Moving to NH

[notdancingqueen]

I'll preface by saying I've never been to Keene... that said, my strong impression from these boards is that Keene elicits strong views from folks -- it seems you either love it or hate it. Keene also gets a lot of commentary regarding differing views on ease of access to Boston and also to closer (milewise) towns like Peterborough, Jaffrey, Rindge, etc.) My $0.02 based on nothing but my impressions from many months on these boards is to carefully scout it out yourself and rent for a year -- or at least through a winter -- before you buy something. One man's junk is another man's treasure...

YMMV - Jackie

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by newsuds

How are towns like Rindge, Peterborought and Jaffery?

I know I don't have much choice, since my husband will be in Keene. But not having lived in a small town, I don't want to live in a very isolated place.
Also, have heard not much good things about the schools in the area.
Any inputs would be appreciated.

Well, schools are average. But depending on your home/work ethic you can still d just fine.

Peterborough is probably the biggest of the three. It's also the 'artsiest', and likely to be the most socially liberal -what we used to jokingly refer to as 'crunchy granola', but it is a cute place.

Rindge has a small-plane airport and weather station. I've been told it's pretty conservative. It does have a small shopping strip and a couple of chain grocery stores, so it's bigger than some towns in the region.

Jaffrey, I always felt it was the more .. pricey, vacation-type place. But that might be more because my friends had a lake cabin there. But their taxes do seem a bit higher.

Peterborough is probably the closest to Keene, and its still likely a good 1/2 hour drive. the others would likely be a little more.

If you wnat to get a feeling for what's going on in the Monadnock area, the Monadnock Ledger has some of their articles online.

[NJ2NH]

I have family with pre-schoolers in Keene. They particularly enjoy the Y--take the kids swimming regularly, and to gymnastics, etc. There are some events and opportunities connected to the college. If you're not used to small town living, I'd suggest that you start in Keene with your housing to be close to your husband's job, rent, see how it feels, and then look beyond if Keene doesn't suit you. It's a nice town with good medical care, good grocery stories and a nice downtown as well as the usual shopping clusters. I think for most people who respond negatively to the town, it's because it's a distance away from other larger towns and can feel isolated, especially in winter. The schools are actually pretty good, in town, but the high school is very large and does draw from some nearby towns that no longer have accredited schools, I believe.

[newsuds]

Thanks for the information on Keene.

We are visiting later this week and are seeing some new townhomes for rent in Keene & Rindge.

We are also seeing some homes for rent in Marlborough and Jaffery.

[Verycold]

Originally Posted by newsuds

...We have a soon to be one year old child and are therefore looking at a family oriented, educated, cultural place, children activites, parks ; organic food..green living..
Also we would like to rent first before we decide where we want to live.
Would really appreciate inputs on the some good options to live around Keene.
Thank you so much..

WARNING!! Keene is not a good place for children. Drugs are a very big problem out there, namely heroin, marijuana, and pills. People get pretty bored out there, and do stupid things to pass the time (i.e. drugs, drinking). Nearby Swanzey is a junkies town.

I know several people from Keene. 1 is a morphine addict, 1 has a son who is in methadone treatment, and a few are going to the college.

As a rule of thumb in NH, the farther you get away from the main cities (all of which are within a 8-12 mile radius of I-93), the worse it gets. Drinking is a hobby, drugs are common, and many dislike outsiders. I don't want to call them rednecks, but...

Keene is in the untouched area of NH. Once you get more than 25 minutes away from any highways (I-93, 101, 89)there won't be many "family oriented, educated, cultural places"

[MapleSugar]

So I was reading this thread and had to laugh at the reply saying how horrible Keene is and that everyone is on drugs... I grew up in Swanzey (5 minutes outside of Keene) and know many more people that aren't on drugs than are. It is definitely a small area, not a ton to do, but I always stayed entertained. Main St is beautiful, as are the lakes. And it being NH, there's always a lot of camping, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting! (I don't hunt, but lots of my friends do, and if that makes me a redneck, so be it). In the last 5 years or so, there has been a pretty big expansion, with some big stores and more recreational things to do (gokarts, mini golf, skate park). There's lots of nice places to walk (I love the Ashuelot Park Trails). And like others have said, you're just 2 hrs to Boston for your "big city" fix! I may be small town, but the Cheshire Fair and Pumpkin Festival are things I NEVER miss!
Hope I helped, have a wicked nice day!

[moving09]

Originally Posted by newsuds

Thanks for the information on Keene.

We are visiting later this week and are seeing some new townhomes for rent in Keene & Rindge.

We are also seeing some homes for rent in Marlborough and Jaffery.

Hello,

We are also thinking of relocating to Keene, NH by mid-summer. Coming from Cincinnati we are use the the big city. What did you think of your visit and did you find many rentals? We are also planning to rent. We have a 1yr old and a 5yr old who will start Kindergarten in the fall. Let me know about your experience. Thanks.