We are a family of three (kid in kindergarten) looking for our FIRE locale. Currently living in a HCOL west coast town with high state incomes tax and high property taxes, home valued around $500K. We have seen areas in the US that have the types of homes we are looking for (single family home, 3/2, 2 car garage) ranging from $250-350K. By relocating to a town with lower housing costs and a state without income tax, we are hoping to FIRE in one fell swoop. We are location-independent for work in case we keep going for one more year, so we do not need to be near a large city and prefer small town pace / lack of traffic. Can you help us identify some areas based on these criteria?
-No state income tax
-No estate tax (sorry Washington)
-Mountains within 1 hour for skiing (a small local mountain ski area is OK)
-Walkability - would like to be able to walk to SOMETHING, whether it's elementary school, the gym, the library, a grocery store - not interested in rural living
-Family fitness center / YMCA / rec center with a pool, group fitness classes and kids rec sports
-Homes under $350K
-Public schools with gifted & talented programs and dual-enrollment college courses for high school
Some areas we are researching currently include Laramie WY and Eastern Tennessee. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions!
