Why are the property taxes in Rye not as high as the rest of NH? (New Castle: schools)

[StepRN3]

Does anyone know why the propery taxes are lower in Rye? I'm just wondering since I've heard it is such a nice area. Thanks!

[BF66389]

The first thing I'd look into is the quality of the schools; then I'd look at other items- a volunteer vs. full-time fire department, lower snow removal costs due to proximity to the coast (though I imagine shore area maintenance costs would offset?!?), and things like that.

[NH2008]

New Castle and Rye probably have the highest property values on the Coast (if not the entire state) and both have great schools and low taxes.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by StepRN3

Does anyone know why the propery taxes are lower in Rye? I'm just wondering since I've heard it is such a nice area. Thanks!

Towns with low equalized tax rates generally fall into two categories.

1) Towns that have high valuations with low property taxes tend to be either on the lakes or the coast with a high average age with varying levels of services.
2) Towns that have moderate to low valuations with low property taxes tend to be very small or isolated towns with few services.