Yep. I have friends that moved from MD to FL to retire, and now like to poke fun about Maryland's high tax rates. But then when they complain about the state of their roads and infrastructure and public services, I be sure to take the opportunity to remind them that I *chose* to live in one of the counties in MD with the highest local tax rate. That is why I can fill out an online form about a pothole or even faded lane markings and it will be fixed a week or two later! Dealing with permitting and the courts here have been really easy for me, and the local schools are excellent. (I also can't stand the climate in Florida, but that's a completely different thread...)
Thanks for posting this. My Mom and stepdad are in a similar situation. Back in 2002 they bought a second home down in Florida, and talked about moving down there when they retired. But, they both retired in 2011, yet they're still up here in Maryland. They'll use the place in Florida as a vacation getaway, but just won't make the plunge. BUT, they sure do love to gripe about Maryland!
Personally, I don't think it's *that* bad. But, I've lived here my whole life, and just don't know anything different. But, taxes can vary greatly, by county, and even by city, I'm sure. I used to live in Prince George's County, but recently moved to Anne Arundel. My Mom and stepdad live in St. Mary's County. Mom was recently complaining because she had an old refrigerator she wanted to get rid of, and would have to pay to have it hauled away. Or, if they took it to the dump themselves, they'd have to pay. But, in Anne Arundel, I think I could just call bulky trash to come get it. And I know for a fact I can just take it to the dump myself and get rid of it, for free. I know PG has free bulk trash pickup, but I think you might have to pay, if you take it to the dump yourself.
But, she also pays less in property taxes than I do in AA County, or I did in PG. Although interestingly, St. Mary's county takes more in income tax than Anne Arundel. But, overall, you get what you pay for.
For the most part, AA County's property taxes seem lower than PG, for an equivalent type home. But, I've also noticed a bit of a reduction in services and other things. For instance, the streets don't seem as well maintained. And, out where I live, they're narrow, no sidewalks or curbs, etc. Of course, get into the more rural areas of PG, and you get that as well. There seems to be less police presence as well, but, at the same time, it doesn't seem like we need it out here as much!
I honestly have no idea what my Mom and stepdad would give up in Florida, compared to Maryland, as far as level of local services go. But I'm sure there's something.