New to New Hampshire... Need a little help please. (Nashua: for sale, apartments)

[TravelingWoman]

Hi everyone!

First off, I am fairly new to the New England region. I have lived practically everywhere else on the planet, and now I'm in New England.

So far, I have found a new apartment in the Nashua 'rural' area, and now need advice on high speed internet (they don't get Verizon fios I'm told), which company would you say is good price and service-wise, and TV... cable or satellite... and why?

Also, I am finding I am renting furniture for the time being... where would I get an apartment-full of good but inexpensive furniture? Tight budget.

Also... I really am this new here... transportation to and from Lowell... public? Is there any? or is it via personal car? I would love to car pool if that's an option too. Train? Buses? Or... where can I get a good Jeep, that will get me through your winters, and still can afford the payments?


Any and all help is so very appreciated!!

Traveling Woman

[Suzet2262]

Welcome to the NH Forum TravelingWoman. I am sure someone will come along here and be able to answer your question. The weekends can be a bit slow, so keep checking back. Congrats on your move. My family and I are planning a move to NH this coming year. Good luck to you.

[TravelingWoman]

Thank you!

[Rexicana]

Hiya!

We find a lot of great stuff on craigslist: craigslist: new hampshire classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events. Being in Nashua, you may want to search the Northeast/Merrimack listings for Massachusetts too. Welcome and good luck!!

[TravelingWoman]

Thank you!

[WannaComeHome]

Hi TravelingWoman,

Welcome to the forum! since I'm not currently in residence, I can't help a whole lot with most of the question. I'm not sure I've heard of a commuter bus that goes from Nashua to Lowell.

To be honest, unless the road you live on is particularly rough, you really don't need a jeep for the winter! Just good snowtires. If you search on snowtires, I know it's been brought up a few times. One thread I recall people said they thought the best was Green Diamond brand, but frankly any all-weather tires with good tread will be fine. They plow the roads quite well. Just slow down a tad if you're not on clear asphalt. So that will help you with the affordability keep the vehicle you've got and just get tires.

[GregW]

I have;
No idea about FIOS or any other computer, phone, cable TV - My SO does all that.

Check the used furniture and consignment stores along Rt 101.

I think Concord Coach is the bus line. They may stop in Lowell but I am not certain.

Don't get a Jeep for any reason. I recommend a five year old Subaru Legacy sedan or wagon with the Subaru full time AWD. Mine is just about the best dry road car I have ever had and is, by a wide margin, the best snow/ice car. A good set of four season tires should be adequate. I use Nokian i3 for summer tires and, on separate rims, Cooper snow/mud tires for winter. Lesseur - Mercier (sp?) in downtown is a very helpful old time tire dealer that knows their stuff and has decent pricing. The diner on the nearby main street corner has good coffee while you are waiting for LM to change tires.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by TravelingWoman

Hi everyone!

First off, I am fairly new to the New England region. I have lived practically everywhere else on the planet, and now I'm in New England.

So far, I have found a new apartment in the Nashua 'rural' area, and now need advice on high speed internet (they don't get Verizon fios I'm told), which company would you say is good price and service-wise, and TV... cable or satellite... and why?

Also, I am finding I am renting furniture for the time being... where would I get an apartment-full of good but inexpensive furniture? Tight budget.

Also... I really am this new here... transportation to and from Lowell... public? Is there any? or is it via personal car? I would love to car pool if that's an option too. Train? Buses? Or... where can I get a good Jeep, that will get me through your winters, and still can afford the payments?


Any and all help is so very appreciated!!

Traveling Woman

Internet:
3 Options:
- True Satellite- expensive, performance degraded by weather, high latency-low responsiveness. I'd avoid it unless its your ONLY broadband option.
- DSL, usually available through satellite TV company or phone company. It's generally slower than cable and can be MUCH slower than advertised speeds depending on your distance to the central office.
- Cable Modem, your best bet, reasonable fast/consistant speeds, and usually available in a bundle with cable TV

As much as I hate cable and its pricing- a cable modem is your best bet if its an option. Look for a good bundle/deal.

Furniture:
A lot of people like Jordan's (go to the big store in MA though, the one in NH has much less of a selection). That said- we've had 2 bad experiences with them so far, a table that the delivery guy shattered the glass on and then got mad when we refused delivery and a couch that is now backed up for months (despite getting it double checked that we would have it within 4 weeks...though we were ok with 8).

Bernie and Phyllis' on the other hand (on DW Highway in Nashua) we've had great experiences with so far. Not as many gimmicks (no free ice cream or water fireworks or IMAX movie) but a decent shopping experience and good service.

So, I'd suggest Bernie and Phyllis' for a "whole house/bigger store". As always know your furniture and shop for a good deal/quality piece though.

Transport:
No idea regarding Lowell, sorry.

[BF66389]

Oh, regarding vehicles- my front wheel drive Saab with snow tires is awesome in the snow. A nice used Subaru would be the best "go anywhere" for the buck though.

Also- if you really want to have "a few" REALLY nice pieces of furniture there is a Stickley Store by the Natick mall in Natick, MA. Stickley is expensive but of amazing quality. I figure the bedroom set we ordered will probably out-live any grand-children I may have in the future...

[TravelingWoman]

Its great help everyone! I've never driven a Subaru or a Saab... hmmmm something to think about.

I have heard of Jordan's and Berny and Phyls... I will be sure to check all of this out and of course Craigslist is a staple in most moves.

I really appreciate the help!


Traveling Woman