Tax season is never fun, especially when you live in a state with high property taxes. Before settling down in a new state, it’s important to make sure that you know what you’re signing up for. Here are 18 states that will charge you sky-high prices on property taxes.
New Jersey
New Jersey is renowned for its beautiful beaches, distinctive accent, and painfully high property taxes! According to CNN, property taxes in New Jersey are 10 times higher than those in low-tax West Virginia. New Jersey’s sea views are well worth visiting, but the state’s property tax rates might make you reluctant to stay.
Illinois
The average property tax in Illinois is a shocking 2.29%, so think carefully before buying property in the Prairie State. However, despite its high rates, Illinois still has plenty to offer, such as the relatively low cost of living and great food. As always, finding a new home is a balancing act.
Connecticut
On the one hand, Connecticut gave America a superstar: Meg Ryan. On the other, its average property tax is punishingly high. At 2.16%, it’s the third highest in the U.S. Famous actresses might be able to cover the cost, but average Joes should think carefully before moving.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire styles itself as “the Switzerland of America”—while the tourism board at visitnh is referring to the mountains, they might as well be talking about the high costs related to moving there! The average property tax in New Hampshire is 2.09%, so don’t let the beautiful landscapes distract you from the cost.
Texas
Did you know that Texas is an anagram of taxes? If not, you’ll be shocked when you discover that the average property tax rate is one of the highest in the U.S. At 1.90%, expect to pay your dues when you settle down in the Lone Star State.
Vermont
The people of Vermont love their covered bridges, skiing, and progressive politics, but we’ll hazard a guess that they’re not especially fond of paying their property taxes. At an average of 1.89%, the rate could be worse, but it’s still far from a trivial amount.
New York
New York is home to America’s most famous metropolis, but its average property tax rate might make buyers want to look elsewhere. Purchasing property in New York will result in taxes of around 1.73%, so bear this in mind if you’re set on living the Sex and the City lifestyle!
Wisconsin
Wisconsin—come for the cheese, stay for the great weather and transport links. However, budding Wisconsinites need to consider their potential property tax bill as well as which cheeses they want to try next. At around 1.71%, it comes in as the eighth highest in the U.S.
Nebraska
Nebraska is nearly tied with Wisconsin when it comes to average property taxes: if you move to the Cornhusker State, you can expect to pay around 1.70%. Luckily, Nebraska makes up for this thanks to its beautiful landscapes and relatively low crime rates (unless you believe that taxation is theft!).
Iowa
When Iowa joined the Union in 1846, it was the twenty-ninth state in America says Britannica. In terms of average property tax, it currently ranks as the tenth highest state in the U.S. New arrivals in Iowa will pay around 1.59% in property tax, nearly a percentage point lower than frontrunner New Jersey.
Ohio
Ohio is well-known for being an affordable place to live, but its property tax rates are far from rock bottom. The average property tax in Ohio is 1.57%. However, thanks to the low cost of living, living in the state is still a bargain compared to other areas of the U.S.
Pennsylvania
There wouldn’t be a U.S. without Pennsylvania—the Declaration of Independence was signed there in 1776. It’s up to you to decide whether the state’s storied history justifies its contemporary property tax rates, which are just slightly below Ohio’s at 1.56%. What would the Founding Fathers have made of that?
Rhode Island
The Ocean State may have endless activities for sea-loving Americans, but these maritime adventures come at a cost. Rhode Island has an average property tax rate of 1.54%. As such, wannabe fishermen need to be certain that they can afford to live in the state before they set sail towards property ownership.
Michigan
Michigan’s 1.45% tax rate is more than a full percentage point lower than New Jersey’s, but that doesn’t mean it should be disregarded. Luckily, Michigan has plenty to lure in potential property owners, including great weather, good education options, and a relatively low cost of living.
Kansas
There’s no place like home, says The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy about Kansas. Likewise, there’s no place like Kansas for property taxes—the state is unique in having an average of 1.40%. This means that the wheat-loving state has the fifteenth-highest average property tax rate in the U.S.
Maine
Given that Maine is home to Stephen King, we expected Maine’s average tax rate to be far more horrifying than it actually is. At 1.29%, it’s certainly not the cheapest that the U.S. has to offer, but it’s less likely to make your blood run cold than the scary prices found elsewhere.
Alaska
NationalGeographic shares how Alaska is home to the only polar bear population in the U.S. It’s also the place to be for an average property tax rate of around 1.24%. However, property owners in Alaska get a chance to explore one of America’s greatest untamed wildernesses, so it’s not all bad.
South Dakota
Finally, South Dakota has an average property tax of 1.24%, meaning that it’s tied with Alaska. As such, it’s up to would-be homeowners to decide which state they prefer. South Dakota may have a reputation as a flyover state, but its strong economy makes it a great place to live.
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