Monday, March 28, 2016

WHERE ARE MILLENNIALS MOVING?

When you think about millennials, an image of a college-aged young adult wearing skinny jeans who is always staring down at their iPhone might pop into your head. This may not be too far off from the stereotype of a generation that seems to stretch over two decades. It seems hard to believe that millennials are growing up and becoming important members of society. The truth is, they are growing up, starting careers and looking for the next “it” place to live. In fact, there are so many millennials on the move, economic developers and entire cities have devised plans to lure and accommodate these masses. It has become very clear that there are cities all across the country that seem to attract this generation of young adults. Each location has its own individual characteristics that pull millennials of many different lifestyles and cultures.



AUSTIN, TX

It seems like Austin is always in the media being connected to the millennial generation. There’s a good reason for this. Millennials LOVE Austin, Texas. In the last ten years, young adults have been flocking to Bat City for its rich culture, dedication to the arts, and to be surrounded by other millennials. Austin has a low cost of living, which makes it easy for someone who is just starting their career to find a spot they can afford. Not to mention, the nightlife is great in Austin too. A plethora of exciting bars, restaurants and a small festival that is recognized by the four letters SXSW, only help make Austin, TX paradise for many 18-30 year olds. 


SAN FRANSISCO, CA

Many millennials move to Silicon Valley with hopes of being the next Mark Zuckerberg. The chances that they will start the next Facebook or Google are pretty low, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work for them. If you have gone on the internet in the last 20 years, you have read about the flocks of developers, designers, and motivated tech savvy young adults heading west to the City By The Bay. San Fransisco’s population has been growing exponentially and millennials can shoulder a large part of the blame. With a very attractive job market, beautiful weather all year round, and a diverse culture, San Fransisco should be on any young adults short list.


PORTLAND, OR/ME

Even though these two cites are on opposite sides of the country, they have such a similar culture and vibe, it’s hard to tell them apart. Portland, Oregon has quickly become a millennial hotspot for young adults who are looking to become social entrepreneurs more focused on ethics than gain. Just like Austin, Portland supports creativity and the arts. The city is also a great place for people who like to sneak away to the wildness for relaxation or more exciting outdoor adventures. 3,186 miles east, you will arrive in the other Portland. as the largest city in Maine, Portland is the most culturally diverse city in Maine. This attracts millennials from all over the country to pass up cities like Boston and Hartford and head north to Vacationland. With the highest number of small businesses per capita and a surging job market, Portland, Maine is a great place for any 18-30 year old who can handle the chilly winters.


These are just a few of the places that millennials are moving to, but regardless of where you decide to move or the reason for your relocation, Earl W. Noyes & Sons can help you get there. We also offer climate-controlled storage options if you need some extra space in you new home!


Sources: CityLab, Forbes, Estately, Wikipedia, SFgate, Oregon Live

Thursday, March 17, 2016

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO RETIRE IN AMERICA?

Everyone has a different idea of what the perfect retirement could entail. Some like the thought of never seeing another snowflake, others look forward to spending more time enjoying nature. Regardless of what your ideal retirement would be, there are places all over the country that can be the right fit for any type of person during the next phase of your life.

We have compiled a short list of locations throughout the U.S. that could be your perfect retirement destination, or at least get you thinking about what things you will be looking for when it’s time to retire.

Cape Coral, Florida

Come To Cape Coral
If you are looking for warm weather and sun all year round, Florida is the place for you and Cape Coral could have everything you are looking for in the perfect retirement location. With below average cost of living and home prices, Cape Coral is a great place to retire on almost any income. If you like to spend time outside and boating, Cape Coral’s 400 miles of canals provide an excellent area to soak up some extra vitamin D.



Tyler, Texas

Tyler Homes
Tyler is so “retirement friendly” it was actually certified by the state of Texas as a retirement community. Like Cape Coral, Tyler has a lower than average cost of living and the weather is almost always mild. If you are hoping to spend more time on the links during your retirement, this could be there place for you. With many top-notch public golf courses, Tyler has the course variety any avid golfer would love.



Loveland, Colorado 

Colorado.com
If you're looking forward to spending the majority of your retirement outside enjoying nature, Loveland, CO should definitely be on your short list. Although, Loveland has a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, there is more to it than the beautiful scenery. Residents enjoy boating, kayaking, swimming and camping along the Big Thompson River and Loveland Lake. During the winter, you can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing located only a short distance away. 




Wikipedia
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

For most people, it’s hard not to think of Myrtle Beach when you think of retirement. Great weather, a plethora of beautiful beaches, and some of the country’s top golf courses, make Myrtle Beach the premier retirement spot for many Americans. Like other locations on this list, Myrtle Beach has a lower cost of living, which only sweetens the idea of spending the next chapter of your life relaxing under the warm southern sun.



Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Welch House
If the idea of wielding a snow shovel during your retirement doesn't make you cringe, then the small coastal town charm of Boothbay Harbor might catch your eye. With ample ocean view property and a seaside downtown that looks like it’s straight out of a movie, Boothbay could be the perfect spot to relax on your front porch while listening to the waves crash against the rocks. If you're worried that you might miss the city while residing in this quiet New England town, Boothbay is only about an hour north of Portland.



Whether or not you're currently retired or retirement is still a few years away, you now have a better idea of what’s out there if you decide to relocate. If you are thinking about a new destination, Earle W. Noyes & Sons is ready to help with all your moving and storage needs.


Sources: Forbes, Time Money, Escape Here

Monday, March 7, 2016

THE MANY BENEFITS OF MOVING: TAX TIME

Did you move in 2015? If you did, you could qualify for multiple tax deductions.


Each year, over 40 million people move for a variety of reasons. Some people move for a new job, others move to be closer to family. Regardless of why you move to a new location, come tax time, you could be eligible to deduct your moving expenses if you meet these two simple requirements.

The 50-mile Rule: The location of your new job must be a minimum of 50 miles farther from your previous house or apartment than your last office was. So, if you lived 5 miles from your old office, your new office must be a minimum 55 miles from your old home in order to deduct costs accrued from moving.

The Time Rule: You are required to work as a full-time employee in your new location for a minimum of 39 weeks during the first 12 months following your move. Don’t worry if you have multiple employers during this time, it still counts.

The Exceptions: You may qualify for an exception to either of these rules if you lose your job, or in other case-by-case situations. Also, if you are in the Armed forces, you do not need to meet either of the rules if you moved due to a permanent station change.

Now that you know if you are eligible for tax deductions, here is a list of the things you can deduct. 

Remember, you don’t have to itemize these deductions, because moving expenses are an adjustment to your income.

Deductible Expenses
  • Professional moving services (Like Earle W. Noyes & Sons)
  • Move insurance
  • Miles traveled in your car while moving
  • Moving truck or storage container
  • Packing/moving supplies
  • 30 days of storage after your move
  • Travel expenses to your new location (one trip for each member of your family)
  • Any costs to disconnect or connect utilities due to your move
Click here for more information and a complete list of eligible moving deduction from the IRS.

If you didn’t move in 2015, but you are thinking about moving in 2016, bookmark this article and contact Earle W. Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists. Whether you are moving to Maine from away, relocating outside of the state, or just moving down the street our residential moving team will help you with all of your relocation needs.


Source: IRS