Author Topic: Relocation advice needed .... moving states for a new job  (Read 2503 times)

FuckRx

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Relocation advice needed .... moving states for a new job
« on: September 13, 2014, 10:25:44 PM »

I'm 30's single guy. This is the first time I'm moving (potentially) because I want to and not because I have to.  I will give my job a 90 day notice soon so the plan would be to move up to Portland from San Diego in December sometime. So I have enough time to actually plan this move.
I have a bed/TV/desk and some clothes, 2 bikes. The job pays $10k in moving expenses but I dunno if I get taxed on that if I use it, gotta look into that. I have a smart car so I can everything but the TV, jk, I can't fit shit in there.
I have sprint (Ting actually) for my cell carrier. What internet service providers are up there for home internet?
I need to figure out where to live until I find a place of my own, gonna rent the first few years most likely. Would Airbnb too expensive for temporary lodging?

mandy_2002

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Re: Relocation advice needed .... moving states for a new job
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2014, 11:41:51 PM »
I can answer two small questions on this one:
I recently moved with my company.  Taxation of the moving stipend depends on the characterization of it.  Almost all of my moving expenses were taxed, including the "lump sum" portion to cover any misc. fees.  My company very nicely grossed this up (paying the 40% marginal tax rate on it (the pay stub showed $14,000 with a $10,000 lump sum), however because of this, I ended up not being eligible for my Roth IRA (if I had known this before investing for the year I could have done it differently, but I didn't).  So, long story short, assume it will be taxed, and figure $6,000 (unless your maginal bracket with all other federal and state deductions included is lower). 
For Airbnb cost, this really depends on what you're looking for.  You can check out the monthly rate for places now for the comfort of lower CA.  You'll have to decide for yourself weather the $1000 for bare bones/$1300 for slightly more is worth the "entire place" or $500-$700 for a solo room (from the PDX Airbnb site, December to January) are acceptable to figure out where you should live with very little commitment (I would say it obviously depends, but currently with my stubbly lady 'stache I would accept this for no more than a month).
Happy decision making!

pdxvandal

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Re: Relocation advice needed .... moving states for a new job
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2014, 11:51:40 PM »
Internet carriers are basically Comcast (they suck) and CenturyLink (they suck less).

Just pick a neigborhood within 2-3 miles of your work and live there until you figure out where you really want to be. A lot of great PDX 'hoods. I would live on the east side unless you want to feel like you're in California again. The west side has plenty of strip malls,  manicured lawns and a severe lack of diversity.