New Hampshire Questions (Plaistow, Kingston, Haverhill: property taxes, home, income)

[boogs61]

My husband & I are planning a move to the New England Area later this year. It is looking promising that he will be working in Danvers, MA. We are looking at New Hampshire for living. I do not know where I will be working at this point.

I am looking for town suggestions and towns to stay away from. We do not have children and no plans for any, so schools are not a concern. We would love to be slightly rural, with small acreage (1-3?) for some chickens and a garden. BUT, we would like to be fairly close to major grocery stores, a Target, mall, etc.. (within 30 min max). I would LOVE to get a home for under 300k, even a "fixer-upper."

I love farmers markets and being able to support local farmer's and growers. Does this area have that? Also, this may seem like a funny question, but is high speed internet available? garbage service (do you burn it?), etc..

Any info would be great...thanks!

[Valerie C]

New Hampshire to Danvers... doable, as long as you're not too far from Rte 95. Maybe one of the towns along Rte 101, or along the west side of Rte 95 might offer what you're looking for. NH doesn't have many Target stores, most are further West than I think you want to be. However there is one in Haverhill, MA and Haverhill, being on the NH border, might be close enough, if you were in the Plaistow/Newton/Kingston area.

Sounds like you're looking to be somewhat rural, but not totally "in the sticks". Since school systems aren't a concern, definitely concentrate on the towns with the lower tax load. Here is a PDF of taxes by town (www.snhhome.com/2006NHTaxRates.pdf) but keep in mind this is from 2006.

You'll also want to consider some of the cost factors of living in NH while working in MA. You'll be paying non-resident income tax to MA, and NH's high property taxes. Some, but not all, think it's worth it. Auto and home insurance is more $$ if you live in MA, but the cost to register your car *may* be higher in NH. So much to consider!! Hope you find some of this info helpful...