Retirement Relocation; Recommendations

[rrtribble]

Looking for recommendations on possible retirement relocation. We are RVers but not fulltime or even halftime. Retired US Army with 100% service connected disability rating. Illinois has pretty good benefits for DAV with free license plate on one vehicle, retirement income not taxed and no property tax however new taxing increases, sanctuary state movement, etc. PLUS the winter weather is making me seriously think of relocation. Thinking warm would be better. Info desired from those who are living in the state they recommend. Info solicited include: State income Tax for Seniors; Driver License requirements (for DP); vehicle inspection requirement; vehicle annual registration/tags; Property tax rate; Sales Tax rate; winter weather; summer weather; and special considerations.

I realize recommendations will be subjective but really interested in your personal opinion from your personal experiences.

Thanks in advance - Richard

[mrboyer]

Several years we were considering this and found a book that compared all the states and costs associated. You might look for a recent copy. We decided to stay where we were due to family considerations.

[A32Deuce]

We stay in NJ and head south for the winter. Not Fl. Too expensive. Along the northern gulf is nice temps in the winter. Maybe 30s over night and 40s to 70s during the day. We stay south of I 10.

[twogypsies]

I'd suggest you start visiting some other states in both winter and summer to see how you like the temperatures. Keep in mind tornados, hurricanes, flooding, humidity, etc. We love Arizona and have become accustomed to the summer heat and to escape it you don't have to go far. Because it's a dry heat you don't have the wet, sticky feeling like in other areas. We love the desert - the plants and animals and unobstructed views of the mountains. You just need to find 'your' place. Everyone is different.

[redhooker]

It’s muggy down here, but there’s a reason so many relocate to Florida. Zero state income tax. Sales tax 6%. Vehicle registration is relatively cheap ($100 for my one ton), zero vehicle inspections, zero RV license requirements. Excellent carry laws-27 other states offer reciprocity-and prior military get special exemption for carry permits.

Property tax varies by county but we pay about 1.5% of initial appraised value annually-and they cannot increase your value by more than 3% a year if homesteaded. That’s called the save our home amendment and keeps municipalities from taxing out people with developments.

Cost of living here is comparable to any working class state, we are right in the middle on fuel and energy costs as well.

But did I mention it’s dang muggy down here

[Daycruiser]

Originally Posted by redhooker

It’s muggy down here, but there’s a reason so many relocate to Florida. Zero state income tax. Sales tax 6%. Vehicle registration is relatively cheap ($100 for my one ton), zero vehicle inspections, zero RV license requirements. Excellent carry laws-27 other states offer reciprocity-and prior military get special exemption for carry permits.

Property tax varies by county but we pay about 1.5% of initial appraised value annually-and they cannot increase your value by more than 3% a year if homesteaded. That’s called the save our home amendment and keeps municipalities from taxing out people with developments.

Cost of living here is comparable to any working class state, we are right in the middle on fuel and energy costs as well.

But did I mention it’s dang muggy down here

What are the RV registration Fees and is there a personal property tax on the RV?

[boomersooner]

From the financial perspective see Kiplinger Magazine's Retiree Tax Guide.

https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/


Retired Army as well with 70%. Georgia does not tax most retirement income (to include Social Security) and is a top ten in the above link. For health care, Fort Gordon in Augusta has a good hospital with a huge medical community outside of the gates. With NSA and Army Cyber Command moving here the area is booming but real estate is still reasonable. 2-4 hours from the ocean, 2 hours to mountains, 2 hours to Atlanta, 2 hours to Charlotte, worth a look for retired military members.

Good Luck!!
Bob

[Rollin101]

Since you’re 100% DAV I don’t think you’ll find a better state than Tn.
Low property tax with an exemption, no state income tax, no personal property tax, no state inspections, two free vehicle license which are also permanent if you are 100%, no special drivers license for rv.

[Captn John]

The Carolinas ~ also 100% DAV. No state income tax on military retirement. 4 seasons, just subtle, not stupid. No snow near the coast. Low cost of living. There are some less expensive states like hot/humid over populated FL and TN with the unsubtle seasons, but we find this perfect.

[TwoGrizz]

The South Coast of Mississippi!

Health care at Keesler AFB is second to none.
VA Health Care System is rated top notch. Maybe best in US.
Economy is booming but cost of living is low.
I was born here but have lived all over the western states.
Two or three months is unbelievably hot but the other 9 or 10 are great.
Boating and fishing are good pastimes.
Look up "cruizin the coast"!

[Rvlegaleagle]

Great subject for a post!

The question seems to imply you want to change your state residence (domicile) and like buying a RV its a mixed bag. Not sure what 100% is but it sounds good

The weather is certainly an issue as raised above, heard you go north or high in the mountains in the summer and Arizona (not Florida) in the winter.

Another issue besides taxes is nationwide health insurance coverage.

Some of what I have read list South Dakota, Texas and Florida as the three most common and favorable domicles for full timers.

There is a lot to research and learn will be following

[Finance]

You're smart to do your due diligence. And think of the intangible quality of life bits too. We spent our working lives being where we were needed, when we were needed, in order to earn a living.

Now in retirement, we want what we want. Currently in a state with very high costs for the summer, but we like it here. Money is just a means to an end, not the goal itself.

[Rvlegaleagle]

Might want to read this post on here too...

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f92/what-...ss-378081.html

[Bamaman]

East Tennessee or the NE Georgia Mountains would be my picks. Huntsville and Guntersville, Alabama are also great places to live--with fine VA facilities at Redstone Arsenal.

The Tennessee River is #1 cruising river in the U.S. with 650 miles of navigable water.