But property taxes that would shock a Californian. From what I see --- state income taxes aren't really close as bad as what people along the border at least are paying in property taxes. Plus a state income tax is on the horizon.
Are you talking about Texas? I have 1.5 acres outside city limits in the country with a two-bed/two full bath house (a total of 10 rooms and a 25x15 covered patio and a 12x12 enclosed back porch) and I pay less than $100 a year on taxes. Buying an old house and fixing it up yourself goes a long way to keeping the taxes down, as does living outside city limits.