Where is the sunniest place in New England? (Concord, Laconia: living in, health)

[motoracer51]

Originally Posted by Annabelle

I don't know how accurate this site is but it is interesting to look at:

World Facts and Figures - Weather Facts and Statistics

If accurate, the difference between the # of clear sunny days in San Diego compared to New England cities is great.

San Diego: 146
Portland, ME: 101
Boston: 98
Providence, RI: 98
Concord, NH: 90
Worcester, MA: 90
Hartford, CT: 80
Caribou, ME: 59
Burlington, VT: 58

Thanks for the link.

The wife and I are moving to central NH, and I'm concerned about this as well, living in SUNNY western Colorado..

I was surprised to see Miami and West Palm Beach Florida so far down the list. Seems like even Concord is even sunnier.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by motoracer51

Thanks for the link.

The wife and I are moving to central NH, and I'm concerned about this as well, living in SUNNY western Colorado..

I was surprised to see Miami and West Palm Beach Florida so far down the list. Seems like even Concord is even sunnier.

The advantage to a wetter climate here in the Northeast is that you hardly ever have to worry about wildfires. This is especially true because we tend to be wetter and cooler during the summer months.

[motoracer51]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

The advantage to a wetter climate here in the Northeast is that you hardly ever have to worry about wildfires. This is especially true because we tend to be wetter and cooler during the summer months.

The future in the west here regarding water, i.e. DROUGHT, has me really worried.

Even though NH has a relatively short growing season, I'd have to assume that water is the least concern.

I figure I can pre-seed in the house, or get a greenhouse to extend it somewhat.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by motoracer51

The future in the west here regarding water, i.e. DROUGHT, has me really worried.

Even though NH has a relatively short growing season, I'd have to assume that water is the least concern.

I figure I can pre-seed in the house, or get a greenhouse to extend it somewhat.

Most areas of NH are between zone 3 to zone 5 in terms of vegetation hardiness. The growing season is the longest in the Seacoast, and the shortest in the North Woods. Most areas of the state have a solid 3 month growing season between early June to early September. The north has a very limited growing season of 1-2 months. This is in Coos County. Plymouth has a solid 2.5 month growing season. Greenhouses are common in NH for those avid gardners. I belong to a CSA and have a large garden. I also like planting tree saplings as well.

[BF66389]

Something else that may be helpful if you plan on moving here; but really need bright natural lighting would be to either build/modify your home here to make the most of what light is available. Even on a partly-clouded day well placed windows, skylights, and sun-tubes can really brighten up your home.

Just a thought; and proper window placement can also really reduce your heating bills as well.

[deerstar]

I am moving to new england in April 2009. Have you moved there yet?
I, too, am trying to find the right location to start from. Any advice would be appreciated. thanks sandra

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by terrasurf

Th sunniest, least cloudy weather in New England is in Southern New England: Providence and points south, Newport, Westport, MA area, and the lower Cape area.

Western MA- cloudy, and VERY snowy in winter, cloudy and deathly humid in summer. CT- is better, but the western half can still be more cloudy as its in the East Coast storm track. NH, VT, ME- sunny only when its really cold and not snowing. Boston area, often colder than down here. As far as I'm concerned this area near the coast is the only bearable area I would live. Ocean temps are only bearable down this way too.

This is relatively true. The Chart is pretty helpful, but it only emphasizes the primary cities in New England and those reports can vary by town.

I grew up in Southeastern Massachusetts near the Rhode Island border. While we were close to the ocean (15 minute drive), we weren't RIGHT on the ocean. The sea breezes, particularly in the summer months, help clear that Southern New England coast of clouds and rain in many instances. I used to lifeguard in Westport, MA in high school and college. I can't tell you how many times I made the 15 minute drive from home to the beach and while it was pouring at home, it was bright and sunny on the ocean. In fact, many times, that sun would be shining on us at the beach and we'd look North and see the rain coming down (or thicker cloud cover).

In short, I agree with the assertation that Massachusetts and Rhode Island's Southern coasts tend to be a bit sunnier than the Eastern facing coastal areas and the interior parts of New England. They also get far less snow in the winter.

[cvlp]

Thanks for all the helpful information.
It's 80 degrees here today in San Diego and I understand you guys are getting some serious snow! Wish I was there already.
Hopefully some time this summer we will be moving.

Thank you.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by deerstar

I am moving to new england in April 2009. Have you moved there yet?
I, too, am trying to find the right location to start from. Any advice would be appreciated. thanks sandra

What sized community are you looking for? Most of southern and southeast NH is suburban or urban with some state parks scattered around. North of Concord it becomes much more rural with a few larger towns mixed in. The COL is probably the highest in Rockingham County, which is the Seacoast area. However, the very small towns will have lower costs as long as they are not near the lakes or mountains.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by deerstar

I, too, am trying to find the right location to start from. Any advice would be appreciated. thanks sandra

What are your requirements? will you be looking for a job? what sort of hobbies do you want to be near? It's a great state, with quite a lot to offer, but with the back roads, even such a small state can take a while to drive around.