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Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. We are going to have to check out those pizza places. We'll let you know our verdict.
We came up a couple of weekends ago and stayed in Manchester, near the LL Bean Outlet - I guess that's not the downtown area of the city. We never got to Nashua. Would you say that Nashua is more quaint than Manchester? We really like Portsmouth and Portland, ME is Nashua anything like those cities?
well, I wouldn't call Nashua 'quaint'... Manchester is the biggest city in the state (the Queen City), Nashua is #2. It doesn't have Manchester's old mills, but it's mostly basic city with neighborhoods, and lots of shopping. just smaller than Manchester.
Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. We are going to have to check out those pizza places. We'll let you know our verdict.
We came up a couple of weekends ago and stayed in Manchester, near the LL Bean Outlet - I guess that's not the downtown area of the city. We never got to Nashua. Would you say that Nashua is more quaint than Manchester? We really like Portsmouth and Portland, ME is Nashua anything like those cities?
No. Nashua is mostly suburban sprawl. There is a downtown area that's charming but very small. Supposedly there are some good restaurants and you can probably find anything you need there (Asian markets, film festivals, symphony) but it has never struck me as particularly quaint or bustling.
Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. We are going to have to check out those pizza places. We'll let you know our verdict.
We came up a couple of weekends ago and stayed in Manchester, near the LL Bean Outlet - I guess that's not the downtown area of the city. We never got to Nashua. Would you say that Nashua is more quaint than Manchester? We really like Portsmouth and Portland, ME is Nashua anything like those cities?
We just went to downtown Nashua this past weekend. It was very nice. Not quite as urban looking as Manchester. If we weren't pressed for time we could've walked around some more. Normally when we go to Nashua it's for the Costco. And pp is right it's more suburban than Manchester.
We came up a couple of weekends ago and stayed in Manchester, near the LL Bean Outlet - I guess that's not the downtown area of the city. We never got to Nashua. Would you say that Nashua is more quaint than Manchester? We really like Portsmouth and Portland, ME is Nashua anything like those cities?
I believe you were near the Mall of NH just south of 293. Downtown is a few miles north of that location. Portsmouth and Portland may have more of that quaint factor as they are on the water. All of these towns have old buildings and interesting architecture. Manchester has a more industrial feel than Nashua. The surrounding towns have some quaint areas. Check the Amherst village next time you are up this way; it is a national historic landmark...
Portsmouth and Portland also have more of a bustling urban feel, I think. Lots of artsy/cultural stuff, little boutiques, neat neighborhoods to walk around, etc. Nashua is more of a modern, car-oriented city - instead of walking around old winding streets, you get in your car and go to a big chain store. (There are some boutiques too, but it's just a very different feel than either of those cities.)
Amherst is beautiful and I'd definitely consider it along with Bedford and Hollis.
I think we're leaning towards Bedford.
We really liked the feel of Bedford. We took the kids to the playground on Nashua Road and really liked it. Are there other playgrounds/family areas in the town?
When we drove around though we didn't see any sidewalks in the neighborhoods. Is this typical? Are there any neighborhoods with sidewalks or that are especially family/kid friendly? We drove around the three corners and liked that area, the houses were maybe just a little too close to each other than what we are looking for, but we liked the idea of having a pond close by. Is Hollis the same way in terms of sidewalks in neighborhoods?
Another question is about schools in Bedford. The population is almost double of Hollis's and we are a little concerned about class size in the schools. What is the typical class size in the elementary schools? Are the elementary schools K-5 and then middle school 6-8? Does the class sizes go up a lot after they start the middle and high schools b/c of the combining of the elementary schools?
Thank you. Sorry this is so long but we have a lot of questions
We considered both towns before buying in Hollis. I strongly recommend calling the school(s) your children would be attending with a list of questions in advance. Bedford accomodates its student population with multiple elementary schools. I would call at least one of them and ask questions, particularly about class sizes and culture. Pretty sure one or two of them service parts of Bedford which aren't so densely populated, offering less of a suburban feel and more of a small town feel, but don't quote me on that. If schools are important to you, it may help direct your home search if you are buying.
Do not hesitate to call all the schools your children would be attending there to ask whatever questions you have. I found both Bedford and Hollis school administration to be courteous and helpful. We were even offered a tour of the upper elementary in Hollis during the summer break.
Where are you coming from on LI? You will most likely be surprised by the personal attention and courtesy offered in NH. When you call schools, for example, people will take their time with you, no attitudes, etc. Best of luck to you.
Thank you Lisa. I'm going to take your advice and call the schools.
We're from the north shore of Nassau County, Glen Head.
Are you happy you chose Hollis? I really loved Bedford and I think we could get more house for the money there as well as lower taxes, I'm just not sure about the size of the town/schools. That's my only concern about Bedford.
I think you have to go with your gut. My guess is that the demographics on both towns would be very similar but that people who love Hollis wouldn't dream of living in Bedford and vice versa. Bedford would certainly feel more similar to the suburbs of Long Island. Hollis has developments but actively works to limit them and preserve the small town/farm community feel. I don't think you would go wrong with the schools in either town. If you love it and you're happy with what you hear from the administration, I would go for it.
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Bedford Neighborhoods
