USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

[Kim1950]

On 8/9/2017 at 4:14 AM, Jingthing said:

Shreveport-Bossier City , Lousiana.

I lived there for awhile. Home of Barksdale AFB and the Air Force Global Strike Command, so you have a military demographics. This would be in the 'Bible Belt', like Texarkana, TX. Great Bass Fishing. You can drive to New Orleans or go west into Texas. There are nice lakes that away. You most likely can find like minded people and wit the internet you can have a virtual community. For me, living there would be like 'packing-it-in". And when that times comes, it would not be Shreveport-Bossier City.

[Jingthing]

I lived there for awhile. Home of Barksdale AFB and the Air Force Global Strike Command, so you have a military demographics. This would be in the 'Bible Belt', like Texarkana, TX. Great Bass Fishing. You can drive to New Orleans or go west into Texas. There are nice lakes that away. You most likely can find like minded people and wit the internet you can have a virtual community. For me, living there would be like 'packing-it-in". And when that times comes, it would not be Shreveport-Bossier City.

Funny I guess I knew what you meant but packing it in is not really a term I've ever used. Had to look it up. Anyway I think the flooding issue is enough to put me off that place and there are plenty other reasons as well.

[observer90210]

If I was to relocate in the USA, Delaware it's lowest tax rate in the USA (just behind Alaska), the bank discretion friendly climate, would be on the top 1 of my list!...and not to mention those lovely hotties on the beach in summer!!....

[Kim1950]

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

" packing it in "

Colloquially, "packing it in", as giving up on an activity or in this case a lifestyle. In personal context, there's no good or bad to the meaning. I might say, I am "packing it in" for the United States and retiring in Thailand. For me, this would mean a degree of loss with family, friends, lifestyle, or career. As they say, "A Life Re-Imagined". It's also framed within the bounds of your finances, health, and aspirations. Shreveport does have Good Bass Fish'en and friendly backyard Fish Fry's, and Honky-tonks. Those are my fond memories of Shreveport, a less noisy and complicated life. You would need a car and it helps to connect with the community.

 

I am also interested  in low budget repatriation locations that aren't horrible but in the USA or also in the World. I am into my 60's, single and need to downsize. I have reasonable assets though they would be stretched with a long life or health problems. I am looking for a new "Place and Life Re-Imagined". I am imagining Thailand, among other place, so here I am on this forum. In your case, you are already there, and that as value, an asset, keep that into consideration. Then again as our great ancient ancestors and their souls would wonder, what's over the next horizon.

 

 

[amvet]

18 hours ago, observer90210 said:

If I was to relocate in the USA, Delaware it's lowest tax rate in the USA (just behind Alaska), the bank discretion friendly climate, would be on the top 1 of my list!...and not to mention those lovely hotties on the beach in summer!!....

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/retirement-delaware-drawbacks-retirees/2016/03/03/id/717343/

 

High cost of living (10% above national average), no public transportation and doctor shortage.  Global warming hasn't made it there yet as the average snowfall is between 20 and 70 inches.  

[Kim1950]

21 hours ago, Jingthing said:

 "packing it in"

Look into "packing it in" in these places.

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2017/04/20/the-best-places-to-retire-in-2017/#320f03df3ad8

 

Harrisonburg, VA ( Interesting )

Lewiston, ME ( I live in MA, love the Maine Coast, worth a trip.)

Port Charlotte, FL (Think that has been covered )

 

Maybe this all old news.

[GinBoy2]

OK just yet another two cents.

 

So since I moved back, cant say I've had any regrets, great to be on the same continent as my kids who I'm very close too

 

Weather, well never being a beach guy, I can live with harshish winters, so long as the summers are balmy, so dont write off the mountain midwest.

 

Healthcare, well even in a State without extended medicare, I'm paying less than I was in Thailand for BUPA, through the Federal Exchange, for a medical system I have a much greater faith in.

 

Pick a State with low or zero State tax, always a plus

 

And if you were like me living in a farang bubble, it's actually cheaper to live that lifestyle in a low cost State than it is in Thailand.

 

Only thing that is considerably more expensive is my car insurance, but since the car was half the price I would have paid, guess that comes out in the wash.

 

....oh and my internet is phenomenal compared to what I had in Thailand. Other advantage of the more 'backward' States is the the Comcasts of the world aren't interested, so you actually end up with great competition and hence service and prices

Edited August 15, 2017 by GinBoy2

[Jingthing]

Colloquially, "packing it in", as giving up on an activity or in this case a lifestyle. In personal context, there's no good or bad to the meaning. I might say, I am "packing it in" for the United States and retiring in Thailand. For me, this would mean a degree of loss with family, friends, lifestyle, or career. As they say, "A Life Re-Imagined". It's also framed within the bounds of your finances, health, and aspirations. Shreveport does have Good Bass Fish'en and friendly backyard Fish Fry's, and Honky-tonks. Those are my fond memories of Shreveport, a less noisy and complicated life. You would need a car and it helps to connect with the community.
 
I am also interested  in low budget repatriation locations that aren't horrible but in the USA or also in the World. I am into my 60's, single and need to downsize. I have reasonable assets though they would be stretched with a long life or health problems. I am looking for a new "Place and Life Re-Imagined". I am imagining Thailand, among other place, so here I am on this forum. In your case, you are already there, and that as value, an asset, keep that into consideration. Then again as our great ancient ancestors and their souls would wonder, what's over the next horizon.
 
 

Great but be advised that this thread is strictly limited to USA destinations. So people do not bother posting about non USA destinations here.

[amvet]

56 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Great but be advised that this thread is strictly limited to USA destinations. So people do not bother posting about non USA destinations here.

Since the thread specifies repatriation I guess it is limited to Americans going home.  Repatriation "the return of someone to their own country." 

[Jingthing]

27 minutes ago, amvet said:

Since the thread specifies repatriation I guess it is limited to Americans going home.  Repatriation "the return of someone to their own country." 

Well, I suppose so. It's in the Home Country Forum and titled a USA topic. 

[observer90210]

4 hours ago, amvet said:

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/retirement-delaware-drawbacks-retirees/2016/03/03/id/717343/

 

High cost of living (10% above national average), no public transportation and doctor shortage.  Global warming hasn't made it there yet as the average snowfall is between 20 and 70 inches.  

So be it...what place would you suggest in that case?

[Nord X]

Venezuela is looking like a good deal at the moment.

[Nord X]

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Great but be advised that this thread is strictly limited to USA destinations. So people do not bother posting about non USA destinations here.

Apologies for the previous post, just read this.

[amvet]

22 hours ago, observer90210 said:

So be it...what place would you suggest in that case?

Rent prices in USA are 141% higher on average.  Simply isn't a comparable place.  Play a chorus of dream the impossible dream.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Thailand&country2=United+States

[Jingthing]

That's kind of silly. The US is so big. You can't really compare rents in Manhattan vs. some rural small town directly.

[amvet]

15 hours ago, Jingthing said:

That's kind of silly. The US is so big. You can't really compare rents in Manhattan vs. some rural small town directly.

I agree with you.  I think it is relevant to discuss low budget places in the US but one can't really compare them to Thailand.  What is the cheapest decent place to live in America for the average expat who wants to go home?  I've lived all over Texas, OK, AR, MI and Florida among other places.  I'd choose Florida because I like warm weather and cheap hookers.  Still not comparable to Thailand but it beats NY or CA.  

[Jingthing]

Just now, amvet said:

I agree with you.  I think it is relevant to discuss low budget places in the US but one can't really compare them to Thailand.  What is the cheapest decent place to live in America for the average expat who wants to go home?  I've lived all over Texas, OK, AR, MI and Florida among other places.  I'd choose Florida because I like warm weather and cheap hookers.  Still not comparable to Thailand but it beats NY or CA.  

Sure, but it's false to paint a picture of everything in the U.S. being super expensive and everything in Thailand being super cheap. As all expats know some things are cheaper in Thailand, and some more expensive. Of course housing is a major expense and not usually discretionary to at least have some level of it. 

[GinBoy2]

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Sure, but it's false to paint a picture of everything in the U.S. being super expensive and everything in Thailand being super cheap. As all expats know some things are cheaper in Thailand, and some more expensive. Of course housing is a major expense and not usually discretionary to at least have some level of it. 

It's a real mixed bag, as I think i started to illustrate earlier. 

 

A lot depends on 'do you already own a house'? Take housing out of the equation and the comparison tightens considerably.

Also it depends how you lived/live in Thailand.

If you've gone the 'all in' native route, then you're probably eating for ฿100 a day. Go for the farang bubble model and pretty much anywhere in the US, food is on a par, if not quite a bit cheaper.

My internet costs me $80 for a 1Gig connection. I only paid fractionally less for TOT 200M fiber...and my Midco internet works ALL the time!

Car Insurance somewhat more expensive in the US. Yes we like to sue the shit out each other. I pay $350 every 6 months for a Ford Escape. In Thailand I pay ฿18000/year or ~$550 for a Ford Ranger. And I might add I've claimed quite a few times on my Thai policy without anything horrendous happening to next years premium. Try doing that in the States.

Gas, depending on where you are, is in the same ballpark. Little bit cheaper in the US right now, but as we all know it floats, so fluctuates a lot more rapidly than in Thailand. I paid $2.90 yesterday, and if I do my math correctly its about $3.40 in Thailand

I've always owned a house in the US, so I've had property taxes that are a sunk cost for me, $2200 a year, not something you worry about in Thailand....yet

Utilities. Im an aircon junkie, so that was a major expense for me in Thailand. It runs about the same for me here. Water is more expensive. Here I'm paying $40/month versus a typical month in Thailand of ~฿250

I don't drink, but Mrs Gin is a bit of a wine junkie. Wine, and good wine even, is a fraction of he price in Thailand

Cost of cars....well I don't even need to explain that

Tradesmen, you know the guy who'll come re-tile your bathroom, build a wall. Well there there is no comparison. I've started to re-learn all those DIY skills I had over many years in Thailand abdicated to my Mr Ung.

 

So for me at least it really is a housing issue. Own a home and where, rent a home, and where. Thats the biggest expense you need to figure out. So honestly, if moving back is the real issue, do the basic cost analysis first then figure which location of the ones you can afford to pick. 

 

So thats my 'back of an envelope' cost comparison for what it's worth

 

Edited August 17, 2017 by GinBoy2

[amvet]

I rent in Thailand and sold my house in USA when it was 50 baht to the dollar and put it in a Thai bank.  I don't like driving in Thailand and rather have a driver which I can easily afford here along with the ready availability of public and excellent private transport ( Nakhonchai Air). I want to live close to a hospital with a cardiac center. 

 

When I tick of my needs, warm weather, cheap paid companionship (my dog is my friend), cheap driver and public transportation it makes USA a no go.  For example I need a driver all day this Sunday for shopping, eating and business at a mall an hour away from my house.  $22 dollars transportation. The computer shop will update my laptop software for free once a year free (don't ask).  AIS is giving me a 2500 baht refund (I'm a sweet talker) for a multi sim deal but I need to pick up the cash.  Cash is another thing I like.  I pay all my bills in cash.  Ever tried to pay your phone, power and water bills in cash in the States?

 

I cure my own ham and buy imported cheese.  Doctor has limited my drinking so that's not an expense.  For exercise my heart specialist told me to get a younger mia noi (where else is that going to happen).  To sum up, car and driver 20 bucks a day.  Companionship out here in the sticks is really a bargain as is rent. Labor is still dirt cheap 1000 baht gets me 3 landscapers for an 8 hour day.  The only thing I use wine for is cooking.  I make a killer Beef Bourguignon.  I like a shave, shower and massage in the morning and this service requires 3 people for a couple of hours.  Do you know how much that would cost me in NYC or SF? 

 

It only makes sense if one likes wine, French bread and cheese go to France.  Pizza go to Italy.  Hiya kitty- Thailand.  I'll admit to having a pizza oven and Nespresso coffee machine so I don't lack life's necessities. 

[GinBoy2]

2 minutes ago, amvet said:

I rent in Thailand and sold my house in USA when it was 50 baht to the dollar and put it in a Thai bank.  I don't like driving in Thailand and rather have a driver which I can easily afford here along with the ready availability of public and excellent private transport ( Nakhonchai Air). I want to live close to a hospital with a cardiac center. 

 

When I tick of my needs, warm weather, cheap paid companionship (my dog is my friend), cheap driver and public transportation it makes USA a no go.  For example I need a driver all day this Sunday for shopping, eating and business at a mall an hour away from my house.  $22 dollars transportation. The computer shop will update my laptop software for free once a year free (don't ask).  AIS is giving me a 2500 baht refund (I'm a sweet talker) for a multi sim deal but I need to pick up the cash.  Cash is another thing I like.  I pay all my bills in cash.  Ever tried to pay your phone, power and water bills in cash in the States?

 

I cure my own ham and buy imported cheese.  Doctor has limited my drinking so that's not an expense.  For exercise my heart specialist told me to get a younger mia noi (where else is that going to happen).  To sum up, car and driver 20 bucks a day.  Companionship out here in the sticks is really a bargain as is rent. Labor is still dirt cheap 1000 baht gets me 3 landscapers for an 8 hour day.  The only thing I use wine for is cooking.  I make a killer Beef Bourguignon.  I like a shave, shower and massage in the morning and this service requires 3 people for a couple of hours.  Do you know how much that would cost me in NYC or SF? 

 

It only makes sense if one likes wine, French bread and cheese go to France.  Pizza go to Italy.  Hiya kitty- Thailand.  I'll admit to having a pizza oven and Nespresso coffee machine so I don't lack life's necessities. 

Again, Im not out to knock either. I still plan to spend 6 months of the year in our house in Thailand, All I was trying to point out is, that unlike maybe in years gone by when the cost analysis was clear cut, it's far from that today.

I love Thailand, crazy as it may be. That being said I enjoy being back in the US, it makes a welcome break from some of the excesses of Thailand, and as I was trying to point out, not without any major increase in overall spending.

Maybe I'm just fortunate but I don't have to choose between the two, but I do like being able to flip between both without any major financial downside.

[Jingthing]

All interesting but please remember the focus of the thread is USA destinations. So details about living in Thailand are as off topic here as details of living in Bolivia. Some of us will choose or need to repatriate for various reasons. As the USA is such a large country there is a massive amount of choice within the USA. A big enough topic to stick with the USA.

 

 

[craigt3365]

Any updates on ACA? That's probably the #1 issue for me.

[amvet]

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

All interesting but please remember the focus of the thread is USA destinations. So details about living in Thailand are as off topic here as details of living in Bolivia. Some of us will choose or need to repatriate for various reasons. As the USA is such a large country there is a massive amount of choice within the USA. A big enough topic to stick with the USA.

 

 

The point is "aren't horrible."  If you are a gay guy I would imagine a place that being gay was a hanging offense would be horrible regardless of climate or cost.  Right or wrong?  I like to pay my bills in cash and feel a place where that is not possible is horrible.  I like multiple partner relationships and a place where that is not acceptable would be horrible (caused me much pain in USA).  I don't like driving and feel a place with no reasonable alternative to owning and driving your own car would be horrible.  If you were an alcoholic I imagine a dry county regardless of climate or cost would be horrible. 

 

Horrible is in the eye of the beholder.  I searched the USA for low budget locations that to me weren't horrible before moving to Thailand and I couldn't find any.  I was attempting to explain why. 

[GinBoy2]

1 minute ago, craigt3365 said:

Any updates on ACA? That's probably the #1 issue for me.

I subscribed through the federal exchange. You can enroll through an exception since you're returning to the country. Depending on your income age etc you'll be surprised how affordable it is. I had BUPA Platinum in Thailand, and my current plan through Obamacare is actually cheaper. Go figure!

 

[amvet]

3 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

Any updates on ACA? That's probably the #1 issue for me.

I should point out that that is not a subject related to USA locations but I agree with you a valid point when deciding about living in the USA.

 

Location is one part but only a small part of relocation to the USA as many other factors go into making up if a place is horrible or not. 

[Jingthing]

Yes the not horrible part is fully on topic as well.

[meechai]

On 8/10/2017 at 10:44 PM, craigt3365 said:

You don't have to participate if you don't want to.

Well I guess it is as good as those who say, well my long lost cousin on my mothers side said xxx so must be true

 

On 8/10/2017 at 10:43 PM, craigt3365 said:

Have you ever been there?

Yes of course...why would I comment on something I know nothing about, or rely on hearsay from my brothers dog etc

[craigt3365]

59 minutes ago, meechai said:

Well I guess it is as good as those who say, well my long lost cousin on my mothers side said xxx so must be true

 

Yes of course...why would I comment on something I know nothing about, or rely on hearsay from my brothers dog etc

Maybe your brother's dog knows something we don't.

[amvet]

3 hours ago, meechai said:

Well I guess it is as good as those who say, well my long lost cousin on my mothers side said xxx so must be true

 

Yes of course...why would I comment on something I know nothing about, or rely on hearsay from my brothers dog etc

I think that is the proper form considering most of the Thai experts I have read about have never been to Thailand or have not been in 30 years.  One of Stickman's main contributes hasn't set foot in Thailand in 30 years and he still manages to churn out an article every week about living here.  I was a troubleshooter for a large American company that transferred me to 32 different locations in 15 years for an average of 6 months each location so I have exposed to many more places than the average American who will move 11 times and the average Brit who will move 8 times. 

[GinBoy2]

Anyhoo...

 

JT after 70 odd pages of discussion, you coming to any conclusion?

 

If not at this rate we might as well list every US city with a population > 50k, and get you you blindfolded and stick a needle in the donkey!