Oliver, thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated.
Quite welcome. Oh one more negative to WV is state income tax which starts at 3% on the first $10,000 then steps up a few times to the top bracket of 6.5% on whatever you earn over $60K. And I *believe* it includes retirement income.
And NC is not so tax friendly either, I recall reading an "overall tax cost rating" of each state a few years ago and VA was in the top 10 least tax states while NC made the top 10 highest. But I'm not exactly sure how accurate those ratings are as each person's income, assets, and situation vary. I know my friend living in rural Patrick Co VA seemed astounded to learn where I live in WV there are no building fees or permits required nor zoning regulation, while he has to get permits for most everything he does, which information and value of course goes straight to the assessor.