CHAPTER 14 EPILOGUE: A SMARTER WAY FORWARD
If there is one idea I hope stays with you after reading this book, it is this: property taxes are not just a line item on a bill. Over time, they influence your flexibility, your lifestyle, and your long-term financial picture more than most people realize. Many homeowners stay where they are because moving feels complicated, disruptive, or risky. Others assume that high taxes are simply the price of living in New Jersey. As you have seen throughout this book, neither of those assumptions is always true. In many cases, there are towns within the same state that offer a better balance between home values, property taxes, schools, commuting options, and overall quality of life. This book was not written to push you into a decision. It was written to help you think more clearly. You may decide that staying where you are still makes sense. You may realize that a move could significantly improve your monthly cash flow or long-term outlook. Or you may simply feel more informed and confident the next time you see a tax bill arrive in the mail. There is no single right answer, and there is no rush. The most important step is understanding how the pieces fit together and recognizing that you do have options. If this book helped you look at your home, your taxes, or your future a little differently, then it has done its job.
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