What are the real good points of living in Manchester and its surrounding towns,Derry,Londonderry,Goffstown and Hooksett (Nashua: schools)

[No attitude]

Any new people in this area who have moved from other parts of the country(Not New England) reading this? What are your initial impressions of the people and the way of life here?Are you planning on staying here very long? Long term residents feel free to comment.Best of luck to all.

[thedudewiththeplan]

Well, I moved from Bedford NH down to GA several years ago and can say there are many good things about the Manchester area. People were very friendly up there (not so much down here), very high quality of life (higher life expectancy, higher literacy rate, lower poverty rate), love the snow up there, great schools, more socially liberal (compared to the south anyway!).

[maestramommy]

When we were looking to move to NH it was either to the Nashua area or Manchester area. Dh's job is in Manchester, so that's where we concentrated our focus. A lot of towns outside of Manchester have great schools, which was our top priority. When we visited we found the people very friendly and since moving to this area we've not met anyone to counteract that initial impression. Being pretty close to Manchester means being in proximity to some city conveniences, like restaurants and the like. However, it's not too far from places like orchards or other fun areas to take your kids. Being in the southern part of NH also means we're not far from the state line, which we like because we have family in MA. And that we can make the semi-regular pilgrimmage to Trader Joes

We're originally from a suburb of L.A so we didn't want to move to a place that was entirely rural. Actually where we ended up felt almost rural at first. Suburban NH and Suburban L.A are two entirely different planets!

[No attitude]

I think NH can be a great place to raise kids, its all what you make of it like most things.It does seem a little small minded in a lot of ways however but its all in how you raise your children.Conservative values are great like teaching people the value of hard work and saving.Unfortunately i see too many spoiled kids who dont know the value of hard work and want something for nothing, call it the mass effect or just the times we live in.I dont consider that progress.