Planning Relo to New England - Is NH for us? (sales, vehicle registration)

[MissingAll4Seasons]

My husband and I are planning to relocate from the Seattle area to New England in 2-3 years. We're looking into buying land soon and then building a home when we're ready to make the jump.

I've begun researching the region and, so far, think (northern) NH looks near perfect. But, I'd like to get some advice from the folks who live (or have lived) there before I start narrowing down my search. If another state would make a better/similar fit, I'm happy to keep it in the running. I'd appreciate any info that could help us; so here's some information about us and what we're looking for:

We would like to get out of the corporate rat race and urban sprawl, and live in a smaller community where we could enjoy a modest lifestyle as artist-craftsmen on a large lot where we could have our home and studio (Zoning issues?). We won't be looking for the big bucks, a better quality of living is so much more important. We want to live somewhere that has four (or more ) seasons as opposed to two (hot/dry, and cold/wet). We've both lived in cold winter climates, and look forward to them again -- as long as the community is prepared for them.

If we need to subsidize our artistic income, my husband has strong software development and computer electronics and I have experience with software, administration/project management and print/graphic design. We'd like to telecommute if possible, so high speed internet would be a great plus; but a short (less than 30 min) commute to a related job would be good, too.

We strongly believe in self-sufficience and minding our own business. We respect diversity and people's right to live their lives their own way as long as it isn't forced on us -- we expect the same respect from others. We'd love to live where people are honestly friendly and polite, but not afraid to tell you things straight up (there's nothing worse than a smile to your face and a knife in your back!).

We are planning to build a near Zero Cost Home, with alternate power (solar and/or wind) and a (small) hydroponic garden. A community that offers net-metering for electric is critical. One that offers property tax reduction for energy efficient homes would be wonderful (but not essential - our current property taxes are around $1.5/sq ft). We expect the home and garden will help offset some COL expenses as well as being good for the environment and the community.

While WA doesn't have a state income tax, the sales and property taxes and COL in Seattle are on the high side. My husband's from the UK, where taxes are extremely steep. Vehicle registration is relatively cheap here, but I've lived in states where you were paying 5%+ on the Blue Book value every year. So I don't think we'll suffer from "sticker shock" in NH... but if there any hidden whammies, I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks in advance for your help and info!

[lucyem]

I am in NH and we have a solar home. The only tax credits so far are very limited. 1. once we get the energy star rating we will get some money back on building material costs 2. the town (if they vote on it in town meeting) will give you a $100 credit on your property taxes.

In NH we have net metering.

Remember property tax is higher because there is no sales tax. The amount varies by town so pay attention to it when looking at property. It can make a huge difference. While I love the lack of an income tax I am finding frustration at the property taxes. We have watched so many people having to sell family farms or family cabins on the lake because the property taxes are through the roof. People's incomes cannot handle some of these property taxes.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

You might consider buying 10+ acres to build and farm on. You can get some tax breaks via current use as I understand it. Maybe some locals can help. I have a cousin who farms, and current use reduces his taxes from 15 grand to 9 thou.
We're looking at moving back east, and that's the only way we could afford it. We are not willing to pay 200-300 bucks a month for property taxes.

[nhyrnut]

As much as I love NH. I think with what you are looking for, VT would be much more suited for you. You might want to check that forum as well. I think you will find it a better fit. Just due to what you want to do in general and how you can work.

[MissingAll4Seasons]

Thanks for the responses.

Lucyem - I PM'd you for more info on your solar house.

Dwatted Rabbit - I'll look into the current use legislation.

nhyrnut - I PM'd you for more info on your VT suggestion.


I plan to post to the VT forum as well, but so far reading the posts over there it seems that VT may be a little *too* on the liberal side .

[CityGirl52]

I think you might want Vermont too although, another option for you would be Colorado. They've got 4 seasons and I actually like the sounds of their weather pattern rather than ours up here in New England, these days. There snow seems to disappear quicker than ours up in the northeast. I know they had a pretty rough winter this past year with all there snow storms but I think it comes with the territory some times, don't you? I don't know; I still like the sounds of the Front Range area of Colorado to live in. Especially check out Parker, Fort Collins or Loveland or Longmont areas of the Front Range. I've been checking these towns out myself. I love the sounds of them a lot. If you can afford it then check out Durango too while you're at it! It would be really where you'd want to look around I would say and personally I have it right on my top of the list for places to live in a few years, myself! So absolutely don't rule that area out! Check out the Colorado forum right here on City-Data, because it's absolutely wonderful reading and learning material for you on this very subject.

I've been reading quite a lot through it and it's very very good, especially look for and read up on "Mike from Back East" topics and hear him out good. He's very knowledgable and quite interesting with his answers! Good luck and keep checking back from time to time here and keep reading through Colorado, I'm telling you, especially where you're living in Seattle now, it wouldn't be bad for you to get to this state I wouldn't think, compared to one of the New England states. I'm sure you'll get all kinds of feedback on this one, it's a good topic! I think by the sounds of it, you'd probably be better off in Colorado, I'm serious and not New England. That's just what I'm getting from your post, any way.

Good luck wherever you end up living in a few years! SO many people want to live in another completely different part of the country than where they're living right now. It's amazing to see how many there are on this site. This is just the beginning of all these exits from various states around the country! It's incredible to hear and see all of this. This is an excellent site to learn all about it too, believe me!

Again, Good luck and keep us posted!

[MissingAll4Seasons]

Thanks for the tip CityGirl. I've lived in CO before, and for me at least, it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Maybe things have changed since I've been in Seattle.

We're pretty set on New England, it's just a matter of narrowing down the place