Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I wouldn't get scared away by some of the negative comments here. I've lived in New York, California, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. All in all New Hampshire is by far the best place that I've lived. There are lots of nice towns to raise a family in, and unlike many parts of the country most of the state is affordable. I would hold off on real estate purchases for now as the housing market is collapsing across New England. The economy is OK; not great but it could be much worse (NH is outpacing the rest of New England by a mile in job creation). The natural scenery is beautiful. The NH state government is unique and that is a big draw for me; I prefer small government and low taxes. [Property taxes are high but all in all you pay less taxes here than any other state except Alaska].
The biggest issue for me is that large changes are looming. A lot of people are moving in and they want changes. Our schools have consistently produced students who score among the highest on standardized tests, yet we are now told that we're doing it all wrong and that massive changes need to be enacted in school funding. It seems that a lot of people are chomping at the bit to make things more like where they came from (but if it was so great there why the heck did they leave?). Southern NH is getting pretty congested. Another thing that gets my goat is the growing "NIMBYism" in NH.
I love what New Hampshire IS but I'm not sure I like where it's going.
Tesla, I've been saying this for awhile, on the NH forum and even others where there is suden growth occuring. I feel sorry for long-time residents, as they didn't ask for this to happen and were quite content with things as they were. Something similar has happened where I live (in CA) and I relate to the feeling of being powerless - there is really nothing you can do to stop these changes. Especially if your state has a dynamic economy (as NH has) and is continually touted as being a very liveable state (as NH always is).
From my perspective, it's only about money. The newcomers are chasing the bucks, whether it be in employment opportunities or cheaper real esate, and they typically come from neighboring areas/states where things aren't so rosy. This is why they want NH to change - they moved there for monetary reasons, not because they admire the state, so it makes sense that they would want to to make changes. It's awful, but what can you do? You can't keep people out. The only recourse is to stand your ground and not cave into their demands, but because they come in such large numbers, and often times have more mney than the locals, their voices get heard above all others.
I think you will LOVE the seacoast area. And, Christian schools in NH are very good. As for "unfriendliness" of new englanders, it's really reserve that is interpreted often for unfriendliness. They are reserved, but when you get to know them they are warm and accepting. You'll see that warmth immediately when you get situated in a church of your choosing, though it may take longer to develop relationships with neighbors etc.
I think the Seacoast is one of the most friendly and laid back areas near Boston. Newburyport is also nice, but too dense for my taste. All the people here are great. I think that is one of the most positive aspects of NH. Our people are educated, friendly, and we have a strong sense of community(unlike MA!). Anywhere around Portsmouth, NH is good-honestly, you can't go wrong!
Well if your coming from AZ I don't think any town in Strafford County or Rockingham County would be all that bad. Most people who live in the seacoast have town rivalrys so there are many biased opinions of certain towns depending on which town you come from ie. Exeter and Hampton are rival communities as are Dover and Rochester. Northern Strafford County communities such as New Durham, Middleton and Strafford are nice scenic towns with vistas of the cocheco and salmon falls river valleys. They are more affordable than Dover, or Portsmouth and are still very close to the Seacoast. Rockingham County is very costly to live in with its closer proximity to Boston and the Atlantic Ocean. Rochester isn't as bad as most people say it is there are neighborhoods to avoid there but the same can be said for any community in NH. I worked all around the seacoast area this summer it really has it all, its close to the lakes region and the mountains and close to Boston and Portland ME, I would recommend a visit to Portland its my favorite east coast city.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
You are soooo right!
