Moscin
You have found a great place to learn about life in SD. There are lots of smart, well intentioned folks around here and unfortunately a few crazies with axes to grind. We call them LETDLITA’s (leading experts that dont live in the area). Stick to information from the folks who actually live in an area and you will be fine. Of course, do your own due diligence as well when you get here to look around.
People in CA are spoiled by relatively low RE taxes relative to the east coast. Back east people are used to paying higher taxes in nicer areas with more highly regarded school systems. In CA your taxes are essentially 1% of the purchase plus a few minor assessments (roughly 10 basis points). Unlike back east, houses are not re-assessed each year. To keep schools afloat and fund new infrastructure (schools, roads and Taj Mahal like fire stations) they assess new construction with additional fees commonly called Mello Roos. Old timers think they are bad but young families mostly view them as a higher tax rate in return for better/newer infrastructure. Not all homes have them and they vary so be sure to inquire about them and include them in your calculations.
More than anything you have found a great source of information from well intentioned people. We are happy to have new people joining our growing hometown (at least most of us) and wish you luck in your search.
