Seacoast Relocation Questions (Manchester, Dover, Portsmouth: rentals, mobile home, buying)

[merrisweel]

My boyfriend and I are re-locating, possibly to New Hampshire, and were wondering where along the seacoast would be best for 2 late-20s people who are avid outdoorsy types. We like to camp, hike, kayak - the works, and are looking to live somewhere where all of this can be done within a reasonable distance. We have read up on both Exeter and Portsmouth and liked the reviews. We were wondering if there were other places like this that someone might recommend as well?

Also, we have a dog - and we'd like to live in an area where we can rent for a reasonable amount and be able to keep our dog. If anyone knows of any places like this in Portsmouth or Exeter areas, we'd greatly appreciate the heads up!

[casualobserver]

Well, "along the seacoast" is likely a misnomer to start with. There is only 18 miles of it in NH and every house along it is pricey and unlikely to be rented out....unless you want the backwater streets of Hampton Beach (you could likely get a great rate from Oct to May).

Move back away from the coast towards Exeter.......and then even back a little further to Raymond or so and you'll find affordable rental housing. That puts you 25 minutes from the beach, but at the same time more into regular woods country as well.

[merrisweel]

I meant to say the seacoast AREA, instead of just the seacoast, as thats where we need to be as far as the job is concerned. i.e. the exeter area

[NH2008]

I would pick Exeter. You have the downtown area with restaurants and shops and a movie theater, you're not far from Portsmouth, and I'm told Phillips Exeter has walking trails open to everyone. There is a public boat launch onto the Exeter River if you're into kayaking or canoeing.

[OCCASparky]

Concur with Exeter. Taxes might be a bit high but if you have kids the schools there are as good as any in the state. Also, smaller areas like Lee, Barrington, and Durham are also worth looking into.

Are you buying right away or renting for a while?

[merrisweel]

We're going to rent for a while, because we've heard that NH has outrageous property taxes and have the check all that out before looking into buying

[rmcewan]

Originally Posted by merrisweel

We're going to rent for a while, because we've heard that NH has outrageous property taxes and have the check all that out before looking into buying

Those property taxes are reflected in the rent. Do you folks live in a city now? Outdoors we got plenty of here... not so much the indoor night-life. Portsmouth maybe. Manchester definitely, and Boston is a couple of hours away.

[Annabelle]

What's great about the seacoast area is that there is something for everyone with regards to rentals. Want rural, suburban, small city? you've got it and it is all within 20 minutes of the ocean, bay, rivers. The entire state has options for those who enjoy the outdoors, and the seacoast has plenty to offer. Boating and kayaking along the Squamscott River and many creeks in the Newcastle/Portsmouth area are outstanding!

[Valerie C]

Seacoast area is beautiful, but be forewarned about summer traffic if you're close to some of the public beach areas. Getting into and out of Hampton can be a nightmare on warm summer days. I know somebody who lives in Salisbury (MA) and the last 3 miles home from work can take over an hour, and leaving home on a weekend afternoon/early evening, same thing. Portsmouth doesn't have this problem, and I can tell you that there is plenty to do day and night there. Restaurants, nightlife, etc and very walkable downtown as well.

Since you have a dog, it's best to start looking asap after you know for sure if you'll be coming to this area. It's really difficult to find a decent rental that will allow a dog Even with my dogs that had obedience titles and AKC Canine Good Citizen I had a hard time when I was looking for a rental. It CAN be done, it's just more difficult...

If you're not dead set on being right AT the seacoast, the Exeter area has alot to offer, and you'll find more rental options there as well. Exeter is sort of a "mini-city", and has choices like multi-family, mobile homes, etc. which some of the more rural towns won't have... The nice thing about being along the 101 belt is that the seacoast area is literally a few exits away. Towns like Raymond (they have a great dog park ) or Nottingham have the lake, trails, etc. and still less than 30 minutes from the seacoast.

There are many options, and this is just some food for thought....

[jonandstaceUK]

Hi all,

We are looking to move from the UK to the seacoast area either Dover or Exeter. You mentioned schools are best in Exeter. Would you be talking about Private or Public Schools? You mentioned drop outs and violence in Portsmouth, is this the same in Dover and Exeter?

Any advice would be great!

Thanks

Jon