For almost 6 ½ years, I have lived in my rather inexpensive apartment in Delmar. It’s a fairly run-down building with mold problems, although my landlord was pretty responsive last week, my neighbor called and took care of the backed up sewer. Still the flood wasn’t that bad, but I was still annoyed about having to deal with a flood that wasn’t really even my fault.

With all the tax credits for homeownership, it really is a pretty good deal – even if I probably couldn’t find a home the size my of my apartment for purchase. Honestly though, I tend to think my apartment is too big, and eventually would like to downsize – those mini-houses you see on the various off-the-grid websites are pretty neat.

First though, I got to get out of the city and Albany. I really don’t want to own land in New York State or make any long-term investment in the state. Property taxes are pretty high and I don’t like the SAFE Act or the open burning ban. I just want to be left alone by the government and live in a place where people mind their own business.