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Hello,
We live in the DC metro area and are considering moving to the seacoast for a job in Dover. I grew up in New England, and I'm not thrilled about returning to the frigid LONG winter although I'll be glad to live right near the ocean again.
I have a few questions about real estate near the seacoast. Coming from DC where housing is through the roof, I'm surprised Portsmouth and the immediate surrounding area is as expensive as it is! I'm concerned prices are inflated, but I don't know the market well up here. Anyone have some input? I'm worried if we buy a property but it turns out we don't want to stay more than a few years, we'll lose money.
Because of this, we're thinking of renting to get a better feel for the area and to make sure the job is the right fit. The rental market doesn't seem very desirable for houses with 3+ BRs though--I see a lot of condos in Portsmouth and not too much else. We'd like to be no more than 15-20 minutes from Portsmouth. Do these rental properties exist? Is there a local site I should be searching besides craigslist, realtor.com, etc.?
We have children that are nearing school age. I know most of the school districts near Portsmouth are good, with the exception of Dover (so I've been told). What is it that makes Dover schools less desirable? Southern Dover looks like a good spot to be considering its proximity to the job and to Portsmouth, but truly how bad is the Dover school system?
Lastly, if anyone can point me to family-friendly neighborhoods to consider, I'd appreciate it. If we do decide to buy, max is 600k but would love to stay closer to 500k.
The Dover schools aren't that bad, but they are not as good as those in Portsmouth, Rye, etc.
Housing prices are higher in Portsmouth, but the taxes are much lower than Dover. Rye taxes are very low, but you don't get all services, no trash pick up, ECT.
I wouldn't say Portsmouth school system is any better or worse than Dover. If you can afford to send your children to St. Thomas in Dover, you can always do that.
Exeter is usually the school system everyone praises. Exeter is a very nice town, but it is certainly more boring than Dover.
The seacoast is the more expensive area in NH. Portsmouth is more expensive than Dover.
I don't know what is the issue with the schools in Dover, but I do know that in Great Schools and judging by test result, they are worse than other districts in the vicinity. If your job is in Dover, you can also look around, unless you want to be closer to the coast. There are towns where your money goes farther, but they are not in the water.
Schools are by districts or SAU. Most towns share at least some levels, especially High School. The ones considered the best are:
Oyster River is Durham, Lee and Madbury. Good schools, high taxes.
Exeter or SAU 16 is Exeter, Stratham, East Kingston, Kensington, Brentwood and Newfields. All kinds of prices and houses. Taxes are high, especially in Exeter.
The students from Greenland, Rye, New Castle and Newington go to Portsmouth High School for 9-12. They have their own schools for K-8. RE is expensive, taxes are low(er), some services might be lacking.
Coe Brown Academy takes students from Northwood, Nottingham and Barrington.
Since you come from a city, you will find that many houses are on well and septic. Public water is only available in the more urban core of the town (when available). Finding a house for rent is not easy. There are not that many. Best bet would be to get in touch with a RE agent that handles rentals.
Merjolie, I appreciate the breakdown of the school systems. Well water and septic--definitely foreign concepts to me! This will be quite the transition.
Besides Portsmouth and Dover, are Exeter and Stratham the only places with a "downtown" with shops and restaurants?
How's North Hampton?
I'd love to hear from others if anyone has the time. Thanks!
Stratham does not really have a downtown, neither does North Hampton. North Hampton is nice, kids go to Winnicunett High School, not the best. Most homes in Dover and Portsmouth have city water and sewer. I'm not sure on the other communities.
Wife's two younger brothers both went through the Dover school systems. Both got into drugs and trouble with the law, they grew up in a middle class house and had all the advantages in life but are now stuck in fast food jobs with no prospects. Heard the same story about their friends and my wife's colleagues children. I would not send my children to the Dover school district, I am sure there are many worse places but there are also many better places within an easy commute to a job in Dover.
We live in Nottingham, kids are not yet school age but we are told the K - 8 is regarded as average if small. The high school, Coe Brown, is very well regarded.
Three bedroom houses for rent on the seacoast are going to next to impossible to find. Rentals in general are extremely tight on the seacoast. We rent a unit in Exeter and last time it went on the market there was over a dozen viable applications after a single open house, the unit is nothing special.
Do not be afraid of well and septic, there is very little impact on your daily life. Get your septic pumped every couple of years, costs about $250; you may need to replace your well pump every 10 - 20 years, roughly $1000 - $1500.
Your best bet is going to be the Oyster River school district, specifically Madbury, if you can afford it. Take a look at the playground at the elementary school in Madbury when you visit and you will understand. Last I heard only organic food was served to the kids.
Dover, Portsmouth and Exeter are the only classic walkable New England downtowns on the seacoast.
Get an all wheel drive car, good winter clothes and a generator. Do not be afraid of the winter, get your kids into outdoor winter activities as soon as possible.
Another question--how's cell service up there? I have AT&T.
I just looked up Fios and apparently it isn't available in Dover or Durham. I have a home-based business so I need a fast connection.
Cell service is fine on the seacoast. We have internet through cable, my husband works from home just fine
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