What part of NH should I move to?!

[MA_brnNrsd]

Originally Posted by dognh

Maybe my post was too general and some of your points are well taken (higher taxes/more expensive/better schools/less rural)

I guess was talking mostly about border towns in Cheshire County - I wouldn't recommend this areas for new residents. Hillsborough County border towns in my opinion is where most of the traffic and Mass effect are. Rockingham County border (except for a couple towns) is in my opinion the best balance of rural/quietness/access to jobs/shopping/and less Mass effect (because you're father off the highways 93/3)

Well, you give good information, thanks

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by dognh

I guess was talking mostly about border towns in Cheshire County - I wouldn't recommend this areas for new residents. Hillsborough County border towns in my opinion is where most of the traffic and Mass effect are. Rockingham County border (except for a couple towns) is in my opinion the best balance of rural/quietness/access to jobs/shopping/and less Mass effect (because you're father off the highways 93/3)

Seriously? You're feeling that Fitzwilliam and Rindge and Richmond (all Cheshire Cty border towns) suffer from "Mass-effect" and too much traffic? I tend to think it's a bit isolated and too far from much of anything but Keene and VT and way too snowy for my tastes (or possibly most people just moving in).

SOME Hillsborough Cty towns definitely have too much traffic, but New Ipswich? Greenville? Mason?? barely noticed it. Some of the through roads in Hollis can get busy and of course next to that is Nashua which definitely has traffic and suffers from Mass-effect. But that's only 1/2 the border for Hillsborough Cty.

But Rockingham border towns? But that's where Salem and (nearly Derry & Londonderry) for that matter the beaches are! talk about traffic. Ok, upper Rockingham - bordering ME.. may be better and to my mind 'nicer', but... from everything I've been reading here about seacoast area, I wouldn't consider seacoast region to be easy on the traffic or especially free from the Mass-effect. Sure, you're farther from Rt 3/93, but instead you have I95 coming through.

so.. what do you consider a 'nice' town to be? Perhaps we just have different definitions of 'nice'? certainly what one person dislikes someone else is looking for!

[dognh]

Sorry for the confusion. And please these are just my subjective opinions:

You are correct, Cheshire county border towns are not high traffic - they are rural. My point about this area is that it is not a desirable place to move because - it's isolated, lack of high paying job opportunities, poorer. I'm not judging anyone that lives here, it's just my views on describing it to an outsider looking to move to NH.

Hillsborough border towns are the highest traffic and the most Mass effect - they surround Route's 3 and 93. This is a desirable place to live because of it's easy access to Boston/Massachusetts, lots of jobs, lots of amenities (restaurants/stores), areas with decent schools, lots of services. These pluses also contribute to negatives if you're looking for the "quintessential NH"

Once you move into rockingham county, I think you get the best balance of amenities and NH feel. In general there is less traffic because you're farther off the highways (Also, Route 95 on the coast has less traffic because this part of Mass is less populated), in general you can find good schools in this area, etc.

Of course, every town is different and there is good in bad in each area. But for someone who may not know too much about NH, but is looking to move to the border area (within 10-15 miles of the border) Hillsborough and Rockingham offer the most.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by dognh

Sorry for the confusion. And please these are just my subjective opinions:

certainly, as are mine Opinions are all we've got

You are correct, Cheshire county border towns are not high traffic - they are rural. My point about this area is that it is not a desirable place to move because - it's isolated, lack of high paying job opportunities, poorer. I'm not judging anyone that lives here, it's just my views on describing it to an outsider looking to move to NH.

now that I agree with

Hillsborough border towns are the highest traffic and the most Mass effect - they surround Route's 3 and 93. This is a desirable place to live because of it's easy access to Boston/Massachusetts, lots of jobs, lots of amenities (restaurants/stores), areas with decent schools, lots of services. These pluses also contribute to negatives if you're looking for the "quintessential NH"

I kinda agree with you there, at least regarding the Rt 3/93 towns. BIT Hillsborough cty goes west through Hollis (moderate traffic on some roads), Brookline, Mason (traffic? what's that?), Greenville & New Ipswich. That western half of the county is very different. No, not a great deal of jobs, but not all that difficult to get onto 101A and get somewhere. Amenities and services still exist, just not perhaps in the same town (for NI, you have to grocery shop in Milford - not that big a deal)

Once you move into rockingham county, I think you get the best balance of amenities and NH feel. In general there is less traffic because you're farther off the highways (Also, Route 95 on the coast has less traffic because this part of Mass is less populated), in general you can find good schools in this area, etc.

Again, some parts are just as you say, but there's been a lot of complaint about Salem being Mass-ified and that's in Rockingham. As is Derry. Many towns are, however, extremely nice and definitely give you the NH feel (Chester comes to mind)

Of course, every town is different and there is good in bad in each area. But for someone who may not know too much about NH, but is looking to move to the border area (within 10-15 miles of the border) Hillsborough and Rockingham offer the most.

that's very true, but I'm just pointing out that it's not quite such an even split by county! Some of Rockingham is too busy (many complaints on the list all the time about Derry, Londonderry & Salem as far as Mass-effect). Other parts of Rockingham county are just lovely.

I'm not trying to bust your chops, just pointing out that I think dividing by county might be a bit simplistic as both Rockingham and Hillsborough both have their share of towns Mass-ified and NH.

[4North]

I am in the same boat, looking at either Lancaster or Gorham area, if anyone know's the pluses or minuses of either area, I would love to hear it!

[Rexicana]

I feel like I have been banging the Peterborough drum lately, but you may want to check it out given your background. There are a few acting companies here (Peterborough Players, Actor's Circle) and lots of fine arts opportunities including the Sharon Arts Center. Best of luck!

[jessicacot]

I think dognh had a pretty good idea. Southern NH is probably the best bet, you just need to decide which half to live in. Seacoast NH or inner NH. Seacoast is close to Portsmouth, which has a lot of culture and many jobs. Inner NH is close to Manchester which is not as cultural, but also has many jobs. As well, both are close to the MA border and the money tends to be better when you go over the border, but you do have to pay income taxes on any monies earned in MA.

moderator cut: no realtor advertising

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by 4North

I am in the same boat, looking at either Lancaster or Gorham area, if anyone know's the pluses or minuses of either area, I would love to hear it!

both are out in the sticks and far from everything - that could be a plus or a minus depending on what you like. Both are very cold with very short growing seasons.

[Downingtow-mom]

I grew up in NH and I think if you are looking for an artsy community you should look near UNH..and the Portsmouth Nh area. You would be near Maine..95 will take you into MA. I really enjoyed visiting that area growing up. Its got neat shops and art galleries. Also I grew up in Milford Nh. I would look at the surrounding towns to Milford.That area is close to Nashua and Manchester..and about an hour to Boston..it's an adorable little town with an oval..community.