What do you do Gresch? I am in real estate; i'm not a broker by the way I manage properties...the numbers speak for themselves, a cheaper home paying higher taxes ends up being more expensive than a more expensive home with cheaper taxes. a $600K home in NYC ends up being less expensive than a $400K home in NJ due to higher property taxes, taxes are not negotiable and have to be paid forever...come on man it's what I do for a living it's not that I am a New Yorker it's that 1+1=2. you just bought in NJ? i'll bet you want to come back to NY in a couple years, it happens to everyone who leaves the NYC for the swamp state.

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I know what my taxes were in Port Washington and I know what they are in NJ, I don't need a property management career to do math. It's common knowledge that property taxes IN NYC are ridiculously low compard to ANYWHERE else because of the density of properties etc in the city. You're comparing apples to oranges. My 2500 sq ft newly built townhouse in NJ cost almost TRIPLE on the north shore of Nassau county, there's no way property taxes are swaying that deal to buying in NYC. You also fail to mention maintenance fees that will go with the OP's newly acquired purchase in NYC, which are on average close to $750-$1000 a MONTH!

You also fail to mention that if the OP lives in NYC he will have to pay NYC tax in addition to NY State and Federal, which isn't chump change.

Regardless, that's not the point. Your ridiculous stereotypical resonses are what I took issue with. The guy isn't looking to buy, he's looking to rent, so how do property taxes even enter into the conversation? Not to mention your ridiculous comments about the tolls on the bridges/tunnels. Maybe you should travel west one day and take a picture of all of the residential real estate built in a swamp in NJ.... come on dude, don't be "that guy", you're too smart for that. Don't forget, i'm a born and bred NY'er, defending NJ takes every ounce of maturity in my body.... which should say a lot my comments.

If you want to bash NJ, it's a lot easier doing it with facts, like the entire government is corrupt, or that the train system needs upgrading, or that the roads are clogged a lot because the highway system needs upgrading...

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

I think you said it yourself...NJ is NJ and that's that.

I don't have a problem with it, I was born in NY and raised a couple blocks from the GWB. Despite you thinking it being a stereotype it's what everyone says "NJ bites" but I guess all the masses are wrong.

Happy Holidays

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I too lived in NY for more than fiftheen years and have been a resident of NJ for the past 10 years, and I have to say that I cannot imagine myself moving back to NY although I work there on daily basis. Carlos, besides the cost of living that you explored, you also have to consider the quality of life, which IMO is superior living in NJ.....especially if you're raising a family. However, all said and done, this is only my opinion. Oh, the swamp thing is just a rediculous comment.

i'm glad to meet you, i was wondering who the spokesman for "everyone" was...

Happy Holidays...

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

A $600K dwelling in NYC (probably a studio/1 bedroom coop) is nothing to a $600K (3 o 4 bedroom + land) home in the suburbs. As for the taxes, you seem to forget cost of living differences. My loaf of bread and a gallon of milk is probably 20-30% less than in the city.

And if you want to have a family, forget it. But as a new graduate, I'd be excited to live in the city, nothing like it. Then again, back in the early 90's rent was only $500 a month down in village with 2 other roommates.

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I've lived in manhattan for more than 10yrs and was born, raised, and went to college in NJ. clearly you havent ventured far off the GWB. i love nyc, and i love NJ. saying the 'swamp state' is just stupid. did you know the dept of health estimated there are anywhere from 1 to 8 rats per person in nyc? you manage buidlings, huh? hells kitchen? breeding ground. (sorry, it's "clinton" now) AND - taxes are not negotiable and have to be paid forever everywhere in the united states!! ever heard that 'death and taxes' line?

but back to the argument. 600k in nyc less expensive than 400k in nj? how about the additional 2.907% to 3.648% NYC income tax that we have to pay as of 2006 (on TOP of state and federal)? how about the 3rd highest cost of living in the WORLD? how about when you buy a condo in nyc, you must pay a mortgage recording tax, aka tax stamps (1.8% of value of apt) and it's due up front at closing (600k x 1.8% = $10,800) if you hit 1mm purchase price, add on another 1% for the mansion tax. its also the law that you must hire an attorney to close ($1,500 - $3000). as previously mentioned, the yearly taxes are low. i agree. BUT also as mentioned every condo or co-op you buy in manhattan will have maintence fees. for a 600k place, figure about another $600-$1200 per month, depending on building, neighborhood, etc. another cool feature of nyc real estate is that when you SELL your 600k apartment, you'll pay a 6% broker commission, and a 1.4% nyc transfer tax.

but, you're in real estate...you probably already knew all that.

well thx for all the interesting input, im thinking the city would be fun, with all the night live and all but i love to drive my x, thought of not driving at all kinda makes me want to go to NJ where i can still drive it at least on the week end. still considering both options

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BMW X5 4.4 04
ACS body Kit
ACS suspension kit
HRE 647R 22"
Paddle shifter (on progress)