New Hampshire Living (Concord, Merrimack, Laconia: fit in, insurance, buy)

[touretteboy65]

Can anyone provide some input on how difficult it is to drive there in New Hampshire during the winter? My wife drives a rear wheel drive Yukon XL with traction control. I own a Chevy 3500 two wheel drive. We both love our vehicles and hate to part with them; they're great for the family and trips. I've been told that placing good snow tires on them will do just fine and to adjust for driving conditions. Unfortunately, my wife has seen too many videos of people sliding all over the roads during the winter months and feels that is the norm. While I can't disagree with her entirely, I tell her it's just a matter of learning how to drive in different conditions, just as you would during a driving rain storm (like we have practically everyday here in Florida). Can anyone advise regarding our vehicles and the degree of difficulty in driving during the winter? Thanks.

[Ken E]

Originally Posted by touretteboy65

Can anyone provide some input on how difficult it is to drive there in New Hampshire during the winter? My wife drives a rear wheel drive Yukon XL with traction control. I own a Chevy 3500 two wheel drive. We both love our vehicles and hate to part with them; they're great for the family and trips. I've been told that placing good snow tires on them will do just fine and to adjust for driving conditions. Unfortunately, my wife has seen too many videos of people sliding all over the roads during the winter months and feels that is the norm. While I can't disagree with her entirely, I tell her it's just a matter of learning how to drive in different conditions, just as you would during a driving rain storm (like we have practically everyday here in Florida). Can anyone advise regarding our vehicles and the degree of difficulty in driving during the winter? Thanks.

Your exactly right. it is learning how to drive under different conditions.Both of those vehicles should do fine with a good set of tires. They do a real nice job clearing the roads up there so you shouldn't have any problem. A lot of it just boils down to common sense. If ever the roads are impassable just put another log on the fire and relax.

[touretteboy65]

Originally Posted by Ken E

Your exactly right. it is learning how to drive under different conditions.Both of those vehicles should do fine with a good set of tires. They do a real nice job clearing the roads up there so you shouldn't have any problem. A lot of it just boils down to common sense. If ever the roads are impassable just put another log on the fire and relax.

Absolutely!!! That's what I've been telling my wife!!! Too snowy outside? Sit by the fireplace with a nice glass of merlot. If that's not incentive, I don't know what is. Thanks.

[WannaComeHome]

and remember: people sliding around on ice and snow makes entertainment! people driving just fine because they're taking it carefully and have good snow tires makes boring entertainment. Which is your wife more likely to watch (you've already answered that one )

[JCPTNH08]

Don't take the difficulty of driving in the snow too lightly. You do need to take it very easy and learn to leave a lot of distance between you and other cars and to take corners slowly. Always break lightly too. It's true that most towns in NH take great care of the roads, but in heavy snowfall they can only keep up so much. The absolute worst driving conditions are the ice storms NH sometimes gets. I remember being in my car during such a storm heading home from work with my baby in the back seat and my car sliding toward the side of the road even though I was completely stopped in traffic.

With careful driving, both those cars will probably be fine, however, I always felt better in a 4 wheel drive. Even then, driving did get tricky at times...especially up my steep driveway. If you are able to stay in on snowy days, you'll be fine.

[Haoleman]

I lived in Ashland from 2002 to 2004 and bought a mini storage there. Due to the incredably outdated tax structure which is as their motto "Live Free or Die" It means that the roughly 50 % of the residents that are renters live "free" and the property owners "Die" from over taxation. As I have lived also in Kona Hawaii and California, Ashland's property taxes were over 1000% higher comparatively so if you are considering starting a small business that includes real estate. MOVE!!! If you are going to be a renter, enjoy the welfare provided by your neighbor who owns property and don't tell me that it can all be passed along because it can't. I know from experience. Other than the scenery, New Hampshire sucks unless you are a millionaire.

[Aptor hours]

Actually NH isn't that bad and I am not a millionare although that would be super handy!

Driving in the snow is stinky though especially for me as I seem to be a really bad driver

[touretteboy65]

I don't understand this issue regarding your property taxes. I live in Florida and the property tax issue is a joke! Although my property taxes are approx $1400/year, my search of property taxes in your state is nothing mind boggling. I know of several people living in the Orlando area that pay $4,000, $5,000, $6,000 in property taxes, all to live on a postage stamp size lot with stucco walls. My power bill was recently raised 25%!!! 25%!!!!! My water bill has gone up, up, up, and now the cable company announced it is raising rates as well. We pay 7% sales tax in our county and my insurance carrier has announced they're leaving the state and its 1.2 million policy holders holding the bag. This is my second time in two years my homeowners insurance has cancelled on me, for no reason other than they can't make money and that this state is too much of a risk (and I live in CENTRAL Fl, not the coast). All this and a record number of homicides last year, violent crime, property crime out the yazoo, and CONGESTION. Have I mentioned the 1000% humidity and sun surface like temps???? Hmmmmmm????? What I'm saying, folks, is that it's not bad where you live, quite the opposite. We can't wait to get out of this rotten place they call Florida. I'll pay your property taxes ANY time in exchange to live in New Hampshire right now...

[Brave Stranger]

Originally Posted by touretteboy65

I don't understand this issue regarding your property taxes. I live in Florida and the property tax issue is a joke! Although my property taxes are approx $1400/year, my search of property taxes in your state is nothing mind boggling. I know of several people living in the Orlando area that pay $4,000, $5,000, $6,000 in property taxes, all to live on a postage stamp size lot with stucco walls. My power bill was recently raised 25%!!! 25%!!!!! My water bill has gone up, up, up, and now the cable company announced it is raising rates as well. We pay 7% sales tax in our county and my insurance carrier has announced they're leaving the state and its 1.2 million policy holders holding the bag. This is my second time in two years my homeowners insurance has cancelled on me, for no reason other than they can't make money and that this state is too much of a risk (and I live in CENTRAL Fl, not the coast). All this and a record number of homicides last year, violent crime, property crime out the yazoo, and CONGESTION. Have I mentioned the 1000% humidity and sun surface like temps???? Hmmmmmm????? What I'm saying, folks, is that it's not bad where you live, quite the opposite. We can't wait to get out of this rotten place they call Florida. I'll pay your property taxes ANY time in exchange to live in New Hampshire right now...

To be blunt.......there are people out here who just can't get passed paying high property taxes, and no matter how many darn times you show them that the total tax burden is very low.....they don't care ! They get fixiated on this isuue, and all rational thought goes out the window.

[touretteboy65]

Originally Posted by Brave Stranger

To be blunt.......there are people out here who just can't get passed paying high property taxes, and no matter how many darn times you show them that the total tax burden is very low.....they don't care ! They get fixiated on this isuue, and all rational thought goes out the window.

Well, it's understandable, but at the same time, what it usually takes is for someone to lose what they have to appreciate what they criticize. I'm sure I'll miss some of the things here in Florida once we move, but, overall, I'm ready for the change. Life is an adventure and you have to be willing to take the risk.