That is a problem. Our property tax in the county just west of KCMO is over $3K a year.
What is KCMO?
I’ve lived in the Seattle area since 1966. I lost my house of 18 years in a divorce in 1998. I have rented ever since and love it. One reason I refused to buy was the punitive property taxes here. I refuse to support the beast. Yes, I rent, and have, for the last 10 years, lived like a king compared the the kind of home I could have purchased. And I came out ahead.
On a six figure income, I bought a 13 acre farm in central Kentucky with a brand new home on it for $98k, and the gov gave me $8k for doing it, and I put 20% down and, most importantly, I can be completely self sufficient on that property.
Before Obama was elected I speculated the economy could completely melt down. I have almost NO doubt now that it will happen. And if this thing happens, it will only accelerate the time line to an already “on the horizon” event.
Even if I lose my job and only make the $2500 a month in unemployment, I can live on that property until the unwashed urban hordes come take it by force. But to get to me they must pass through a buffer of ~80 milse of people like me. I know, worst case scenario. But just sayin’...