I just came back from spending time in North Carolina. What a difference. Here in Massachusetts many of my friends have lost their jobs. It seems like there is full employment in NC and the cost of living is half of what it is in MA.
again, because the population in NC is increasing - jobs that normally come as a result of the expansion that accompanies population growth are created.
wait until the trend continues - those increased numbers of people will demand more service from government, taxes will rise. government employment will rise to provide those services, those workers will demand higher wages, and taxes will rise.
and very soon - NC will look just like MA does now.