Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in New Jersey, have lots of family and friends there, and would love to retire there. Unfortunately, the taxes (income, property and estate) make it very, very difficult to justify. Only way will be if we can stay more than six months in a second home in Maine, but the winters make that very difficult.

I would not pick Maine because I hate it that cold. But other than that, all of this resonates with me. (I have been unsuccessfully trying to get my parents to pick somewhere cheaper).

I agree - but June through September, it's glorious. Unfortunately, that isn't long enough to establish permanent residency so as to avoid NJ taxes.

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in New Jersey, have lots of family and friends there, and would love to retire there. Unfortunately, the taxes (income, property and estate) make it very, very difficult to justify. Only way will be if we can stay more than six months in a second home in Maine, but the winters make that very difficult.

I would not pick Maine because I hate it that cold. But other than that, all of this resonates with me. (I have been unsuccessfully trying to get my parents to pick somewhere cheaper).

It’s not cooler, are you kidding? The mosquitoes are insane. Taxes are high. But I do like NJ.

Anonymous wrote:When I was growing up in NYC / Greenwich Ct, New Jersey was referred to frequently as the "armpit of North America"

Make of that what you will. Don't move there until you've visited extensively and stayed in different areas, met the people, eaten in the restaurants.

Culturally its nothing like Virginia.

It is not at all surprising that someone who grew up in Greenwich and NYC (upper _____ side, I expect) has that view. Frankly, I view it as a compliment.

I grew up in New Jersey, have lots of family and friends there, and would love to retire there. Unfortunately, the taxes (income, property and estate) make it very, very difficult to justify. Only way will be if we can stay more than six months in a second home in Maine, but the winters make that very difficult.

I LOVE New Jersey, and my only caveat for you is the taxes.

Anonymous wrote:What does TM mean?

assuming it means trademark

When I was growing up in NYC / Greenwich Ct, New Jersey was referred to frequently as the "armpit of North America"

Make of that what you will. Don't move there until you've visited extensively and stayed in different areas, met the people, eaten in the restaurants.

Culturally its nothing like Virginia.

taxes are way, way too high same with CT and NY.

What does TM mean?

Anonymous wrote:PA is far more common for retirement for multiple tax reasons.

+1 taxes, OP. My sibling lives there, and their taxes are insane.

PA would be better.

The real estate taxes are insane

PA is far more common for retirement for multiple tax reasons.

I see the advantages but you won’t like the high taxes.

From Virginia. Suddenly New Jersey was a consideration. (Suddenly, New Jersery! (tm))

The advantages to me are *slightly* cooler summers.
Still have seasons.
Proximity to medical care as we age.
Proximity to NYC for visits.
Proximity to travel hubs.
Close to beach/lakes for day trips.

Happy to hear your pros and cons.

(Bracing myself)