Thoughts on Epping (Rochester, Portsmouth, Hampton: renter, home, employment)

[MattM]

Thanks for looking,

My wife and I currently live in Portsmouth and while we really enjoy the city we're thinking of moving closer to the Nottingham area where she works. We've found a really nice home for rent around Epping in what looks like a great neighborhood but have heard mixed reviews of the city. We're both relatively young(late 20's) and have no children. We're also only going to be in the area for a few more years (hence no home purchase). Would it be unwise even to rent here?

Matt

[dognh]

As a young-in, I'm not sure why you'd want to move from Portsmouth to Epping? Not that Epping is that far, but there's not much going on there.

Since you have no kids, the town is fine. But since you're renting not buying, the lower property taxes won't come into play, either.

I guess everyone's different, but if I were in my 20's, had no kids, and was renting. I'd definitely stay in Portsmouth. I'd rather drive 30 minutes to work and live in the center of restaurants, nightlife, etc., then live where I work and have to drive 30 minutes for any sort of fun.

If none of that matters, then I guess I'd say that for a short-timer Epping is as good as any other town in the Nottingham area.

[JFRRACING]

I don't think you would like it there. it is fairly small and not to much going on there either. for the most part it is pretty rual. if you like racing there are three race tracks in that area. two are stock car and one is a drag strip. as far as shopping not much, also you would probably have to commute to work. i don't beleave there is much there for employment either. hope this helps you out.

[fishnfool]

The only reason I ever set foot in Epping is the DMV and Goody Coals BBQ. Other than that is seems like just another exit off 101 with nothing really going on.

[dognh]

Goody's is in Brentwood so I guess you only go to Epping for one reason

[aponeil]

Don't forget, there is also the big ole' Mart of Wall and Lowes (which you won't really need as a renter vs a homeowner)! Pretty good dining at Telly's, but that's it. Oh, and there's now a Starbucks (if you are feeling very un-NH and stray from Dunkin's which is also in 2 Epping locations). Love Goody's, which, yes is in Brentwood, but a short drive down 125. I live in the corner of Fremont, basically on the Epping/Brentwood line. I would never have moved here in my 20s - in fact, I don't want to be here now even with 2 kids! I would love to be closer to the action. Live it up! Enjoy Portsmouth and it's fun while you can! If you MUST move closer, then I'd look at Exeter's rentals so that you at least have a shorter ride back up to Portsmouth, or you can go out in the smaller Exeter area or take a ride to Hampton. There is just nothing here in Epping - well, yes, unless you like racecars. I know cost of gas for commuting is high right now. Someone above asked where you would be commuting for work. Would you both be working in this area? If not, then give it some deep thought. Once kids come along, you'll have plenty of time to live in the "country". Be young! Have fun!

[fishnfool]

Goody's is in Brentwood so I guess you only go to Epping for one reason

yes but I have to drive through Epping to get there.... either way, I would drive through hell and back to get some of that food. It's great.

[dinalkulp]

Originally Posted by aponeil

Don't forget, there is also the big ole' Mart of Wall

And the nicest "Mart of Wall" I've ever been to in my entire life!! Seriously, all the way up and down the east coast there is not another Walmart this nice. I actually wrote the store to let them know how impressed I was and that all Walmart stores should model themselves after their store. Very clean, but the best part was the pleasant shopping experience with no LOUD, SCREAMING PERSONEL over the intercom! I didn't hear it once while shopping there.

[rmcewan]

Didn't New Hampshire's very own serial killer, Sheila LaBarre, live there?

[buck naked]

And the nicest "Mart of Wall" I've ever been to in my entire life!! Seriously, all the way up and down the east coast there is not another Walmart this nice.

have you been to them all? Because I don't see any difference from that one and the one in Rochester.