Manchester opinions (Derry, Londonderry, Hooksett: apartments, rentals, condos)

[lorrhob06]

I am considering a job relocation to Andover, Mass. I currently live in Atlanta and need some help in deciding where to live. I've looked at several places in Mass (Wakefield, Reading, Peabody and Amesbury) and am having trouble finding a place I can afford. I am a single mother of two and am looking for a 3bd/2bth house/apt in the $1200 range. I visited Manchester and have added that to the list of possibilities but I don't have any information regarding schools, crime, places to avoid etc. If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated!

[buck naked]

stay away from the inner city - Central High School area


it has changed over the years and is home to a large immigrant community. Many do not speak english.


You should have no problems with the schools no matter where you live in the city. They are all fairly equal. However, Manchester recently announced a huge cutback in funding for the schools so things may change yet again. Teachers have already been given pink slips.

You should be able to find an apartment in your price range. Try to get one that includes heat (they are out there). NH is brutal in the winter.

[Positiveone]

From what i was told is that there is not a large population of Illegals in NH. Did I hear the wrong info?

Originally Posted by buck naked

stay away from the inner city - Central High School area


it has changed over the years and is home to a large immigrant community. Many do not speak english.


You should have no problems with the schools no matter where you live in the city. They are all fairly equal. However, Manchester recently announced a huge cutback in funding for the schools so things may change yet again. Teachers have already been given pink slips.

You should be able to find an apartment in your price range. Try to get one that includes heat (they are out there). NH is brutal in the winter.

[AngelaK]

There isn't a problem with illegal immigrants..........there is a large refugee community, they are here legally from places like the Sudan and Somalia, etc. They are good people, but many as he said do not speak English, I think that is what he was trying to say. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it brings much diversity to a very "undiverse" state, but it can be a bit of a drain on the schools and city budgets, etc. On another note, I have chosen to not send my child to public school here in the city. If possible, you might want to try a smaller community outside of Manchester, such as Candia, Auburn, Hooksett, even Londonderry. I know there are rentals in these areas in your price range. Good luck.

[buck naked]

the area around Central HS is mostly asian and hispanic. They, for the most part, are legal. My youngest daughter works with some of the families. A lot of them have numerous children and go home every year for a couple of months and then come back. She is constantly helping them to catch up with school work. Quite often, the children speak english, but the parents don't.

[lorrhob06]

Thank you for your input. While I was visiting I also stumbled into Derry and Londonderry both of which seemed to be possible options. Does anyone have an opinion on either of these?

[buck naked]

I lived in Derry for 22 years. I loved it and would not have moved if I could help it. Unfortunately, I was taxed out of my home.

[AngelaK]

Londonderry is considered to be one of the better school systems in the area. But it can be expensive to live there, if you own a home. I am sure you could find apartments or condos in your price range.

[lorrhob06]

Originally Posted by buck naked

I lived in Derry for 22 years. I loved it and would not have moved if I could help it. Unfortunately, I was taxed out of my home.

Not to pry but can yo expand on that a little? I've had a lot of people "warn" me about the taxes in Mass and NH, but I can't seem to get any details. This will most likely not be a permanent move, I'm thinking maybe 3 or 4 years so I doubt I will ever own a home. I'm much more interested in renting but am having a lot of trouble finding things in Mass I can afford.

[buck naked]

My taxes increased from $700 in 1982 (1 acre, fairly modest home) to over $7,000 in 2003. Since then the taxes on that home are $10,000 and rising.

If you are renting, you won't have to worry about property tax. It's usually included in your rent, which is why some rents are fairly high.