Possible relocation to Laconia area (Lakes Region) (Conway, Gilford: ski resort, sales)

[d4hair]

I was wondering if any of you locals could be of some help. My family may be relocating to the Lakes Region area from Ma. I am interested in the schools as I have a 5th and 1st grader. I've researched test scores and Gilford seems to be the only way to go. Does anyone have any opinions on Belmont (whose scores, except high school, were dissmal), Sanbornton or Moultonborough? Does anyone know if certain towns don't offer a certain sport, can your child participate for a different town? I am also very interested in after school care. What type of programs do the towns have, what time do they run until etc.? What about summer? What options for child care do you have for 11 and 8 yr olds? (This is very important to me!!)

Also, I am aware there is no state income tax. The state has to make money somehow. I know it costs a lot to register your vehicle. Is that a yearly thing or one time only? Is there excise tax as well? What are some other hidden expenses that I may be missing. (There may not be a state tax but are there relentless fees for everything?) Why do property taxes vary so greatly from town to town?

For the lady locals----I am a hairstylist and would like to work in the area at a friendly, professional salon that has a great reputation and loyal clientele. Any suggestions? (Laconia or Gilford)
Thank you in advance for any information anyone can give. Also, if there is anything I missed (which I'm sure there's plenty) please advise!

[Earthangel1776]

There's is a lot of variation in the quality of schools here, due to the fact that there is no state income tax, so the local school districts are mainly supported by their town's property taxes. This leads to a significant disparity among the different towns. Generally, the more affluent the area, the better quality the schools, but this is not always the case. I don't know much about the schools in the towns you mentioned, however. In the Lakes Region, I've heard that the Wolfeboro District (Kingswood) is very good. Kennett in the Tamworth/Conway area is also good.

[Earthangel1776]

Oh, and most towns have an after school program of some sort which will run until 5 or 6 PM. Also, there is usually a recreation dept. which offers a full summer program, including swimming lessons at the local lake. Generally, the bigger the town, the more it has to offer. If you live in a tiny little hick town, there won't be as many options as a town like Wolfeboro or Guilford.

The only taxes we pay in NH are property taxes, meal tax at restaurants, and the annual town car registration fee, which is sort of an extension of property tax. If your car is new it can be a few hundred (3 or 4), but as the car ages, the fee drops each year, and is usually between one and two hundred for the average car.

[d4hair]

Thank you for getting back to me Earthangel!! I appreciate it! I checked out Wolfeboro and your schools do seem great!! Also, looks like a beautiful area! Might be a bit of a commute to Laconia??? Looks like there is no easy way. How long would you say it takes? Thanks!
Does anyone else want to put in their two cents???? I'm trying to get as much info on the Lakes Region as I can. Anyone from Sanbornton? How do you like the schools?

[mechtm84]

Originally Posted by Earthangel1776

There's is a lot of variation in the quality of schools here, due to the fact that there is no state income tax, so the local school districts are mainly supported by their town's property taxes. .

Income taxes, FICA and/or state do not go towards schools anyway. It is almost always either a property tax or "real estate" tax that they call here in PA.

Due to the fact that you guys have some pricy and upscale pads up in that neck of the woods, I'm willing to bet that the education quality is decent from copious funding. You should like lt there. I vacationed from MA in that area and it is a beautiful area. Enjoy

[ikuout]

d4hair,
You lucked out -I was born and raised in Laconia NH, lived there for 40 years before moving to Va. Schools, Yes, it varies tremendously,and in general the wealthier the town the better the district.Without question if I were you I would put my children in the Gilford school district. Quaint area,excellent schools,progressive minded people.Lots of parental involvement,good sports,close to Gunstock ski area.Housing is limited however. Dont know your financial status but housing is not cheap! The Northeast is expensive, plain and simple. Mass is creeping in to the area and traffic is increasing in the rt 3 area.Laconia to me is depressing,not many new jobs or new blood comes in. Schools average at best. Kingswood Regional school district would be my next choice but you have to deal with Rt 3, which gets very congested, esp. in the summertime. Property taxes make up for no sales taxes, they get you somehow.... I'd work in Gilford if you can find a salon, or perhaps Meredith,lots of seasonal tourists with $. Hope this helps, IKUOUT

[d4hair]

Thank You Ikuout! If You Read The Post Above Mine---it's Scary!!! Kids With Nothing To Do But Drink And Smoke???? I Know That It Can Happen Anywhere But We Currently Live In Area Where There Is Lots To Do For The Young Folks. (including A Lot Of Mom And Pop Places They Can Find After School And Summer Employment Some Day) Although Our Community Is Much Larger Than Any Up In Nh, We Still Look Out For One Another And Our Kids. There Is A Real Sense Of Community!!
Anyone That Lives In Lakes Region With Children In Middle School Have Any Opinions????
This Is A Very Difficult Decision And I Am Really Appreciating All The Imput!! Please Keep It Coming.

[ikuout]

HEY D4HAIR, WHAT EXACTLY IS IT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, FOR THE KIDS? LOTS OF THINGS COST $. IF MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE YOU HAVE GUNSTOCK MT RECREATION AREAS FOR SKIING, SNOWBOARDING ETC. THAT GETS PRICEY HOWEVER. IN THE SUMMER HIKING IS GREAT IN THAT AREA AND ALSO LOTS OF LAKES TO SWIM IN. WEIRS BEACH ,HOWEVER HONKYTONK, IS A HANGOUT FOR THE TEENAGERS. THERE ARE ARCADES AND A NICE BEACH. LOTS OF JOBS FOR TEENS IN THE AREA ,AS IT IS A TOURIST AREA. MANY MANY JOBS FOR TEENS! GOOGLE WEIRS BEACH OR LAKES REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,OR GUNSTOCK SKI RESORT. LIKE I SAID, GILFORD IS VERY NICE, THEY HAVE A GREAT BEACH THERE, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. THE AREA ENCOMPASSING THE LAKES REGION IS BEAUTIFUL,NO DOUBT. COST OF LIVING IS NOT CHEAP AND EITHER IS HOUSING,REMEBER THAT.WE LIVE IN VA NOW AND CANT AFFORD TO GO BACK IF WE WANTED TO.COL DOWN HERE IS MUCH LESS...GILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL IS OFTEN VOTED BEST IN THE STATE. MY FORMER SISTER IN LAW WORKS IN THE SCHOOLS THERE SO I GET THE SCOOP ALOT FROM HER! ANY OTHER ? i CAN HELP WITH? WE ARE CONSIDERING A MOVE TO WOOSTER OHIO AND I ONLY WISH I COULD FIND A LOCAL PERSON I COULD TALK WITH WHO REALLY KNOWS THE AREA!!! IKUOUT

[d4hair]

What am I looking for? Good question. I've never done this before. Born and raised in MA. I am looking into the schools first and foremost. I am also looking into sports for the kids. They are both currently on a swim team and my son plays youth football. Unfortunately, Gilford real estate is too pricey. We also may be looking to build. (Gilford has no land.) My husband will be working in Laconia. We are concerned about a commute. (Which is dissappointing because Wolfeboro is very appealing to us.) So, what am I looking for?????? I' m just stumbling around looking for any info the kind locals can give me. Thank you!!!!

[ikuout]

Hi D4hair, You Can Look For Land In Quaint Gilmanton, Nh Which Belongs To The Gilford School District. It Is Much More Affordable Than Gilford,with Ample Land To Purchase. It Is An Easy 20-25 Minutes Max To Laconia Proper. You Wouldnt Know That Fact Unless You Were A Native! My Dad Was A Builder In Laconia Area For 40 Plus Years. If You Need References For Builders,let Me Know.meredith Schools Are Pretty Good As Well ( Interlakes School District), Again, Land Is In Short Supply And Housing More Pricy.be Careful Going North Of Laconia As You Must Deal With Route 3, And All The Tourist Traffic That Way. Not The Easiest Commute. Ikuout