Merrimack or Londonderry? (Manchester, Nashua, Salem: 2009, day care, homes)

[LoveSnow]

What is the major difference between the two? Size, proximity to large cities, property taxes and prices are about the same (Merrimack is probably a bit more affordable). Which one should we choose?

Here is what we are looking for:

1. Somewhere between Nashua and Manchester, with easy commute to either one, not too far from Boston either.

2. Neighborhood where lots are 1+ acres. You know you have neighbors, but see them from a distance.

3. Good schools (elementary through high school). Londonderry seems to have higher scores, but Merrimack is not too far behind.

4. Public water, sewer and all that. Don't want to mess with our own well. Trash pick up service (city or private) is desirable.

5. Things to do for kids. I see Merrimack has indoor pool, tennis court and a bunch of other stuff. What about Londonderry?

6. Londonderry has public pre-school. Anything like that in Merrimack?

Other towns - Chester, Auburn, Windham - looks like public services are limited there. How do these places compare to Londonderry or Merrimack?

[Valerie C]

LoveSnow, I'll quickly answer your Q's and will probably add more later...

To your 1st, 2nd questions, I think either is just as good as the other.

3) I believe that Londonderry schools are better than Merrimack, especially the music and arts programs (but that may just be bias I am after all a Lancer Marching Band FOM MOM)

4) Oh oh..... Public water and sewer. Here's where you decision may be made for you. Londonderry has VERY FEW homes with public water, and even less with public sewer. Merrimack, OTOH, has plenty to chose from, and in very nice neighborhoods. If this is truly important to you and your family, this may be just what you needed to hear to make that decision.

5) Here is another area where Merrimack wins out. Londonderry has been trying to get a semi-public pool put in (via YMCA) but there have been roadblocks (a physical fitness facility has the only large indoor public pool in town). Londonderry does have tennis courts, tons of fields for sports, etc, but that's all...

6) Keep in mind that LEEP (Londonderry Early Education Program) is for 3-4 year olds with and without special needs. This meets Mon-Thurs AM or PM.

Chester and Auburn are limited in their services, and they like it that way. Many votes for enhancements to town services are defeated by voters. Chester HS kids are tuitioned to Pinkerton in Derry. Auburn HS students are tuitioned to Manchester Central.

Windham is considered one of the most affluent towns in the area. They have a really good rec. program, and their HS students have been going to Salem for a number of years, but starting 2009, will be going to their own HS.

Hope this helps
I do think the the public water/public sewer issue may very much help you to make your decision!!

[LoveSnow]

Thank you, Valerie . Private well is not something new, we used to live with one. But I got concerned after reading about old chemical waste sites. Public system seems safer. I guess .

Our kids are 3 and 1, so going to public day care means saving $800 a month

Are there any rules, official and unofficial, that may be a culture shock for a person coming from the south? And if so, which town is less restrictive?

[LoveSnow]

I also read somewhere on this board that Merrimack is on the "wrong side of the river".

Oh, and I see there is a railroad in Merrimack. Is is too bad if you live close to it?

[buck naked]

a good friend of mine lives on the Merrimack Nashua line. it's a great place to live because the river is close if you like to fish - the railroad is close (great for hiking) and there are a lot of woods still

he can hear the sounds from the Budweiser manufacturing plant as they change shifts - the sound carries down the river - it's peaceful but still urban - walking distance to an ice cream stand on route 3A and the park if you're feeling energetic

[Valerie C]

Merrimack, Nashua, etc are on the "wrong side" of the river for people that need to access Rte 93 to Boston. Probably part of the reason that Bedford is so popular--It's also on "the wrong side" of the river, but has easy access to Rte 93 via 293 on the Manchester/Bedford line. You can also get there via Rte 3, but 93 is much more direct.

Originally Posted by LoveSnow

I also read somewhere on this board that Merrimack is on the "wrong side of the river".