Merrimack, Keene? (Manchester, Nashua: appointed, real estate, how much)

[isis297]

So far I am hearing a lot of wonderful things about Merrimack but what about the gas/electric, schools and now I read here that they have a few toll booths?

I know it's a different area but what about Keene?

[Tarastomsgirl]

I dont' know about Merrimack I do know they have toll booths off of their exits, I think they're the only town with that in NH . I remember seeing it on the news the other day the residents were protesting the toll by paying with pennies. I have heard its a nice place though..

I'm not sure what exactly you are asking about in Keene as far as gas/electric, are you looking prices, suppliers?

As for school we have quite a few, Keene Middle, Keene highschool and Fuller Elementary which I've been told is a great elementary school. Give us some more specifics that we can help ya out with

[nicolem]

Both are nice. What are your career choices? Living in Merrimack-you are right by Rt3 and thus Rt 93. Boston is a possibility if you have to work there. Close to Manchester, Nashua, etc.

I guess it really depends on your work and what you need. Keene is starting to build more big boxes-recently in the last few years Target, Circut City, but that area is still much less developed than the Merrimack/Nashua are. Of course during the school year Keene is more populated with Keene State is session. Keene is closer to Vermont if that is of intererst.

If I could find the same jobs in both places, I would pick Keene. I love the Monadnack area, I was married at the Cathedral of the Pines, I love their down town.

Maybe more info about you and questions would help.

Nicole

[bryfry]

Use the search tab above. Click on the advanced section and then type in "Keene" or "Merrimack" or other words covering your subject, making sure you also pick the state in the lower right hand corner and then hit search. This will open up a plethora of posts and threads that may have some info you need, good and bad. Both towns have been covered ad nauseum in this forum.

[isis297]

This is what I put in my last post as to what we were looking for:

"1) great schools/job opportunities - my husband is in IT and dabbles in music
2) decent house/property for the money - here a 3 br 2 1/2 bath with 2 car garage on 1/3 acre goes for the low $200's...I'd love a few acres!!
3) not too expensive property taxes - here on the property above we are paying about $4500/year
4) great healthcare - my mom is not the healthiest and would end up with or near us...she's been on life support 3 times in 10 years
5) great community programs - things for the kids like swimming lessons at a community pool maybe, soccer, enrichment programs (all without costing an arm and a leg) and maybe some programs for my mom (senior) and challenged aunt

One of my concerns is are there extra taxes the state incorporates since there isn't a state income tax? Is there a charge when you register your car there?"

Merrimack seems to offer many of these things. How bad are the tolls? How are the schools? Looking at some real estate online, it looks like Merrimack is a bit newer than Keene. Is that a fair assessment? As for the gas/electric question, I was wondering costs.

BTW, my husband is in the IT field and I have my own businesses from home.

Thank you for all your help!

[bryfry]

Originally Posted by isis297

How bad are the tolls?...........Looking at some real estate online, it looks like Merrimack is a bit newer than Keene.

The tolls are only "bad" if you use the Turnpike. You can easily get around town without using the highway, albeit a bit slower. It's a $.50 toll per exit, $.35 if you have the electronic E-Z Pass. If you hit one of the main toll plazas, it's $.75 (.53 cents with E-Z Pass). It can add up if you use it alot.

Merrimack will be a bit cheaper than Keene. The tax rate as of Jan 1. 2007 in Keene is 25.54 per thous. and Merrimack is 17.46. As far as newer, Keene will have older homes because of its age. It's boom came a while back. Homes west of the Turnpike in Merrimack are newer for the most part. More development in the last 20 yrs in this area. Closer to the river are the older homes along Rt 3.

Pick up a New Hamphire Atlas and Gazetteer topographic map by DeLorme. It is by far one of the best maps I have ever used. I have one for every state in New England. It has the best detailed info of any map I've seen. I use it all the time. Border's books carries them, or order one from your favorite local book store. It's a must have. You will not be disappointed.

[isis297]

Thank you guys for your responses!! Our tax rate here is either $21 per thousand or $29...I thought I saw that they changed the assessed values but am not sure at the moment so it's throwing me off.

What about schools and gas/electric costs? I'm anxious to compare my gas/electric bill now! LOL I just want to know my children are going to get a great education too. I like that where we are pushes the kids in that they have to know 14 sight words by the end of kindergarten and they are being introduced to school subjects slowly vs. back home where the kindergarteners go all day and are writing creative paragraphs 3 months into the school year! I think that is too much. I wonder too how the starting school age works. Here they moved it up to they had to be 5 by 9/1 but in NJ, our cousin said GIRLS have to be 5 by 9/1 while BOYS have to be 5 1/2 by 9/1.

[Suzet2262]

This might sound silly, but how much are toll booths and how do you pay for them? Do you pay a person, or is there a slot you put money in?

[Sporin]

Originally Posted by isis297

One of my concerns is are there extra taxes the state incorporates since there isn't a state income tax? Is there a charge when you register your car there?"

they sure do. If you buy mostly older used cars it isn't too bad but if you buy new cars the they nick you hard.

[isis297]

We have a 2002 and 2005 now. Where can I go to read how much we would have to pay to transfer our tags over to NH? From what I understand, you pay something on your income taxes every year on your cars?