Live Well for Less in the South

Welcome to the South, where the living is easy… and less expensive! The cost of living in southern states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina is generally a lot less than in their northern counterparts. Less expensive housing and lower tax rates help your dollar stretch further, meaning you have more resources to do what you want, when you want. And with all the places to visit and things to do in the south (many of which are free!) you’ll live a high quality life that is sustainable for years to come.

Here's the breakdown of costs of living and taxes in the four states where Brown Haven Homes builds new homes on your land.

Building a New Home in Georgia

In several of the North Georgia counties where Brown Haven builds, the overall cost of living is less than that of the national average, which is attributed mainly to more affordable housing options. The cost of living in Gilmer County is 92.2% of the national average, and the living in Towns County cost about 95.9% of the national average. Georgia residents also enjoy no Social Security tax, and low property taxes at $875 per $100,000 of assessed home value.

New homes built on your land in North Georgia start at about $149,337.

Building a New Home North Carolina

While the overall cost of living in the Asheville area, where Brown Haven builds, can exceed other parts of the state, there are tax benefits to living in this area. Property taxes are reasonable at just $773 per $100,000 of assessed home value, and groceries and motor vehicles are exempt from ordinary sales tax (although cars are subject to a 3% highway-use tax). Where you'll really save money here is on activities and outdoor recreation. From hiking to mountain biking, or simply taking one of the most scenic drives in the country on the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are a million ways to keep busy without spending anything.

New homes built on your land in North Carolina start at about $175,557.

Building a New Home in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the more tax-friendly states in the country, and the cost of living here is pretty sweet, too. In Anderson County, the cost of living is about 84.7% of the national average, thanks to terrific home values. Residents of the Palmetto State also enjoy quite a few tax breaks to lighten the load: property taxes are extremely low at $545 per $100,000 of assessed home value, there is no Social Security Tax, and items like groceries and prescription drugs are tax-free.

New homes built on your land in South Carolina start at about $153,997.

Building a New Home in Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. Those benefits, coupled with beautiful landscapes, a great live music scene, its central location, and interesting cities make the Volunteer State worth a look for building your new home. While the sales tax is higher than average, it is offset by zero income tax. Property taxes are also low at just $636 per $100,000 of assessed home value, and prescription drugs are tax-free. In the Chattanooga area, where Brown Haven builds, the cost of living is just 83.8% of the national average, which means your dollar goes further to enjoy all the region has to offer.

New homes built on your land in the Chattanooga area start at about $194,430.

Southern Living

Beyond the low taxes and cost of living in these southern states, there are hundreds of interesting places to visit and things to do that don't cost much, or are completely free. Enjoy nature's ultimate playgrounds in the forms of mountains, lakes, rivers, quaint southern towns, the best local diners, mom and pop shops, and more. Here are a few suggestions:

5 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Blue Ridge Mountains

10 Things To Do This Summer In The Blue Ridge Mountains

The Best In Southern Lake And River Living

The Best Places To Enjoy Fall Foliage

For more information on building the homes of your dreams on your land in North Georgia, the Western Carolinas, or Eastern Tennessee, browse our floor plans, or contact our team at 706-514-4447 to schedule an appointment.