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cjthel

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hi guys! can you give some no holds barred advice here... my husband has two job offers out of state - North Carolina & Florida. Both offering good compensation package and we're so confused. Need your inputs on this - PROs and CONs of these places. Thanks a lot!!!

p.s.

raleigh, NC

daytona beach, FL

btw, I don't want to hear "stay where you are at", ok....hehehe :devil:

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Raleigh, NC has been voted the best place in the US to live. Nuff said.

Marilyn and Peter.

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Travel back to Denver July 1, 2005 and received I-551 stamp in the passport.

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If you want direct comparisons between two cities and read opinions from residents, check out the link below

http://www.bestplaces.net/

David & Lalai

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I lived in NC and FL for 13 years each. NC is the place to live, very beautiful and

inexpensive. Less drugs, very family oriented, quieter more laid back lifestyle.

Low crime rate, 4 seasons with a mild winter, not hot and humid 12 months a year.

Very beautiful state, mountains and beaches are all driving distances.

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DARUMA07, feldz23, alienlovechild, hotairguy, thanks for the prompt reply!

We're seriously considering NC but we have a very little thing that I forgot to mention, the FL is 10 grand more for the annual salary. Is it something that can change your view? the link provided by alienlovechild seems very helpful, will have to read it further. If some members here have lived in these places can add their inputs, that would be highly appreciated. Thanks!!!

CJ

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Cost of living in Florida is much higher. The taxes and homeowners insurance will eat up the difference.

Not to mention houses in Florida cost much more and you get very little property, so you are really close to neighbors house. Check out your insurance to cover all the hurricanes, it is very expensive, if you can even buy it in some places. The housing crisis has hit Florida and California harder than anyone, because of the way over inflated housing prices. Lots of my friends there are fighting to keep their jobs and homes. No one I know in NC is having this problem now. So that $10K might only be $5K after figuring your costs of living.

K-1 Visa

Service Center : California Service Center

Consulate : Manilla, Philipines

I-129F Sent : 2007-12-04

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-12-06

I-129F NOA2 : 2008-03-11

NVC Left : 2008-03-26

Consulate Received : 2008-04-01

Packet 4 Received : 2008-04-11

Interview Date : 2008-06-18 Submit Review

Visa Received : 2008-06-28

US Entry : 2008-07-16

Marriage : 2008-08-21

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Cost of living in Florida is much higher. The taxes and homeowners insurance will eat up the difference.

Not to mention houses in Florida cost much more and you get very little property, so you are really close to neighbors house. Check out your insurance to cover all the hurricanes, it is very expensive, if you can even buy it in some places. The housing crisis has hit Florida and California harder than anyone, because of the way over inflated housing prices. Lots of my friends there are fighting to keep their jobs and homes. No one I know in NC is having this problem now. So that $10K might only be $5K after figuring your costs of living.

I'm a little confused by your post. There are no State taxes in Florida so we get some great tax breaks during income tax season. :unsure:

For an alternative perspective.... it's a buyer's market in Florida right now.... there are some really great deals out there. Insurance isn't hard to get and it's not that expensive. If it were me, I would be looking at long term career goals and possible outcomes in addition to the comparables with regard to location. Which job has greater opportunity for advancement and/or more stability? Which job will give him greater satisfaction?

In any event, that's a nice place to be in.... having two job offers. Either place you pick is a nice place to live. Congratulations!

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What type business is he in?

Which of the two states' demographics has demonstrated a greater outlook in his profession for longevity and opportunities?

I would follow the money and pursue happiness in the state that will afford me the greatest opportunity.

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Cost of living in Florida is much higher. The taxes and homeowners insurance will eat up the difference.

Not to mention houses in Florida cost much more and you get very little property, so you are really close to neighbors house. Check out your insurance to cover all the hurricanes, it is very expensive, if you can even buy it in some places. The housing crisis has hit Florida and California harder than anyone, because of the way over inflated housing prices. Lots of my friends there are fighting to keep their jobs and homes. No one I know in NC is having this problem now. So that $10K might only be $5K after figuring your costs of living.

I'm a little confused by your post. There are no State taxes in Florida so we get some great tax breaks during income tax season. :unsure:

For an alternative perspective.... it's a buyer's market in Florida right now.... there are some really great deals out there. Insurance isn't hard to get and it's not that expensive. If it were me, I would be looking at long term career goals and possible outcomes in addition to the comparables with regard to location. Which job has greater opportunity for advancement and/or more stability? Which job will give him greater satisfaction?

In any event, that's a nice place to be in.... having two job offers. Either place you pick is a nice place to live. Congratulations!

Ditto :thumbs:

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My family lives in daytona area for over 20 years now,.. crime rate is very high, great place for a short visit, not to live. Do you have any children in school? If so one more reason to stay clear of Daytona beach. now if you said more north or south of daytona that might change things. But someday I'd like to end up in N.C. or nearby ... good luck

2008-03-03 : I-130 Sent

2008-03-03 : I-130 NOA1

2008-05-08 : Touched

2008-10-16 : Touched

2008-10-20 : Touched and Approved (NOA2)

2008-03-27 : I-129F Sent

2008-03-31 : I-129F NOA1

2008-04-24 : Touched

2008-10-03 : Touched

2008-10-05 : Touched

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My family lives in daytona area for over 20 years now,.. crime rate is very high, great place for a short visit, not to live. Do you have any children in school? If so one more reason to stay clear of Daytona beach. now if you said more north or south of daytona that might change things.

I have to agree. I wouldn't want to live in Daytona either. Anywhere in the surrounding areas is nice (west, north, south) We're not far from Daytona and we live in a really lovely area.

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Thanks guys! yes, Ronjie, that's one of the major things that we are considering coz we have kids aged 6 & 4 that we want to rear the Filipino way.

I don't say to keep the kids away just coz of the crime there,... the schools are the worst I personally have ever seen !!!!

it should be easy to check.. good luck

2008-03-03 : I-130 Sent

2008-03-03 : I-130 NOA1

2008-05-08 : Touched

2008-10-16 : Touched

2008-10-20 : Touched and Approved (NOA2)

2008-03-27 : I-129F Sent

2008-03-31 : I-129F NOA1

2008-04-24 : Touched

2008-10-03 : Touched

2008-10-05 : Touched

2008-10-06 : Touched

2008-10-20 : Touched and Approved (NOA2)

2008-10-22 : NVC Receive

2008-10-24 : NVC Left

2008-10-30 : USEM Receive

2008-11-10 : Wife's Medical - PASSED

2008-12-01 : Son's Medical - PASSED

2008-12-19 : USEM Interview - PASSED

2009-01-14 : VISA RECEIVED

2009-01-25 : US Entry (JFK)

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Cost of living in Florida is much higher. The taxes and homeowners insurance will eat up the difference.

Not to mention houses in Florida cost much more and you get very little property, so you are really close to neighbors house. Check out your insurance to cover all the hurricanes, it is very expensive, if you can even buy it in some places. The housing crisis has hit Florida and California harder than anyone, because of the way over inflated housing prices. Lots of my friends there are fighting to keep their jobs and homes. No one I know in NC is having this problem now. So that $10K might only be $5K after figuring your costs of living.

Good point! Thanks!!!

Edited by cjthel

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