I am posting here to get the facts and figures on what it will cost me to live in the northwest Pennsylvania area. I am tired of explaining to my parents all the reasons why I am leaving south Florida. They can't see a world outside their beloved, overpriced state. I pointed out the heat, hurricanes, crime, traffic, high cost of living, overpriced houses(thanks to the stupid bubble) lots of illegals, etc. I want a slower, safer lifestyle in a town up north and also want to experience a change of seasons.
They insist on me throwing away money renting before I buy. Ive explained to them that renting does cost less in locations that experienced a house bubble but in other places where houses stayed cheap, renting costs much more, sometimes double of what it costs to own! I go by the 1:125 rule meaning owning vs. monthly rent x 125. Example is a $250k house, if the rent costs less than $2000/month then you are better off renting, else you should buy the house. But in an area of $25,000 to $50,000 houses, the rent should cost $200 to $400 a month. However the rent costs $400 to $650 a month so I am losing over $200 a month renting vs. owning.
I will still rent month to month for 3-6 months to make my parents happy. They think I will not like living up north for several reasons(their biggest reason is the cold) but I don't want to be in Florida either. Ive done my research on where I should relocate and northwest Pennsylvania is the best and cheapest choice. My parents say I could relocate to Gainesville, FL. It's somewhat better than south Florida but still has many of the problems and is still way overpriced! You need $150k for a 1500 square feet starter house! :roll:
I will be getting the same size house, actually itll be bigger since ill also get a basement and attic which combined contains alot more storage space than a car garage which few older houses have. A such house will set me back $37,500 at a cost of $25/foot. This is a fourth the cost of Gainesville as well as most parts of Florida that aren't crime ridden ghettos. Crime is a big reason I seek a safer location. Safe locations in Florida don't come cheap!
The questions id like to ask is how much will it cost to live in northwest Pennsylvania or some other equivalent affordable location? Id like to know the expenses of electricity, water, garbage, heating, repairs(once I own instead of rent) and other such expenses. I know that the biggest expense is owning the house itself and ill save over $100,000 by moving from FL to PA. Many others have left FL and other expensive states for cheaper states as well.
They insist on me throwing away money renting before I buy. Ive explained to them that renting does cost less in locations that experienced a house bubble but in other places where houses stayed cheap, renting costs much more, sometimes double of what it costs to own! I go by the 1:125 rule meaning owning vs. monthly rent x 125. Example is a $250k house, if the rent costs less than $2000/month then you are better off renting, else you should buy the house. But in an area of $25,000 to $50,000 houses, the rent should cost $200 to $400 a month. However the rent costs $400 to $650 a month so I am losing over $200 a month renting vs. owning.
I will still rent month to month for 3-6 months to make my parents happy. They think I will not like living up north for several reasons(their biggest reason is the cold) but I don't want to be in Florida either. Ive done my research on where I should relocate and northwest Pennsylvania is the best and cheapest choice. My parents say I could relocate to Gainesville, FL. It's somewhat better than south Florida but still has many of the problems and is still way overpriced! You need $150k for a 1500 square feet starter house! :roll:
I will be getting the same size house, actually itll be bigger since ill also get a basement and attic which combined contains alot more storage space than a car garage which few older houses have. A such house will set me back $37,500 at a cost of $25/foot. This is a fourth the cost of Gainesville as well as most parts of Florida that aren't crime ridden ghettos. Crime is a big reason I seek a safer location. Safe locations in Florida don't come cheap!
The questions id like to ask is how much will it cost to live in northwest Pennsylvania or some other equivalent affordable location? Id like to know the expenses of electricity, water, garbage, heating, repairs(once I own instead of rent) and other such expenses. I know that the biggest expense is owning the house itself and ill save over $100,000 by moving from FL to PA. Many others have left FL and other expensive states for cheaper states as well.
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It's lot more expensive than Maryland, usually in Seattle metro area. $400k buys you a 800 sq condo.
$80,000 is too much thanks to the house bubble. You used to be able to get a starter house for $50k in parts of Florida before the bubble, those prices peaked at $150k to $200k and are now down half of peak prices but still too high. As for heat, the locals claim it costs only $100 a month if you don't waste heat or insist on 80 degrees. I am deaf, ive never been able to use phones. Ill take my cell with me but can only use it for text messages at $10 a month. If others want to communicate, I prefer instant messenger on the internet. Not interested in a car, waste of money and in the town im moving to, I can simply walk shopping. It's good exercise! 
