Peterborough, Keene, and Dublin (Marlow: for sale, neighborhood, MLS)

[innisart]

I'm definitely interested in Peterborough, and I'm happy to have so many people recommend it (unless this only because every one else on the forum is a realtor, and I'm the dupe). The support for the arts encourages me. How are the schools? Are you forced to travel to Keene for everyday shopping?

[JCPTNH08]

Peterborough is nice, especially if you are looking for an artsy sort of environment. You will have to travel to shop though. There are some stores in town for gifts, books etc. But for weekly grocery shopping for instance you'll likely want to travel to Keene (30+ minutes away) Rindge (20 minutes) or Amherst (40-45 minutes). Roy's Market in town is good, but limited. They are building a big Shaw's and that will be ready in the Spring I think. Where will you be working? If you're planning to find work around Peterborough, look first before you move there. Many of the big businesses that once attracted people to the area have moved out.

[innisart]

There's much up in the air about work. If I stick with my company, I'd be working in Keene. If I become self-employed again, I can live anywhere.

[Rexicana]

For stores in town we have: Roy's (decent selection but small) and little Roy's (newspaper, ice, etc), Maggie's (natural food, now owned by Roy's owner), Nature's Green Grocer (natural and local food, groceries and cafe/restaurant - really yummy), farmer's market on Wednesday, a few CSA, Rosaly's Garden (like a farmstand, but a bit more), and, although not in Peterborough, very close is Coll's Market which has both a natural and regular food section. Coll's just expanded too. Shaw's will be here in the Spring -they were delayed because of permitting, but are starting to build now and the rotary to get in there is half-finished. Everyone has their fingers crossed for Trader Joe's though . . .


So, it is not a major city by any means, but there is a lot around.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by innisart

I'm definitely interested in Peterborough, and I'm happy to have so many people recommend it (unless this only because every one else on the forum is a realtor, and I'm the dupe).

don't worry about that! first of all, the realtors all say 'realtor' (or something similar) under their screen names, so you know who they are. Valerie is our resident realtor par excellence! While she's based more the other side of Rt 3, she's very knowledgeable and great with advice!

Rexicana is our Peterborough resident (LukeDaddy moved there also, but he's been off the board for a while - at least he hasn't posted for a while), so you can trust what Rexi says about it also.

[JCPTNH08]

The schools in Peterborough are good, not great. I've had my children in the elementary and middle schools there and know many kids who are either going to the high school (ConVal) or have recently graduated. I've just moved to California and can say that my kids are MUCH more challenged academically in their new schools, though we did move into a city known for their stellar school system. I have heard from a number of ConVal students that drugs are a BIG problem in the school, though sadly you probably experience it in many schools these days, no matter where you are. There are a couple of private schools in the area you could look into if you wanted.

If you choose to live in Peterborough and commute to Keene, it's definitely doable. The only problem is that it is a slow commute, especially in the winter and around the Dublin Lake area.

Peterborough is nice with several good restaurants and a single screen theater in town. My biggest complaint with living there (besides the snow) was that it's not really close to any 'big' towns for something a little different to do. If you're from a city area, you may like the change of pace and the quietness of it. I've lived and/or worked in Peterborough for about 15 years and was craving a change of pace.

[Valerie C]

Thanks for the kudo's, Wanna
Innisart, as far as I know, there are only a few Realtors who post on the NH forum (we have the little house next to our screen name) and everyone else who is responding are just good people sharing their thoughts as a resident, a former resident, or just knows the area and sharing their experiences. I'll be the first to say that I know absolutely nothing about the Peterborough area (though I'm looking forward to checking it out while on my way to the Keene Pumpkin Festival this year). Have fun doing your research, it seems to be a very well-loved area!

Ok, I'll admit--I don't know "nothing" about the Monadnock region--The ONE thing I do know that it's a very pretty area, simply because of all the times I've gone and climbed Mount Monadnock Everything else, I've learned from the good folks at City-Data Forum

[dubthang]

I love Keene and the Mondanock area. I grew up in Keene... but am happy that I no longer live there. The cost of living is way higher than the average person's income. The school system has tanked a little too. Up until last year, my gf's daughter was attending Keene Middle School. She still doesn't know how to write in cursive (was never taught), and has a very hard time with simple math. They were more concerned with her effort, and not her actual understanding of her school subjects.

My folks now live in Harrisville (between Keene and Peterborough). They love it, and it is great to visit them there (they built a house on Chesham pond).

The whole area is beautiful this time of year. Peterbourough is a great town. Make sure you check out the downtown area, and support local business.

[brightdoglover]

I used to visit friends who lived in Peterborough. Marvelous lovely town, but if you need to drive over the mountain regularly (say, to Nashua), the hilly and winding mountain highway is pretty unnerving with fog, ice, and so on.

[renlouis]

Dubthang -
The house on Chesham pond sounds lovely. Do you know if there are still lots available and what kind of $$ they would be asking for them? Thanks!