Places in NH that satisfy some of the following requirements...

[Chamomile]

I think both of you would really like Concord or Portsmouth. Problem is, anywhere that is more cultured and "liberal" and has more cutesy little downtown areas (I like those, too), will be more expensive-- possibly too expensive for you, but not if you're willing to live in a condo. So it's worth looking there. And don't worry, NH is quickly becoming a pretty liberal state, especially in the south and along the coast (so, the areas you are looking at).

[maxxoccupancy]

New Hampshirites are definitely live and let live types, but are probably a bit more conservative than libertarian. The drinking and gambling laws testify to that. Folks here are also extremely averse to taxes and business subsidies. When people hear that they are being charged $8 million for a $2 million senior center (with payoffs for various interest groups), they are livid. Most of that stuff gets voted out--along with the politicians who are trying to get that stuff through.

If you want a lot of state services and programs, New Hampshire is probably not the state for you. If you want to live free and be left alone by government, it may be the place for you.

[brianpjohnson]

[not sure what not to far north means

about 80% of NH would meet your requirements. Keene in the west or any town along rte 101 to exeter in the east will work. $250,000 come soon thats 80% of the housing stock.
You can get 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garge for that.

[SanfordR]

I keep pushing North Conway but it really is a great town. It has a few ultra conservative nuts and a few on the other end of the spectrum. ( I still read the local paper online.) NH is very political and opinionated, but I never found it to be close-minded and most people seem to live in harmony with each other. No food coop as far as I know though. And in any area, check out the property taxes- they can vary widely, even towns right next to each other.