My Canadian/Swiss/English husband is transferring for work in a few months so we'll be getting out of New Jersey and into Basel. I'm so excited! (I'm American, btw).
We still have a few months of preparation (selling the house, getting paperwork in order, learning German) but we are both thrilled to be moving to Switzerland. I have been reading various threads on this forum over the last couple of months and for the most part, people are very friendly and helpful.
Since this is also an "introduction" page, my husband and I are around 40 and both enjoy what I call "adventure touring" on our motorcycles. I am really looking forward to exploring the continent on two wheels :-) I have done some extensive traveling in North America (DantesDame) already; this will just really expand my options.
It was rather in reference to Basel..as it has lots to offer, it's close to many amenties, points of interets and yet, everbody still flocks to Zurich.
Fair enough... And for what it's worth.... There are lovely things about NJ but overall, it is a terrible state to live in, if you're in the north. I'm from the south but lived in the north until I moved to Basel.
I spent some time in Jersey as I received an offer to play ball for Felician College..but then decided to go to Canada instead. I also played for a travel team, which was based in Jersey, all in all, it left a positive impression on me.
That is cool... Where in NJ were you? And I am certain you realize, like any other place, a short stay doesn't usually expose the inner onion
It is the most corrupt state with massive problems economically and politically. The current mayor or Newark is amazing and I hope he runs for gov and removes that bloated, gay bashing, anti democratic society, fiscally irresponsible, unimpressive buffoon from office.
Some background: I grew up on the Great Lakes but moved to Seattle after college. I spent 15 years there, basking in the glory of the landscape, the people, the city and the activities.
My husband grew up outside of Toronto, then did his schooling near the mountains of Colorado and then started work in the San Francisco Bay area (where I moved to be with him). Then we moved to (northern) New Jersey.
We are not "New Jersey people". We don't like the landscape, the people, the politics, the weather nor the lack of appropriate (for us) things to do around here.
Therefore we were thrilled when my husband's company offered him a full-time, permanent position in Basel. He has family near Zurich, I have friends in Germany and we were planning to leave New Jersey anyway. This just gave us a great way of doing so
I know that there are many people who like NJ. That's ok and I understand. I love Seattle yet know people who hate it. I don't understand them, but that's the beauty of everyone having their own opinion. Otherwise we'd all want to live in the same place
Is your hubby a green card holder? Are you aware of the US tax consequences of being a Greencard holder living/ working in Switzerland? Its a definite watch out.
NJ really does cause controversy! Two of my BFFs are from NJ. Yes, I used to give them grief about it, but they are not from the stereotypical "Jersey Shore". I visited them a couple times and found it to be quite lovely.
I also spent time on that damn turnpike and if that is your only view of NJ it's not a nice one.
We real new jersey people only ask one question, what exit? This is a direct reference to the parkway and the beautiful south jersey... Yah, it goes all the way to the top, but the northerners don't get it, as usual
I lived in NJ for about 9 years in the 80's - 90's. I guess sort of north central (Millburn near Short Hills) and worked in Livingston, Morristown and Red Bank. I thought it was lovely. Lots of great walking paths, and the beach was fun. Pretty towns like Millburn, Chatham, Madison, Summit, Westfield. It was of course, very nice to be able to pop into the city as well.
Loved the names - one of our corporate offices was in Piscataway (piss time away, we used to say). Such a pain in the butt to get to, not the prettiest part of the state.
And oh crap, I forget the exits.... the turnpike was 13? 15? maybe - Newark Airport, and the Garden State was .... 142? 141? who the hell knows.... whatever put you onto I 78. I still have a few tokens for the Garden State Parkway (from when they were $.35)
I found it easy. No intention to return. I have no intention of returning
I argued it with PWC who wanted me to pay NJ taxes and they accepted I was right and signed off on our tax returns. Has never been disputed by the state.
We still have a condo in Hoboken (which is why they wanted to file NJ taxes). Only because its not worth what we paid and we never had the cash to make up a short sale. No family, no offices for my wifes current employer etc.
I still have a house in Seattle (rented out) and we keep it sort of as a "mental anchor". We know that no matter what happens, we will always have some place we can retreat to. In the meantime, it pays for itself
Price Waterhouse Coopers, tax accounting firm who prepare our US tax returns. You really should take a look at US tax issues both federal and state before moving here. Breaking residency of whatever State you are in (assuming it has state income tax) will make a big financial difference
I'd say "we are" looking into tax/accounting issues, but my husband is the one doing all of the work. We both have 401(k) accounts that we intend to maintain in the States, as well as the rental property and some other investments.
Washington State has no state income tax, so at least that's in our favor.