North Carolina or South Carolina

[MacInToshAA]

We now live in inland South Carolina but will be retiring soon. We have a choice to live just above Little River, SC; but that would be in North Carolina. What would be the plusses of living in North Carolina as opposed to South Carolina?

[NcSc74]

Nothing really. Except NC is a little tax heavy. Down in that area you will never know you crossed the border if not for the signs. In many regard we are one state separated by a line on a map. So I guess its your choice...

[Spartan]

South Carolina is better for retirees. Better tax breaks, etc. Its the reason so many are moving to the Lowcountry (and other places too). That and its less expensive than Florida, with more land to develop than Georgia.

[NcSc74]

That is true but a lot of communties in the eastern part of the state are starting to cater to the halfbacks. NC has too many roads to maintain which is part of the heavy taxation. At any rate I don't think there is a huge disparity between eastern NC/SC property tax etc...burdern. Unless you smoke or drink I really don't see any other tax rate that can really hurt you other than the gas tax. Not sure what SC gas tax stands at now. NC is pretty much middle of the pack as far as overall tax burden.

[Raintree21]

If you go to the Carolina Living website, they have some pretty good comparisons between NC and SC. For taxes, go to the financial section.

[Spartan]

That is true but a lot of communties in the eastern part of the state are starting to cater to the halfbacks. NC has too many roads to maintain which is part of the heavy taxation. At any rate I don't think there is a huge disparity between eastern NC/SC property tax etc...burdern. Unless you smoke or drink I really don't see any other tax rate that can really hurt you other than the gas tax. Not sure what SC gas tax stands at now. NC is pretty much middle of the pack as far as overall tax burden.

[NcSc74]

You gotta have taxes to pay for civic programs. New roads (I-73/74) and loops for every city in state have to be paid forward somehow. IMO this is the outcome of poor management of funds from decades ago and not forseeing the growth spurt the state is experiencing. Also school, infrastructure upgrades and intercity rail service is all paid and subsidized by the state. OK back on topic...I just wanted to mention that southern Brunswick county should see rising property values as the new port becomes reality. The forcast is upwards of 50K jobs could be created in the Wilmington area because of both ports expansion efforts. I guess its just comes down to personal choice and the economics of it all.