May move to another state in the future?

[billy]

I'm contemplating our plan "B" to leave California to a better and lower cost of living state, maybe when wife decides to fire....she has cold feet. CA. is a great place to make money, but after that not so sure. We have no kids, but 2 older dogs, so proud of them as they just did a 6 mile hike the other day. A place that's not too rainy, not too hot, not too cold (sounds like CA :), no income tax, low crime, expanded medicaid (just in case) and lower cost of living/property tax. We would be happy to buy a small 1 bedroom single family home, I know that seems like a unicorn, depending on the area. I would love to get a modular prefab tiny house and plop it on a little lot and not be hosed on fees, if even legal in the city. It seems Kennewick, Washington is a good value. Are there any of cities in Washington I missed or any other ideas?

[clarkfan1979]

If you are FIRE and can control your spending through selling investments, I would put almost zero weight on state income tax.

Based on everything you have said, the panhandle of FL is usually mentioned the most. However, west coast people typically do not like the local culture there. Considering how far it is from CA, it would be difficult to visit family/friends flying back and forth.

The cost of living drops significantly once you get about one hour outside of the city center of any major city. I would look at the "last stop" via rail outside of major cities. 

[Morning Glory]

With no kids in school,  you can rent short term in a few places you are thinking of moving to. Should be easy enough to find places that allow dogs. Just put your stuff in storage and go!!!

[Paul der Krake]

Income taxes are not a problem in CA if you keep your income low to moderate. Run the numbers with your projected FIRE income, you may be surprised. And remember that spending and income are not the same thing!

[billy]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and ya the Florida panhandle looks interesting.

[GreenSheep]

...the panhandle of FL is usually mentioned the most. However, west coast people typically do not like the local culture there.

Could you elaborate on this, please? Thanks!

[mrsnamemustache]

...the panhandle of FL is usually mentioned the most. However, west coast people typically do not like the local culture there.

Could you elaborate on this, please? Thanks!

The panhandle is very southern conservative (which also means higher levels of racism, etc). Often referred to as Lower Alabama. However there are pockets that are less like this, such as Tallahassee or some coastal communities.

I’ll use this chance to make a plug for Gainesville FL. MMM lifestyle friendly college town.

[BlueHouse]

I would love to get a modular prefab tiny house and plop it on a little lot and not be hosed on fees, if even legal in the city.

Someone else on this forum said this before, and I'm just gonna paraphrase it here:  you realize this is also called a trailer, right?

[LightStache]

I'm in CA and also considering whether to leave after FIRE. My planned taxable income will be around $60K, which is about $2.3K in income tax. But my family is in CA so I could easily end up spending that much traveling back to visit them.

My leading FIRE town is Vancouver, WA. No income tax and close to Portland where there's no sales tax.

But as others have suggested, I might just end up traveling around to test some places out or just keep as a permanent nomad. I spent several months in Pensacola and a couple years in Jacksonville -- the conservative/redneckedness didn't bother me as much as the heat and humidity!

[billy]

@mrsnamemustache, more great suggestions, I added them to my search. Another reason for the plan "B" is to find a greater sense of community. I'm learning about cohousing and pocket neighborhoods right now.

@BlueHouse, oops I meant a modular home, and these guys seem super cool https://www.boxabl.com/, just needs to be a weee bit bigger to get wife approval, modular construction is made to a higher standard than stick built.

[BlueHouse]

I meant a modular home, and these guys seem super cool https://www.boxabl.com/, just needs to be a weee bit bigger to get wife approval, modular construction is made to a higher standard than stick built.

Cute!  Here are a few other options that will soon become popular as Accessory Dwelling Units in DC (backyard approved)
https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/dc-debuts-pre-approved-plans-for-accessory-dwelling-units/18936