Relocating from MO...help needed!

[Valerie C]

Having relocated to the state of Missouri many years back (and here we are--back in New England again...), we found ourselves drawn to the coast, and I think you might find the Currier & Ives settings that you're seeking. Many of our coastal towns have historic little downtown area, no big-box national franchise stores, but locally owned shops, mom & pop restaurants, etc.

It was difficult on us being in a land-locked state for those years (and while we found the rivers and caves a source of outdoor fun, it was no substitute for the inland lakes and ocean/beaches (and the white mountains being a couple hours drive away).

Coastal communities generally come with a higher price tag than inland areas, but this is to be expected. I highly recommend checking out Newburyport, further north, but still within a couple of hours of Amherst, an easy drive to Boston for culture (though NBPT has a thriving arts culture, and festivities throughout the year). I also second the nominations for Marblehead, Manchester by the Sea and Ipswich. Towns to consider that are still near, but not on the coast: West Newbury & Georgetown)

[Valerie C]

Originally Posted by stone0990

I will also cross-post this in the CT, RI, NH, and VT threads (as these are all within the "New England" tuition option of UMass!)

THANKS!!

I didn't see your cross post in the NH forum, so will make a few recommendations here: Towns to keep in mind in NH could include Exeter (great schools, nice little downtown). I have other recommendations for inland towns, but will save those for when I see your post in the NH

Do keep in mind that while NH home prices are significantly lower than MA, property tax rates are generally higher. And though the lower valuations may buffer the total tax owed, expect to pay higher property taxes on a New Hampshire home.

New Hampshire has no sales tax, and also no income tax IF you are based out of a NH location. Those who chose to live in NH and work in MA get hit with MA income tax and NH property tax, a double whammy.

Most communities in NH will less town-provided services than you might be used to. Some will have town-wide trash pickup, others have a transfer station where you bring your trash. Or you can opt to have a private hauler do a weekly pickup for a fee. Many towns do not have public water/public sewer service, and homes have private wells and septic system (many towns in MA are on septic as well). These are just a few of the differences of MA/NH living--having moved to NH instead of back to MA when we came home from Missouri for reasons too numerous to get into here, we are happy with our decision, but could easily see ourselves living in either, over any other states