If not Indianapolis suburbs, then where???

[ndindy]

Originally Posted by ImmerLernen

^^^This is what I've been getting the impression of through my research, and yes, that's kinda what we're after, so thanks!

And yes, your financial analysis pretty much matches up with my expectations. We know we won't be saving money overall except maybe on gasoline and sales taxes (sales tax is currently 10% in our city), especially since we're looking to up-size our home.

We're planning a visit for later this year, and while we're looking forward to it with a positive/hopeful attitude, we're well aware that we may come away from the experience deciding it's a nice place to visit, but we'd never want to live there.

Eating out at restaurants is a 10% tax in Marion and the surrounding counties. (I didn’t know sales tax was that much in Orange County.) I highly recommend Carmel based on what you have posted. Well updnoive to hear from you once this progresses further.

[ImmerLernen]

Originally Posted by ndindy

I didn’t know sales tax was that much in Orange County.

I'm not sure there are any cities in the OC with sales tax at 10%, but my city (in LA County) is that high thanks to a bunch of nickle & dime increases approved by voters -- who are highly susceptible to anything presented to them with the phrase, "It's for the children," with no thought whatsoever given to the financial repercussions.

I grew up in Orange County, though, and that's where we'd choose to live at the moment if (1) we could better afford it, and (2) my husband's commute time wouldn't double. So, that's why I use OC as my relocation reference point.

On another subject, did you feel this morning's earthquake?

[ndindy]

LA county is expensive on the sales tax. Living in San Diego, we may get a break on some things that I am not aware of.

Just curious--would Riverside or Orange County be a fit for you? Temecula? (Temecula reminds me some of Indiana, but has beautiful scenery/topography.) I am pro-California, but being here for two years gives me a little insight as to peoples frustrations.

Didn't feel the earthquake...must have been tired!

[NewHomer556]

Originally Posted by ndindy

Eating out at restaurants is a 10% tax in Marion and the surrounding counties. (I didn’t know sales tax was that much in Orange County.) I highly recommend Carmel based on what you have posted. Well updnoive to hear from you once this progresses further.

its 9% in Marion County and 8% in the Donut Counties.

[Graywhiskers]

Originally Posted by NewHomer556

its 9% in Marion County and 8% in the Donut Counties.

Unfortunately, there are city as well as county additional sales tax on restaurants:

"Local Taxes. Food & Beverage Tax: Hamilton County and three of its major cities – Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield – each adopted a 1 percent food and beverage tax in 2005. The food and beverage tax is added to the sales tax, so prepared food and beverages are taxed at 9 percent."

investhamiltoncounty.com/Doing-Business-Here/Operating-Environment/Taxes.aspx


Same for Zionsville and Brownsburg:
https://www.in.gov/dor/4039.htm

[ndindy]

Originally Posted by Graywhiskers

Unfortunately, there are city as well as county additional sales tax on restaurants:

"Local Taxes. Food & Beverage Tax: Hamilton County and three of its major cities – Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield – each adopted a 1 percent food and beverage tax in 2005. The food and beverage tax is added to the sales tax, so prepared food and beverages are taxed at 9 percent."

investhamiltoncounty.com/Doing-Business-Here/Operating-Environment/Taxes.aspx


Same for Zionsville and Brownsburg:
https://www.in.gov/dor/4039.htm

This is what makes calculating taxes in Indiana challenging. Taxes get added by different localities add up to more than the base rate that is published. People are quick to point out that Indiana's state income tax rate is 3.23%. That doesn't include the local taxes imposed by the county, city, or township. It's never less than a 4.23%, and in most places averages between 5-6%.

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by ndindy

A $500k budget for a house is reasonable, but you may be surprised it doesn't go as far as you expect.

$500K is more than enough in central Indiana, easily by $250K in some areas. The newest Fishers area neighborhood off of E. 96th Street just outside of Fortville has homes starting in the mid-$200Ks. A little further north, the homes were starting at $325K. These are production neighborhoods, but the homes are big and the price difference is basically fancy exteriors, more brick/stone vs cement board, basement or crawl. A custom 2,200ish finished main floor, with an unfinished bonus room and unfinished 1,100 sq. ft. basement, all brick, will cost around $325K from what I recently heard (this is up from just two years ago, by about $15Kish). The lot will very depending on location in the metro area. $500K is plenty, more than enough for a really nice custom build even if the lot runs you into the mid-five figures.

[ndindy]

Originally Posted by indy_317

$500K is more than enough in central Indiana, easily by $250K in some areas. The newest Fishers area neighborhood off of E. 96th Street just outside of Fortville has homes starting in the mid-$200Ks. A little further north, the homes were starting at $325K. These are production neighborhoods, but the homes are big and the price difference is basically fancy exteriors, more brick/stone vs cement board, basement or crawl. A custom 2,200ish finished main floor, with an unfinished bonus room and unfinished 1,100 sq. ft. basement, all brick, will cost around $325K from what I recently heard (this is up from just two years ago, by about $15Kish). The lot will very depending on location in the metro area. $500K is plenty, more than enough for a really nice custom build even if the lot runs you into the mid-five figures.

We were discussing Carmel specifically. The market in Carmel is virtually non existent for a single family home below $300k, and between $300-500k, is a mix of production housing and older custom homes. The market is very competitive for the best locations and homes. Fishers and Fortville are less expensive options, but I don't know anyone who would build a custom home on a 2200 sq ft footprint with a basement and bonus room for $325k, and if they would, it would not include the lot.