Looking for a home in the NH country (Concord, Derry: low crime, house)

[COUNTRYGIRL65]

Hi there, I lived in chester for 12 yrs. I commute to Andover, MA. Even though the gas prices are high, I am looking for the best possible deal on a small home (like a ranch or a cape), lower property taxes ($4K a year or less), a good elementary/high school for my 8 yr old, low crime, the "country life" quality living on a 1/2 to 1 acre of land. My folks live in Berwick, ME and work in Northwood, NH. Can y'all help me find a place to buy? I like the prices and the pace in Epsom but not familiar with the school or the town too much. I want a good re-sale value in the home. I'm hopeful to find one I can flip for a profit after we're done living in it. Nottingham seems a nice option too. Chester/Derry/Londonderry etc are too tax rich for me and not as "country" setting as I'd like. I don't plan to raise any farm animals. I just want a quiet rural setting to raise my son where I don't worry so much about him playing in the yard/neighborhood. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[bryfry]

New London may fit the bill. Taxes are very reasonable for NH standards and it's very pretty all around there. Close to Sunapee Lake is a bonus. Kearsarge School system seems to be a decent one. Hope it helps...good luck.

[Valerie C]

CountryGirl, are you looking to continue the commute to Andover, or will you be changing jobs? To stay somewhat closer to the border, Candia might be worth looking into, would you consider Northwood where your folks work? Coe-Brown Academy has a good reputation, and great that it's right in town. I like Nottingham alot, but people I know there complain about the long bus ride for HS students (to Dover). It's fine if you and your child would chose to do that (like in Northwood, the people who chose a vocational school can attend Dover, Somersworth or Creteau in Rochester) In any case, it sounds like you'd be open to towns on the north side of 101 vs. the south side. Except for the Oyster River district, prices and taxes are bearable

If you would be deciding to relocate the job, I would suggest somewhere in the Concord area (Bow, Hopkinton, etc). Some really nice towns, with a slower pace of life.

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

CountryGirl, are you looking to continue the commute to Andover, or will you be changing jobs? To stay somewhat closer to the border, Candia might be worth looking into, would you consider Northwood where your folks work? Coe-Brown Academy has a good reputation, and great that it's right in town. I like Nottingham alot, but people I know there complain about the long bus ride for HS students (to Dover). It's fine if you and your child would chose to do that (like in Northwood, the people who chose a vocational school can attend Dover, Somersworth or Creteau in Rochester) In any case, it sounds like you'd be open to towns on the north side of 101 vs. the south side. Except for the Oyster River district, prices and taxes are bearable

If you would be deciding to relocate the job, I would suggest somewhere in the Concord area (Bow, Hopkinton, etc). Some really nice towns, with a slower pace of life.

Is CoungryGirl65 a cousin or relative of our Countrylv22!!

Actually Valerie, I may have a relative that could use your RE services, as they have one primary residence with significant equity, which means they bought it way before the Gold Spikes.

[Valerie C]

Thank you Comet--a recommendation or referral from anyone here means alot to me, and I very much appreciate you even considering referring me to somebody in your family .

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

Is CoungryGirl65 a cousin or relative of our Countrylv22!!

Actually Valerie, I may have a relative that could use your RE services, as they have one primary residence with significant equity, which means they bought it way before the Gold Spikes.

[COUNTRYGIRL65]

Thanks to all of you for these great suggestions. Nope, I don't plan to re-locate the job. Despite the price of gas I have a great job so I'm willing to extend the commute for the laid back life style. I met with the guidance counselor in Epsom and think that town and school will fit the bill great. Although I have not considered New London. I'll have to look into that also. Epsom goes up to 8th grade and then kids attend at Pembroke Academy which does seem to have a good academic program.

[dognh]

The commute from New London to Andover will either put you in the poor house or the nut house.

[COUNTRYGIRL65]

New London is really beautiful, but much too far from the rest of my life as things stand today. So I agree. More likely the poor house. I don't ever intend to live in the nut house :O)

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by COUNTRYGIRL65

New London is really beautiful, but much too far from the rest of my life as things stand today. So I agree. More likely the poor house. I don't ever intend to live in the nut house :O)

I dunno.... you're here aren't you? some days when Dare, Country and JF get going it kinda seems like a nut house!

[DareToDream]

Here ya go......