Moving to DC - Question about Taxes

[JohnnyBoots]

Moving to DC in May. I heard that if you live in DC rather than MD or VA that you get a signifigantly large chunk of taxes taken out of your paycheck for DC City taxes. Could someone elaborate on this for me or tell me a rough percentage vs. MD and VA percentages? Also how is the U Street area as a neighborhood? Any advice on neighborhoods to look for apartments in? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[northzax]

1. yes, DC taxes are higher than Maryland or Virginia

moving from DC to suburban VA is roughly like getting a 5% raise. Of course, there are other costs associated with living in the burbs (car, insurance, gas, other transportation, etc)

what kind of neighborhood do you want? what kind of neighbors do you want? what kind of rent/mortgage are you willing to assume? all makes a difference.

[displacedtexan]

2. It cost us $1000 more in taxes to move to DC from Baltimore.

Yikes!

Here's a DC Crime site link with U ST stats:

http://www.crimeindc.org/stats/street/U_St_NW

[JohnnyBoots]

3. Thanks n/t

[sbj405]

4. Keep in mind, it's not just income taxes.

It's vehicle taxes, sales tax restaurant tax (10%), parking permit fees, etc. Sadly, DC has very little tax base (due to mostly gov and non profits), so the costs get passed along to the residents.

Are you looking to buy or rent?

[JohnnyBoots]

5. Looking to rent for a year, then

buy. Going to find a place this weekend. Do you recommend any areas to look or restaurants to hit up. Any iput would be appreciated. Thanks. How is the job market there?

[sbj405]

6. Well, I usually recommend places based on where you'll be working

If you're looking for convenience (walk everywhere kind of places), check out along the Red line (Dupont, Woodley, Cleveland Park). Probably a little cheaper in NW along the Green Line (Columbia Heights, Shaw, Petworth). Like any city one block can be fine and the next a bit sketchy, so definitely visit at night as well. There are also some metro accessible places just outside the city (Arlington, Takoma Park, Silver Spring) that are just as convenient. Again, really depends on what you're looking for, how much you're looking to pay, and what type/length commute you are willing to deal with. PM me if you want some specific advice.

What type and/or what area of the city will you be in?

[JohnnyBoots]

7. Thanks for the info, we

found a beautiful rent to own in Petworth only a 10 minute walk to the Metro and it is on a great block. The wife will be working at Walter Reed and Bethesda which is close, and the Metro can get me anywhere I need to go once I find a job. Thanks again for all your help. How nice was the weather in DC last weekend!