I Want To Live In A Barn In Hanover (Lyme: foreclosures, home)

[Bob The Builder]

First of all, my time frame for this move is at least three years. However, I can move fast if the opportunity presents itself.

I see a bunch of Barn properties for 500k plus. I'm not motivated by what I see or by the prices.

I have seen some buildable land and it seems the sellers are stuck on 299k.

I have contacted a barn framing company in Maine to get started.

What are your opinions on Hanover
1) Mosquitoes
2) Timing for buying
3) Politics
4) Barn living
5) Fishing
6) Skiing

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[bryfry]

Originally Posted by Bob The Builder

What are your opinions on Hanover:
1) Mosquitoes
2) Timing for buying
3) Politics
4) Barn living
5) Fishing
6) Skiing

1. Don't like 'em much. Remind me of relatives.

2. Anytime you have money.

3. Liberal. Blame Vermont.

4. Not much used to sleeping in hay. Lots of furry neighbors though!

5. Not since I was a kid.

6. Love it. The apre's ski party is my favorite part.

[Sporin]

Originally Posted by bryfry

1. Don't like 'em much. Remind me of relatives.

2. Anytime you have money.

3. Liberal. Blame Vermont.

4. Not much used to sleeping in hay. Lots of furry neighbors though!

5. Not since I was a kid.

6. Love it. The apre's ski party is my favorite part.

Hanover is liberal because it's a town basically owned and run by Dartmouth College, VT has nothing to do with it.

You could save a LOT of money by living outside Hanover a bit... Thetford VT, Lyme NH, there are lots of smaller, cheaper towns within 15-20 minutes of the Hanover Green.

[Bob The Builder]

But is it California ugly angry liberal? Are they Heterophobic?

[Sporin]

Originally Posted by Bob The Builder

But is it California ugly angry liberal? Are they Heterophobic?

Not in my opinion.

I think you'll find that (city-data forum insults aside) most areas of NH & VT are very similar, a mix of moderates with a few leaning farther to each side but for the most part good people just going about their daily lives and not trying to force their beliefs on each other.

[bryfry]

Originally Posted by Sporin

Hanover is liberal because it's a town basically owned and run by Dartmouth College, VT has nothing to do with it.

The whole Upper Valley is liberal, and yes, it has a lot to do with Vermont. I don't see too many of them hard left, except for some of the students. My grandfather lives in Hanover, so I've been there numerous times. I agree the college is one reason, but one cannot deny the influence of the crunchy-granola sect. Besides, my post was actually meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Ha.........ha.............? Oh, well.

[Bob The Builder]

My friend down in NY told me that NH was a "Live Free Or Die" kind of place. I told him that I am a conservative and that that would suit me. For full disclosure, I am Chinese American born in California and am now living with my wife and three very young children in Assisi, Italy.

I used to live in the SF Bay Area where they now have MoveOn.org and City Council out for impeachment. There is even a marquee on the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland that says stuff like "To Be Re-elected You Must First Be Elected" or "Support Our Troops, Bring Them Home Now".

I don't mind people having different opinions, but I hate it when their opinions are rammed down my throat.

I know the RE market is slow all over, but are prices in Hanover rolling back over the next few years? I have both time and cash.

I understand the Lyme and other outlying areas are cheaper. Honestly, I can afford to pay a premium, but is it worth it to be in Hanover? Thanks.

[GregW]

According to an acquaintance of mine there are a great number of foreclosures in the North Country driving down home prices. This year or next may be a good time to buy. The local economy is well supported by the medical facilities and spin-off companies from Dartmouth.

All the small towns and villages along Rt. 10 north and south of Hanover are really, really nice. If you are willing to drive 30 –45 minutes you can have your choice of a huge number of properties.

[Sporin]

Originally Posted by bryfry

The whole Upper Valley is liberal, and yes, it has a lot to do with Vermont. I don't see too many of them hard left, except for some of the students. My grandfather lives in Hanover, so I've been there numerous times. I agree the college is one reason, but one cannot deny the influence of the crunchy-granola sect. Besides, my post was actually meant to be tongue-in-cheek. Ha.........ha.............? Oh, well.

I know you were being tongue-in-cheek, as was I. As a moderately liberal family man living in VT I get tired of the assertion that everyone is VT is some ridiculous caricature of a "hippy granola liberal" I really don't think that is the case. Every state has their nuts though. )

Originally Posted by Bob The Builder

I know the RE market is slow all over, but are prices in Hanover rolling back over the next few years? I have both time and cash.

I understand the Lyme and other outlying areas are cheaper. Honestly, I can afford to pay a premium, but is it worth it to be in Hanover? Thanks.

Thansk to the College and the Hospital the Hanover RE market is pretty solid, and will always be. You are looking at $500k for a place in town Hanover and I do think the town is great if you can afford it. Bear in mind the property taxes are very high as well.

It's a fabulous town to walk in, plenty of shops and restaurants and things to do. People are generally very friendly but the town does ebb & flow with the students and very much revolves around the College.

[Bob The Builder]

Thanks all. Looks like I'm coming out there in late Sept to have a look. Will it be cold? Do your kids play hockey? soccer? baseball? Do they fish? swim? hunt?

Will the kids (Chinese mind you, but now living in Italy) have a better academic environment in Hanover than in Lyme? or other town?