Hobart, IN Cost of Living-Taxes/Climate/Recreation
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3/31/2007
Cost of Living:
Real Estate taxes have risen between 350 & 400% in the past 3 years and there is still no end in sight.
Grocery costs seem to be average when compared to Colorado, Florida or Virginia.
Drugs are not taxed, neither are certain food items.
Utilities are very high compared to Colorado Springs Utilities. There is a charge for gas and electric on one bill, another bill for water used and still another bill for sewage, which is from the city.
Gas prices are lower than Illinois by 20 to 40 cents p/gallon.
Cigarette costs are reasonable for smokers, much less than in Illinois.
Veterans are given no tax breaks unless disabled and being 65 here means nothing on your income tax.
Climate:
Quite cold & humid during the late Fall & Winter months. Also, very wet climate with a moderate amount of severe storms coming through during the Spring & Summer months. Air-Conditioning is a must here due to the humitidy. A 70 degree Dew Point is common and that is uncomfortable.
Recreation:
Lots of lake front swimming and beach areas with the sand dunes. During winter months there is snow mobiling on Lake George and they are allowed to drive around town when there is appreciable snow on the ground.
Fishing in Lake George is mainly striped bass.
Good parks and lots of events during the summer time. Bands play regularly, there are several parades per year and the high school provides a goodly amount of recreation for it's students.
EDUCATION:
Many college opportunities are in the area. Univ. Indiana, Perdue Univ., Valparaiso Univ., just to mention a few.
Programs for the community lack in scope and are rather highly priced in the adult education areas.
The YMCA is no cheapie, but they do offer a wide variety of programs.
Alan | Hobart, IN