Largely driven by property taxes, and in much of the state, high housing costs (more of a central and N. Jersey issue for the purchase price of the house). This gets to be a problem for retirement time. I don't recall right now how bad the state is for taxes in retirement (outside of property taxes). I think in the middle someplace for income tax on SS and pensions.
so basically, if you got lots of money, a pretty good place to live. If you don't, better to go elsewhere. I would probably save a bundle moving to Delaware (and if we were staying in this general area, I probably would). Even PA can be a lot more affordable. Sadly the wife would be happiest moving back to NYS.
Many/most Canadians I know refer to the U..S. as "the states," not America. I do that down here as well, to avoid the kind of discussion that's been happening here.
Fun thing, when we sold my late grandma's house, it brought around 100K over the "zestimate" - their estimates can be wonky, I guess. I know few markets are like the Seattle metro, but that was still amazing. And of course as I moved last year, prices here now are up 10% already in 2021 - this can't end well no matter what.
For the "America" pedantry, I use "Murka" - makes the distinction
The price of our house on Zillow keeps going up. Every few weeks they send me an email telling me how much I could get for it but again, where to go? This place is pretty affordable for us right now so we've put off the issue for a couple of years. I think by then, she'll be ready to make a change and we'll put the house on the market. Guess I'm just old but I only come into Edmunds on my home computer, never on my smartphone or tablet for some reason. No more desktop either since the the last one died back in 2016. Find my laptop can do it all for the things I do on a computer. Surf 90% of the time and maybe pay a couple of small bills each month. Have never thought to return to a regular desktop computer since makes no sense to have another device to use and my current MacBook Air fits perfectly on my desk. I took over our sons room as my office back around 2015, right after the old pc died. Our oldest liked my computer desk so much, we swapped when she bought her house and moved her things out. I got a desk with more room which I wanted so it made perfect sense to switch. Just have one more small piece to move into my office & it'll be done.
@snakeweasel least you don’t have to worry about the car getting covid. Excellent mask usage.
Re: places to live. PNWs primary threat is a massive 9.0+ earthquake that is overdue along with any number of our active volcanoes erupting. For a while I had dreams of moving somewhere less expensive, but at this point I’m totally institutionalized and love it too much to leave.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I once spent a week in San Diego, at a conference. This was back around 1984, and attendance at a conference was like a bonus given to you by your boss for good work. Mostly goofing off and playing tourist in the daytime, and drinking too much at night. Ah, the 80’s, I do miss those times.
But I did like the area, and everyone bragged about the climate. I’m afraid the cost of living would rule out anywhere in California as a retirement spot, at least for me.
As for northern New Mexico, I spent one year there when I was 7 years old. We were in Albuquerque for part of that time, and then in a little town outside of Santa Fe. This would have been around 1958. As I recall, this was desert country, very little precipitation, so not that much snow. And the snow did not stick around for long when it did fall. I can assure you that I have no interest in shoveling snow, and I really don’t understand people who choose to live in the frozen northern wastelands.
Looks like you’ll have a long wait. Let us know how much the ‘skeeters’ left after sitting for hours with the top down.
I wonder what he saw? I haven't heard from him today....must have been a long time waiting for the movie to start, it stays light until about 9 p.m. these days.
What’s nice about California is that there are many different climates in the state in which to enjoy one’s life within a one day drive from Los Angeles:
High Desert - dry and hot (80-100 degrees) in summer - cool or cold (20-60 degrees depending on altitude) with rain and snow in winter,
Low Desert - dry and hot (100 degrees +)in summer - 60-70 degrees in winter with little to no rain.
Coastal Beaches - moderating temps in summer (75-95 degrees in south - 70 - 85 in north) and moderating winter temps in winter (50-75 degrees). Winter is rainy season along the entire coastline.
Mountains - great resorts in southern and northern sections for relief from summer heat. Great skiing in central and northern sections. High altitude lakes with boating and fishing.
Unfortunately, as many posters have mentioned, the cost of living in California is exceedingly high. I miss my time in the California Low Desert (Palm Springs area) and would love to return there - especially since my son and grandsons live there. I still wonder how my son survives there making only $100,000 a year, gross. He has a house in La Quinta area with a big mortgage and high real estate taxes. I wish him the best.
I really want to get another car. it's an addict thing at this point. One thing that has tempered that is we have a car in the driveway already (daughter's Jetta, until tomorrow when it makes a one way trip to carmax) and the other side of the garage that is filled with all her stuff that moves with her next week. So there is no obvious empty space. But in 2 weeks, after she moves and we have a garage sale, that side of the garage will be totally empty (well, the part where a car goes!) so it will start bugging me that I don't have anything to park there.
most likely the ongoing inventory shortage will keep me from doing anything in the near future. But I think I know what I want for Christmas this year!
I walked the local CarMax this morning. It usually has so many vehicles they park them in the aisle. Today hardly 50% full. That CRV nearest to the left is an 18 EXL with low mileage priced at $29.9k. Insane.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I will be at Carmax tomorrow. That lack of inventory explains why they offered so much for the Jetta. hopefully it also means they won't be super picky!
Me? everything? Well, not everything. I arbitrarily set a budget ($25k), but those were meant to be broken. But not overly expensive, we already have one of those.
off the top of my head, for new cars, I want to see a Maverick and Santa Cruz in person. the new Civic (regular or Si) interests me. The new GTI looks really good. I did like a dark blue F150 my local dealer had. I will drive one, but suspect I just won't want to deal with something that big. I will try out a new style Miata too just for the heck of it. A Turbo Mazda 3 or CX30 might work. A couple of the newer hybrids are nice. Will consider a lease on an EV if there is one of the occasional killer deals offered.
so basically, I need to figure out what my actual needs are, besides 4 wheels!
Me? everything? Well, not everything. I arbitrarily set a budget ($25k), but those were meant to be broken. But not overly expensive, we already have one of those.
off the top of my head, for new cars, I want to see a Maverick and Santa Cruz in person. the new Civic (regular or Si) interests me. The new GTI looks really good. I did like a dark blue F150 my local dealer had. I will drive one, but suspect I just won't want to deal with something that big. I will try out a new style Miata too just for the heck of it. A Turbo Mazda 3 or CX30 might work. A couple of the newer hybrids are nice. Will consider a lease on an EV if there is one of the occasional killer deals offered.
so basically, I need to figure out what my actual needs are, besides 4 wheels!
Not much of that can be had under $25K, I should think.
Me? everything? Well, not everything. I arbitrarily set a budget ($25k), but those were meant to be broken. But not overly expensive, we already have one of those.
off the top of my head, for new cars, I want to see a Maverick and Santa Cruz in person. the new Civic (regular or Si) interests me. The new GTI looks really good. I did like a dark blue F150 my local dealer had. I will drive one, but suspect I just won't want to deal with something that big. I will try out a new style Miata too just for the heck of it. A Turbo Mazda 3 or CX30 might work. A couple of the newer hybrids are nice. Will consider a lease on an EV if there is one of the occasional killer deals offered.
so basically, I need to figure out what my actual needs are, besides 4 wheels!
Not much of that can be had under $25K, I should think.
I just checked Redfin and Zillow for my house and they are a total joke. Very inaccurate, I question their sources. For example, the picture they have, same one, is about 1/4 a mile away. Square footage is missing the whole finished basement area although the town assessment records include it.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
They have Mustangs and Camaros that start for under $30k, but go up to $50 or $60k, so I don't know what you get in the under $30k range. Ford Ranger is under $30k but doesn't get good marks, Chevy truck for a bit more dollars gets you a much higher rated car......but probably pretty big. The Tacoma starts under $30k How about a nice 2014 C250 with 34k miles on it, mint condition, no rear camera for $16k?
They have Mustangs and Camaros that start for under $30k, but go up to $50 or $60k, so I don't know what you get in the under $30k range. Ford Ranger is under $30k but doesn't get good marks, Chevy truck for a bit more dollars gets you a much higher rated car......but probably pretty big. The Tacoma starts under $30k How about a nice 2014 C250 with 34k miles on it, mint condition, no rear camera for $16k?
I think a lot of the automobiles mentioned in that article are going to be very hard to find, for real, in person, at those price points. Maybe a few, but not many.
not buying a car without a camera unless it is an easy add-on. Sorry.
Driver100 did and he regrets that decision. I don’t know if I could ever give up my cameras, radar for anti-collision, etc. These technology tools have saved me many times from accidents.
They have Mustangs and Camaros that start for under $30k, but go up to $50 or $60k, so I don't know what you get in the under $30k range. Ford Ranger is under $30k but doesn't get good marks, Chevy truck for a bit more dollars gets you a much higher rated car......but probably pretty big. The Tacoma starts under $30k How about a nice 2014 C250 with 34k miles on it, mint condition, no rear camera for $16k?
Any MB with over 24k is high miles. Honestly I would be tempted if we needed another car. Hoping the TL continues being a good soldier.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Comments
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I won't go into how convoluted and ridiculous the new jury trial procedures will be, but suffice it to say that defendants will have numerous grounds to appeal- based on what I believe to be legitimate issues.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
One of the builders told me he would buy any lot in this neighborhood for $75k, but he is not getting any takers. HAR (Houston Area Realtors web site) shows lots going for a minimum of $105k, most asking $125k. Back in 2011, 2012, 2013 I could have bought any number of lots around here for $25k. If only.
I bought this house in 2011 as a HUD foreclosure for $50k, cash. I couldn’t finance, no one would generate a mortgage for that small an amount, so I pulled the money from my 401k. It cost me another $10k in repairs before I moved in. Today, Zillow says my house is worth $180k. The builder I was talking with told me I could sell it in one day for $200k. But then where would I live? I have no mortgage, and my taxes are frozen (over 65 years old) at a VERY reasonable rate. Don’t ask, you would cry.
I remember a few years back @abacomike talking about the cost to live where he is. I was quite impressed, it seemed very reasonable, and included a lot of amenities. Maybe if I can find a deal like that around here, I may one day consider selling out and moving.
I don’t think I would ever relocate to Florida. (I know, never say never.) But I could see New Mexico, up in the northern half of the state. Santa Fe, Albuquerque, somewhere in that general area, but without the crazy property values.
@Michael, where are you thinking of?
Funny, everyone's favorite Youtube mechanic (Scotty K.) recently moved from Houston to TN, and talked about that as a big reason why.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My plan is to scope out Las Cruces. New builds are right around $300K for the same size house as we're in currently. The town is around 100K population, with El Paso about a 45 minute drive away, if I decide I want to shop for a luxury brand as my DD.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
There are a number of areas in the country I would like to live in. Unfortunately the wife won't go to any of them. Either too hot, or too far from family.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Guess I'm just old but I only come into Edmunds on my home computer, never on my smartphone or tablet for some reason. No more desktop either since the the last one died back in 2016. Find my laptop can do it all for the things I do on a computer. Surf 90% of the time and maybe pay a couple of small bills each month. Have never thought to return to a regular desktop computer since makes no sense to have another device to use and my current MacBook Air fits perfectly on my desk. I took over our sons room as my office back around 2015, right after the old pc died. Our oldest liked my computer desk so much, we swapped when she bought her house and moved her things out. I got a desk with more room which I wanted so it made perfect sense to switch. Just have one more small piece to move into my office & it'll be done.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
We won’t ever leave Jersey. I’ve been just about everywhere and aside from parts of PA near Philly or NYC I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I remember the pictures of rattlesnakes and scorpions.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
San Diego area is beautiful, but I’d imagine the cost of living is even higher than NJ.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
But the climate was perfect. Summers in the 80’s and winters in the 50’s-70’s. I lived about 10-15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean so we were not affected by the summer marine layers of clouds which plague the coastal areas in summer. I lived on the side of the foothills overlooking Miramar Air Station (Top Gun runways) to the southwest.
Very dry most of the year with no humidity. Used to walk early every morning about 3-5 miles a day.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I think it’s a U.S. thing to believe we are the ONLY Americans. That’s not true and those outside of the U.S.A. Will tell you so. So, I got into the habit of telling them I was from the U.S. That seemed more palatable to them. And, I was OK with that.
Jersey actually has a lot of things going for it. Convenient to a lot of areas. From down where we are near philly (20 minutes away) its about 3 hours to DC, 2 to NYC, 5 to Boston (all by car), and hour to the Jersey shore. All by car. 4 seasons, none of which tend to be absurdly severe (so you can go outside on summer days, and don't need block heaters to park outside in the winter). Overall good schools and healthcare options.
main problem, too darned expensive overall. Largely driven by property taxes, and in much of the state, high housing costs (more of a central and N. Jersey issue for the purchase price of the house). This gets to be a problem for retirement time. I don't recall right now how bad the state is for taxes in retirement (outside of property taxes). I think in the middle someplace for income tax on SS and pensions.
so basically, if you got lots of money, a pretty good place to live. If you don't, better to go elsewhere. I would probably save a bundle moving to Delaware (and if we were staying in this general area, I probably would). Even PA can be a lot more affordable. Sadly the wife would be happiest moving back to NYS.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
95% of what you worry about doesn't happen, and the majority of what happens is stuff that you didn't think to worry about.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
For the "America" pedantry, I use "Murka" - makes the distinction
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Re: places to live. PNWs primary threat is a massive 9.0+ earthquake that is overdue along with any number of our active volcanoes erupting. For a while I had dreams of moving somewhere less expensive, but at this point I’m totally institutionalized and love it too much to leave.
But I did like the area, and everyone bragged about the climate. I’m afraid the cost of living would rule out anywhere in California as a retirement spot, at least for me.
As for northern New Mexico, I spent one year there when I was 7 years old. We were in Albuquerque for part of that time, and then in a little town outside of Santa Fe. This would have been around 1958. As I recall, this was desert country, very little precipitation, so not that much snow. And the snow did not stick around for long when it did fall. I can assure you that I have no interest in shoveling snow, and I really don’t understand people who choose to live in the frozen northern wastelands.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I haven't heard from him today....must have been a long time waiting for the movie to start, it stays light until about 9 p.m. these days.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
High Desert - dry and hot (80-100 degrees) in summer - cool or cold (20-60 degrees depending on altitude) with rain and snow in winter,
Low Desert - dry and hot (100 degrees +)in summer - 60-70 degrees in winter with little to no rain.
Coastal Beaches - moderating temps in summer (75-95 degrees in south - 70 - 85 in north) and moderating winter temps in winter (50-75 degrees). Winter is rainy season along the entire coastline.
Mountains - great resorts in southern and northern sections for relief from summer heat. Great skiing in central and northern sections. High altitude lakes with boating and fishing.
Unfortunately, as many posters have mentioned, the cost of living in California is exceedingly high. I miss my time in the California Low Desert (Palm Springs area) and would love to return there - especially since my son and grandsons live there. I still wonder how my son survives there making only $100,000 a year, gross. He has a house in La Quinta area with a big mortgage and high real estate taxes. I wish him the best.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
most likely the ongoing inventory shortage will keep me from doing anything in the near future. But I think I know what I want for Christmas this year!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That half empty lot is pretty scary.
Maybe our 2014 C250 will become valuable!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
off the top of my head, for new cars, I want to see a Maverick and Santa Cruz in person. the new Civic (regular or Si) interests me. The new GTI looks really good. I did like a dark blue F150 my local dealer had. I will drive one, but suspect I just won't want to deal with something that big. I will try out a new style Miata too just for the heck of it. A Turbo Mazda 3 or CX30 might work. A couple of the newer hybrids are nice. Will consider a lease on an EV if there is one of the occasional killer deals offered.
so basically, I need to figure out what my actual needs are, besides 4 wheels!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
so going to say $30k on a GTI is fine. But not going to $45K for an F150. Just as an example.
or I just need to monitor Breld's used car lot until something I like pops up!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Very inaccurate, I question their sources.
For example, the picture they have, same one, is about 1/4 a mile away.
Square footage is missing the whole finished basement area although the town assessment records include it.
https://www.motortrend.com/price/under-30000/
They have Mustangs and Camaros that start for under $30k, but go up to $50 or $60k, so I don't know what you get in the under $30k range.
Ford Ranger is under $30k but doesn't get good marks, Chevy truck for a bit more dollars gets you a much higher rated car......but probably pretty big. The Tacoma starts under $30k
How about a nice 2014 C250 with 34k miles on it, mint condition, no rear camera for $16k?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250