should i move or not????

[jerseyguy800]

I currently live on 7 acres of property in Central NJ ,between property taxes, insurance cost and just the cost of doing business in NJ it's really taking a huge bite out of my profits. I have lived in New Jersey my whole life, but I was considering moving somewhere else where I can reduce my overhead (Mortgage + property taxes + auto insurance) Some of the places I have considered is Delaware ( No Sales tax + lower property taxes + more house for your dollar + Maybe lower insurance) , North Carolina (charllote area) ( lower property taxes + more house for your dollar + maybe lower insurance) or Florida (orlando area) ( tax rates are comparable to NJ and insurance rates are going up because of Hurricanes and tornados) + Pennsylvania ( not sure if they're any cheaper than NJ?)

My question is "Has anyone moved from the northeast to any of these areas or are you from any of these areas that you could offer some insight to type of job market for employees and lawn/landscaping business(if i decide to work for someone else or possibly continue landscaping) in these areas and school systems ( I have 3 children - 2 in 4th grade and 1 in 10th grade)

I've owned and operated my own landscaping business for 22 years and I'm frustrated that I'm not more successful after that much time in the business.
Frustrated with employees, customers, rising taxes, fuel costs (which I realize that's everywhere!), drought conditions or too much rain - i could go on and on of all the pitfalls of this business. When business is good - it's great but when business is bad - alot of sleepless nights! If anyone is looking to buy a property in central new jersey I have a 4 bedroom colonial (2700 SF - which includes finished basement + a 5,000 sf building with 16' high ceilings) Probably looking to get about $795,000.00 + I do have various pieces of equipment to sell(I could also offer package deal with property and equipment together + some commercial properties) *trucewhiteflag*

[SimonCX]

Wondering if you would want to sell some of your customers if your going to move? Pa is cheaper if who go out towards lancaster compared to what we deal with but taxes arent that much cheaper. Personally I would go south, alot cheaper cost of living and people seem alot nicer.

[shovelracer]

Years ago I was fed up with NJ and moved to CA then NV. I found the work situation there to be saturated with foreign workers. That didnt mean there was a lack of work so much as I couldnt make as much money. Well Im back in NJ and am much happier. As far as the costs of living in NJ, well it is one of the most expensive places to live. There is no reason why that should cut in to your profits. Somewhere along the line you need to adjust for cost of living and by no means should it eat into your profits. Lets face it your clients are in the same situation so it all goes together. Im not going to preach about how to run your business cause youve been around longer than I have, but you have to take care of yourself too. As far as selling out to move, well 800K is a nice chunk of change, but it wont last long. On the other side you could easily find the same size house somewhere else for under 300K and invest the rest. Get another job and take it easy. As far as running your business somewhere else, just think about when you started up. Youll be in a new area where no one knows you and it will take time to build an new name for yourself. Lastly if you move to where cost of living is much cheaper dont think youll be getting NJ prices for your services, really its all the same. Just get more for your money somewhere else.

[joesimoes2]

Any deer’s on your property :drinkup:

[Jpocket]

Take a long hard look at what you doing, personally I'd KILL to own a home on 7 Acres. where I come from if you have 2acres let alone 7 your lucky, some might say blessed.

I guess if you moved down south you could buy 14 acres with that $800,000.
But then you would have to start all over...right?

[lifetree]

... Personally I would go south, alot cheaper cost of living and people seem alot nicer.

Hey thanks ... I agree that southern people are alot nicer !!

[rodfather]

be glad ya don't live in Hunterdon County like I do...highest property taxes in the entire US.

[Indy Kyle]

You have a $800,000 home and your frustrated with your business success? Sounds like it's doing good to me.

[topsites]

I don't know, I'm down here in VA and with a lot smaller house I feel your pain.

With a cost that must be around a 5th of yours I don't lose much sleep over it, but the frustration is there all the same. I figured out some years ago, I can work twice as hard but earn only 20% more money, very literally... First I spend a lot more then it knocks me into 3-4 tax brackets up from where I was, I have enough work but really I feel like I'm just spinning my tires most of the time, and that frustrates to no end.

I can spend a TON on advertising, I can lower my prices (herein lies part of the problem lol), but it really doesn't matter what I do, it's always the same problem in the end, too much work, not enough money. I get so tired of it, either I'm working sun up to sun down and not getting paid enough by the hour, or I DO get paid enough now I just don't have the hours.

Because if I raise my prices then I don't have the work, seems like no matter what I do it is that problem.
I did, however, somewhat learn to accept that is just how it is.
It's just the yin and the yang, it is that stupid balance of good and bad, and I can have one OR the other, but we have to learn we can't have everything, just how it is, much bs oh yes.

And given the only choice here is prices vs. amount of work, that appears to be it... Given that lousy choice it is my opinion I would rather charge a lot of money and not have a whole lot of work, seeing how it's always the same amount of money at the end of the year anyhow, I might as well get paid more for doing less.

btw less work for more money is not the same at the end of the year.
Less maintenance, less down time due to wear and tear, the worst is a bit more fuel cost due to extended driving plans.
It's more money, considerably more, still not enough and it still doesn't satisfy because now the schedule isn't full, but the heck with it.

So in conclusion, I think you should raise your prices.

[MarcSmith]

Florida....my folks moved from DE to Florida, and started a business up with no problems.....however. public schools suck...even inland in orlando, your property tax could be high and your home owners insurance premiums can be pricey as well. Especially when there is a Named storm....its is year round work, with no income taxes....

[Breezmister]

If you move below the Mason Dixon line, you will be missing out on stuff, like TastyKakes, Porkroll and a good cheese steak:)

Have you looked into Salem and Cumberland Co ? I understand that property taxes are 20 to 30 % lower there, and there is only a 3 % sales tax. On top of that there is alot on new development going on there as well.

[MarcSmith]

If you move below the Mason Dixon line, you will be missing out on stuff, like TastyKakes, Porkroll and a good cheese steak:)

but when you move south you pick up things like krispy kreme, good bbq, good smoked pork, jambalya, gumbo, crawfish....and if you move south you become "redneck" and it allows you to get away with a multitude of social faux paus

[lawnscapesLLC]

You can get krispy kreme in philly, and i've had bbq in nj and philly that was every bit as good as when i was down south. I would stay away from de. I was looking to move there but when i looked into the schools they were not anywhere near as good as the schools in NJ. I have also looked at moving to the charlotte area as well---fiancee grew up there--- but again schools are much better here. School wise there are not many places better than jersey---plus you'll miss wawa,cheesesteaks, and a damn fine slice of pizza! :)

[Breezmister]

wawa,cheesesteaks, and a damn fine slice of pizza! :)

Ahhhh King of Pizza :drinkup:

[lawnscapesLLC]

I'm talking about jersey shore pizza!!!! mmmmmmm Best pizza you can get imho.

[roguesuerte]

You get what you pay for. Sure New Jersey is expensive but we have good schools(for the most part) and I believe the highest income per capita besides Massachusetts. It all equals out in the end. If you have a seven acre propety and loving family with good schools, things aren't so bad in my estimation. I am sure your employees have alot less to show for a hard days work.

[Lawnboy70460]

Some others mentioned the south and they are right. I live in Louisiana but was raised in northern Mississippi, a wonderful place to live. Don't get me wrong, Louisiana is good too but it is so corrupt here and our taxes are somewhat higher. MS seems like they have it together. But something else to remember, if you move within 100 miles of the coast your property insurance will be considerably higher if you can even get it.

[AI Inc]

A lot of theings are comaparable , if you live in a cheaper area , people will not be willing to pay as much for your product.

[NORTHMAN]

As some of the other guys mentioned,it does sound like your doing well.I'm in northern NJ and would also like to move but theres so much to consider.I don't think with the economy the way it is,now would be a good time.I agree that Southerners are much more polite than Northerners.I'd stay put,the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence)pun intended.I'm going to post a question on emerging markets,maybe I will help.

[capelawncare.com]

I Grew up in Bucks County Pa, then moved to the Jersey Shore. I moved down here (SW Florida) about 15 years ago. Back then, Taxes and Insurance were cheap. Now we are paying almost 7 grand for taxes and 6500 for homeowners. Our house is valued at about 900K

Both my wife and I are discussing selling, and moving up to the North Georgia Mountains where we have vacation home. Florida used to be a wonderful place, but for us its loosing its luster quickly.

The Upside to Florida right now is our Real Estate market. It has TANKED. So you can get some great deals. Rates are cheap, and our governor is honestly trying to reduce Taxes and Insurance bills.

While I really do miss Wawa, and good Pizza. Our Publix, sells pork roll, scrapple and a limited variety of tastykakes.

[AintNoFun]

hey jerseyguy, what town are you in?

first thing i would do ASAP is get your property farm assesed if it isn't, im sure that'll help your taxes out....

[NC Greenscaper]

If I was you, I'd move to NC , fast, coastal NC. We are experiencing alot of overall growth in this area and it seems to be good people from your area. They enjoy the mild winters, hot summers at the beach, good schools, reasonable but growing taxes, slower pace. Our growth as slowed a little in the last year and a half, so if you would come maybe you will spur more like yourself. JMO

[bruno_rs]

I Grew up in Bucks County Pa, then moved to the Jersey Shore. I moved down here (SW Florida) about 15 years ago. Back then, Taxes and Insurance were cheap. Now we are paying almost 7 grand for taxes and 6500 for homeowners. Our house is valued at about 900K

Both my wife and I are discussing selling, and moving up to the North Georgia Mountains where we have vacation home. Florida used to be a wonderful place, but for us its loosing its luster quickly.

The Upside to Florida right now is our Real Estate market. It has TANKED. So you can get some great deals. Rates are cheap, and our governor is honestly trying to reduce Taxes and Insurance bills.

While I really do miss Wawa, and good Pizza. Our Publix, sells pork roll, scrapple and a limited variety of tastykakes.

who da thought a 21" murray, v dub squareback and a few hand tools would yeild a 900k crib... must be nice, huh? up in jersey that'll get you a cardboard box rental and/or parking rights under an overpass in downneck newark. seriously though... is it just me or are some of you other northerners feeling the pinch of "new money" customers and/or the economy. for the past few years, here in morris county (nj), i've been nickled and dimed by NEW MONEY moving in, replacing all my best (old money) customers... not to mention all the big boys "using" illegals to CUT their costs and bolster profits. i've always refused to "use" illegals and have struggled (and saved) for years with older seriously used equipment, working hard to get all the good stuff (owned outright) and unfortunately am fighting harder than ever to hold onto and/or find decent customers, who understand i am in this to provide for MY family. these self proclaimed heavy hitters (new money) will either let you go and/or not hire you, all to save themselves $5 a week. moreover, they don't seem to understand trickle down economics, care about anyone elses' bottom line and/or ability, or lack thereof, to make a buck!! i do feel for jersey800 however, i'm still renting and with the price of property in this area will probably never own, or want to own, here in jersey.

[capelawncare.com]

who da thought a 21" murray, v dub squareback and a few hand tools would yeild a 900k crib... must be nice, huh? up in jersey that'll get you a cardboard box rental and/or parking rights under an overpass in downneck newark. seriously though... is it just me or are some of you other northerners feeling the pinch of "new money" customers and/or the economy. for the past few years, here in morris county (nj), i've been nickled and dimed by NEW MONEY moving in, replacing all my best (old money) customers... not to mention all the big boys "using" illegals to CUT their costs and bolster profits. i've always refused to "use" illegals and have struggled (and saved) for years with older seriously used equipment, working hard to get all the good stuff (owned outright) and unfortunately am fighting harder than ever to hold onto and/or find decent customers, who understand i am in this to provide for MY family. these self proclaimed heavy hitters (new money) will either let you go and/or not hire you, all to save themselves $5 a week. moreover, they don't seem to understand trickle down economics, care about anyone elses' bottom line and/or ability, or lack thereof, to make a buck!! i do feel for jersey800 however, i'm still renting and with the price of property in this area will probably never own, or want to own, here in jersey.


The V-Dub, and 21 inch push mower is actually a joke

[bruno_rs]

The V-Dub, and 21 inch push mower is actually a joke

i realize that... guess i wasn't clear enough that your "equipment" listed was very funny. don't think there are too many out there... but maybe a few... who might think a murray, v dub and a hanful of tools would get you anything but a kiss from your grandmother. by feeling the need to clarify (for me), i hope you didn't take offense to my opening... i was also trying to be humorous. have a good one.

[AintNoFun]

exact reasons we got out of the lawn business... we were running 5 crews towards the end and couldn't make any money for ourselves.. im doing hydroseeding/planting on state/county/municipal projects and couldn't be happier.. im also constantly kicking around the idea of moving our business in delaware and coming into NJ to work as well, i doubt i do it but its always nice to dream, lol..



who da thought a 21" murray, v dub squareback and a few hand tools would yeild a 900k crib... must be nice, huh? up in jersey that'll get you a cardboard box rental and/or parking rights under an overpass in downneck newark. seriously though... is it just me or are some of you other northerners feeling the pinch of "new money" customers and/or the economy. for the past few years, here in morris county (nj), i've been nickled and dimed by NEW MONEY moving in, replacing all my best (old money) customers... not to mention all the big boys "using" illegals to CUT their costs and bolster profits. i've always refused to "use" illegals and have struggled (and saved) for years with older seriously used equipment, working hard to get all the good stuff (owned outright) and unfortunately am fighting harder than ever to hold onto and/or find decent customers, who understand i am in this to provide for MY family. these self proclaimed heavy hitters (new money) will either let you go and/or not hire you, all to save themselves $5 a week. moreover, they don't seem to understand trickle down economics, care about anyone elses' bottom line and/or ability, or lack thereof, to make a buck!! i do feel for jersey800 however, i'm still renting and with the price of property in this area will probably never own, or want to own, here in jersey.

[dave k]

I grew up in Piscataway NJ and moved to Fl. was in the Orl. area 10 years and now have been living in the Atl. area for 15 years, I like it here, not to hot not to cold, and it has 4 seasons, but the drought has been the pits this past year, I have 1.5 ac on Clarks Hill lake and may retire there someday or sell it and make a boat load of cash and move to TN.! I wish you luck, Jersey cost of living was high in the 80's when I lived there!
GO GIANTS!
GO YANKEES!

[capelawncare.com]

i realize that... guess i wasn't clear enough that your "equipment" listed was very funny. don't think there are too many out there... but maybe a few... who might think a murray, v dub and a hanful of tools would get you anything but a kiss from your grandmother. by feeling the need to clarify (for me), i hope you didn't take offense to my opening... i was also trying to be humorous. have a good one.


Naa its all good, Some people on here really thought thats what i worked with.

[Surf'n'Turf]

Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young


I'm pretty sure springsteen wasn't talkin about Rumson when he wrote this. Biggest prob I see with this area is all the bennies from Brooklyn and SI buying houses here...they suck to deal with