Greetings from NYC-counting the days till we say C-YA!

[Beachgrl]

Hi there,
I've perused the forums a couple of times in the past and decided to finally join in the fun.

My hubbs and I are in our 40s, childfree native NY'ers who are ready to head for the South. Not just because of the weather either.

I use the retirement countdown app and look at it whenever I get glum. 6 years to go.

Looking forward to chatting with you guys!

[Katiek]

Welcome, Beachgrl!

[Bamaman]

We Southerners love to come to The City for the theatre and a long weekend--about every 7-10 years.

Last trip we avoided Manhatten altogether--staying in Brooklyn's Prospect Park/Vanderbilt Ave. area.

We honestly don't understand how the common man can absorb the cost of housing, city income taxes, state income taxes and federal income taxes--and have the funds to eat.

Come on down South. You wouldn't believe the house you can get for the money. We're actually wore shoes to school when we were kids and maintain a far higher standard of living than those in high tax/high housing cost areas. And we don't have to spend 2 hours a day commuting.

[Beachgrl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katiek Welcome, Beachgrl!

Thanks Katiek!

[Beachgrl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaman We Southerners love to come to The City for the theatre and a long weekend--about every 7-10 years. Last trip we avoided Manhatten altogether--staying in Brooklyn's Prospect Park/Vanderbilt Ave. area. We honestly don't understand how the common man can absorb the cost of housing, city income taxes, state income taxes and federal income taxes--and have the funds to eat. Come on down South. You wouldn't believe the house you can get for the money. We're actually wore shoes to school when we were kids and maintain a far higher standard of living than those in high tax/high housing cost areas. And we don't have to spend 2 hours a day commuting.

Thanks for the reply!

It's extremely difficult if you are not making $100+ a year, even then you are probably living in the boroughs.

It's not just that though; it's the direction the City (and this crazy Mayor) are going in. It's just not enjoyable to live here anymore. The inmates are running the asylum.

It's even more difficult when the common man is born and raised here, and have family here. We obviously don't come from wealth. We are hard working folks who live a middle class life. It's a shame we are ready to run and leave it all behind. But I feel like we've already soaked up all the city has to offer; our wild and crazy days are behind us now, we've done every museum/attraction, and are ready for a different way of life, as you say, not commuting.

[brewer12345]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachgrl Thanks for the reply! It's extremely difficult if you are not making $100+ a year, even then you are probably living in the boroughs. It's not just that though; it's the direction the City (and this crazy Mayor) are going in. It's just not enjoyable to live here anymore. The inmates are running the asylum. It's even more difficult when the common man is born and raised here, and have family here. We obviously don't come from wealth. We are hard working folks who live a middle class life. It's a shame we are ready to run and leave it all behind. But I feel like we've already soaked up all the city has to offer; our wild and crazy days are behind us now, we've done every museum/attraction, and are ready for a different way of life, as you say, not commuting.

Been there, done that. Escaped the metro area 4 years ago. I should have left sooner.

[truenorth418]

I have lived in NYC for over 15 years, and when I retired over 3 years ago I fully expected to pull up stakes and head south or west. Better weather, wide open skies, lower taxes, etc.

Instead, I remain in NYC. I find it a stimulating place for an early retiree, my friends are here, and it's a decent home base for all the travel I do. I still think I will move within the next couple of years, just don't know when or where yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

[PhrugalPhan]

Phew, a 6 year count down. Hang in there. (Then I looked at mine - 7 yr., 11 mo.. OK, 6 years doesn't look so bad.)

[medelste]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachgrl Hi there, I use the retirement countdown app and look at it whenever I get glum. 6 years to go. Looking forward to chatting with you guys!

Hi Beachgrl, my wife and I are 40-somethings living in NYC, too. DW - the lucky one - is handing in her resignation in a matter of days (!), while I'll probably continue for one more year.

Have you read this? Reader Financial Review: Escape From New York - Go Curry Cracker!Go Curry Cracker! It's a good reminder of why - financially - we should get out of NYC as quick as possible!

[yakitori]

I'm in NYC as well. Almost 40 with a wife and 2 kids. I have a very high income, but it does't got far here in NYC, as taxes, housing costs, daycare, schools (private if you live in the city as most public is a mess) and pretty much anything basic taken for granted in the rest of the U.S will leave you with nothing. Even then, I've managed to save a lot, just not sure if its enough. If I ever leave this city, we would not be able to generate even perhaps 20% of our income, and probably would not want to work anyway, at least not for money. I have a hard time figuring what a life outside of NYC will cost. We'd like to move somewhere with good climate, good food, decent diversity, good public schools, low crime, good healthcare facilities and an urban feel. Low taxes would be nice but not necessary. Our costs right now are about 150k/year without any schooling costs. With private preschool about 20k a year, it will add up. But we plan to send our kids to public school after that, assuming we can find a neighborhood where the RE prices have not ballooned beyond comprehension. Like the OP, we have enjoyed all there is to enjoy in this city, and we feel lifestyle for even the above average person is only getting worse due to many factors highlighted by her. We are ready and itching to get out!

[Beachgrl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by medelste Hi Beachgrl, my wife and I are 40-somethings living in NYC, too. DW - the lucky one - is handing in her resignation in a matter of days (!), while I'll probably continue for one more year. Have you read this? Reader Financial Review: Escape From New York - Go Curry Cracker!Go Curry Cracker! It's a good reminder of why - financially - we should get out of NYC as quick as possible!

oh to be your dw!! Congrats!

I liked the article! I liked the first commenter who said he'd be "on his way down I95 to Florida asap!" LOL yes!

[Beachgrl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakitori I'm in NYC as well. Almost 40 with a wife and 2 kids. I have a very high income, but it does't got far here in NYC, as taxes, housing costs, daycare, schools (private if you live in the city as most public is a mess) and pretty much anything basic taken for granted in the rest of the U.S will leave you with nothing. Even then, I've managed to save a lot, just not sure if its enough. If I ever leave this city, we would not be able to generate even perhaps 20% of our income, and probably would not want to work anyway, at least not for money. I have a hard time figuring what a life outside of NYC will cost. We'd like to move somewhere with good climate, good food, decent diversity, good public schools, low crime, good healthcare facilities and an urban feel. Low taxes would be nice but not necessary. Our costs right now are about 150k/year without any schooling costs. With private preschool about 20k a year, it will add up. But we plan to send our kids to public school after that, assuming we can find a neighborhood where the RE prices have not ballooned beyond comprehension. Like the OP, we have enjoyed all there is to enjoy in this city, and we feel lifestyle for even the above average person is only getting worse due to many factors highlighted by her. We are ready and itching to get out!

I give you a lot of credit raising kids here, I think it's a very hard job made harder by the conditions here.

Let us know where you finally settle!