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Originally Posted by DemolitionCat
You may be able to buy a cheap house which is good since it will probably only last 20 years before the rot sets in. The property taxes will murder you. If you go on an H1 vs permanent residency, get ready to bend over on the income tax situation.
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Houses are a great price in all of Texas. I moved to Texas last year and still have cash in the bank from my house sale and have a house. With respect to the tax situation if you terminate your ties in Canada correctly you can get in a situation where you are paying taxes only in the US and one great thing about the tax situation for taxes is you can income split on the returns. Oh ya, there is no state income tax in Texas either just a sales tax of around 8%. I've found to be better off with taxes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DemolitionCat
I wouldn't worry about your kids hockey career since unless you don't mind him getting stabbed every once in a while you'll be too broke from paying for private school you won't be able to afford rink fees.
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When looking for a house look at school ratings, there are some good schools in Houston (where your child won't get stabbed).
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Originally Posted by DemolitionCat
You should also hope that you've never been sick before in your life since even if you get group health coverage, you'll inevitability end up fighting with your insurance company over every claim you make. Even if you get "Cadillac" insurance you'll be on the hook for co-pays on every visit and paying about 20% on all procedures (kid needs a lumbar MRI after hyperextending back in net = $6000).
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Quite the exageration of the health care system down here. We haven't had to fight the insurance companies for any of our claims that we've made and between me, my wife, and son we've been to the doctor a few times. The insurance costs aren't that bad but will depend upon the plan you get. I've found this compensated by the fact that you pay less in taxes.
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Originally Posted by DemolitionCat
Houston specifically? Terrible weather unless you enjoy permasweat, air quality = terrible, closest NHL team Stars. Galveston is the tail end of the butt end of Americas toilet. Hell, I'd rather live in Dallas than Houston and that's not saying much.)
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Every person likes different things in weather. It does get hot and humid in the summer but if you give it some time you will become adjusted. I actually find that it's kind of cold outside when I go out in the mornings this time of year and it's still 75 degrees outside. Kind of like you get used to colder weather you would likely get used to warmer weather.
Houston is a big city and during rush hour the driving time will likely be greater than you experience now. From personal experience I've found people in Texas to be friendly and can't wait for my wife to have here employer sponser us for a green card in about 6 months time.