... If you WAnt to commute 2 hrs each WAy to work you can find much cheaper. On top of federal income tax (roughly 25-28%), CA has 13.3% state tax, highest in the country. As Liam mentioned, 1% property tax and the additional add on; homeowners insurance, homeowners association (pays for community pools,parks) which could be $150-$400/month, earthquake insurance (still WAiting the the "big" one to happen, ect). I commute depending which office I work at anywhere from 20-55 miles each WAy. Current petrol prices $2.65/gallon. I do find in Ireland they tend not to ...

... I always found that in CA there WAs just so much more to pay for. Housing is probably the toughest. Mortgages or $3000+ Per month are pretty much the norm. Property tax of 1% of the purchase price of the house, plus various other taxes/fees/insurance cause the number to be so high. For people close to the border with the North (on either side of it), it's nice to be able to take advantage of the savings available by taking a quick spin across. @tony2phones, Is there anything in particular that people up North come down to the Republic to buy?

Hi Kate re:#1 Also from citizensInfo: "The entitlement to a basic Period of maternity leave from employment extends to all female employees (including casual workers), regardless of how long you have been working for the organisation or the number of hours worked Per week" Based on that you would be entitled to leave, but in my opinion you probably won't be paid, but that will depend heavily on your employment contract. You won't have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for state payment, and unless your employment contract is in your favour, then you might have to go without pay. Employers are not obliged to pay women on maternity leave, but your job would be protected by law. re#2: I'm going to have to ask around, or defer to others. My wife stays home with our kids, and they are all US born, so we didn't heave to look in to creche's.

Jason, Don't count on getting great feedback from local realtors/auctioneers. My Personal dealings with them haven't always been favorable. When I brought up the topic years back, the couple that got back to me made me think I WAs asking for something unusual. I definitely suggest calling, not emailing. You'll be lucky to get a reply via email. Thanks for the tip about daft.ie. MyHome.ie does allow a keyword to be specified, so you might have some luck that WAy too. Let us know how you get on. Susan - thanks for the input, and for raising the topic. Sorry y ...