Small Town NH Xenophobia? (Concord, Keene: real estate, buying a house, teaching jobs)

[Pete In Florida]

I've heard that NH residents, particularly in the smaller towns, are particularly xenophobic about newcomers relocating to the area.

I've thought about relocating to the area. Although I've lived in Florida for 18 years I spent the prior 25 years just outside of Buffalo so weather is not an issue for me. In fact, I miss the rural scene, the seasons, and geography. S. Florida is too transient, too rude, and too plastic and crowded for my tastes.

I like the idea of communities that are self protective. But, if what I have heard has any grain of truth to it, then what does it take to gain community acceptance and typically how long?

My finacee and I would love to live among unpretentious, small town, salt of the Earth folks.

The State Motto "Live Free or Die" personifies us too. Please don't change it to "You're gonna love it here".

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[WannaComeHome]

Ok, the small grain of truth in there is that people tend to be a little reserved. Sure, they'll be great help and very friendly when you need it, people really are very nice; but that doesn't mean they're immediately popping over for coffee in the morning and chatting at the back fence. It can take a little while to actually make 'friends' because they want to see if you're going to stay around long enough, and whether you're going to move in and immediately start wanting things to change. When they realize that both are ok, they'll start to warm up.

What can you do? be available, be friendly, be patient, see how the town likes things before you start wanting to spend town money on things.

[Pete In Florida]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

Ok, the small grain of truth in there is that people tend to be a little reserved. Sure, they'll be great help and very friendly when you need it, people really are very nice; but that doesn't mean they're immediately popping over for coffee in the morning and chatting at the back fence. It can take a little while to actually make 'friends' because they want to see if you're going to stay around long enough, and whether you're going to move in and immediately start wanting things to change. When they realize that both are ok, they'll start to warm up.

What can you do? be available, be friendly, be patient, see how the town likes things before you start wanting to spend town money on things.

Thanks. Living in Florida I can appreciate that. A lot of folks came down here and brought their state with them so to speak. Then left, but left their culture behind. Not all of it good mind you. There are some very rude folks down here. And boy do they know how to jack up property taxes.

[WannaComeHome]

People really are friendly in NH - a lot of folks visiting have commented on that. Just keep in mind that 'friendly' and 'friends' aren't the same thing, and it takes times and patience to acquire the former. Keep yourself available and friendly and you'll be fine. When something important hits (like an ice storm) everyone rallies! Even when it's simple like buying a house and needing to get the storm debris out of the yard (8 months after the storm), people will happily help out. Good folk there.

[Aptor hours]

It really works both ways I guess. People can be super friendly and nice and helpful and living and working in a small area I know lots of people that I care about. It also seems that people just love to gossip about you and tear you down if you stand out or are "different" in any way. Rumours spread like crazy and it can be frustrating if you dare to not just be the normal small town chuck. You can also find a lot of people that remember you can are sweet to you and recognize you for being different and respect that Just some of my thoughts

[MovedfromFL]

I'm worried about the same thing - that NH residents don't want the word to get out about how nice it is because then everyone will flood up there!

I still remember something that happened soon after my family moved to Georgia. It was November 2006 and I was standing in line to vote in a local election. I made small talk with the man behind me in line (I had my 6 month old son with me). As soon as I mentioned that we just moved up from Florida, he said "We don't want you here." I paused for a moment to see if it was a joke, but it wasn't. So I replied "Well, we are both young teachers and you need teachers in the schools." Then I turned back around and kept to myself.

I would never in a million years say that to someone. We have also been yelled at twice by "grandma" aged people here (one was for not pulling out into solid traffic when trying to make a right on red. There was no room to pull out!)

We will arrive in NH this Sunday for our first visit. We're spending 3 days driving around and trying to get a feel for the place. Hope to talk to locals and just observe and listen. Should be fun!

[WannaComeHome]

So where are you going to visit?

[MovedfromFL]

I'm working on a crazy schedule right now. Sunday we wil be in the area of Weirs Beach and might try that 1 hour train trip (if we can make it there in time. We have to drive in from Hartford the night before and get lunch somewhere). Then we are doing a loop around Lake "W". Gilmanton, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, (Conway?), Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, Alton.
Monday night we will stay in Concord. We hope to stop by some of the schools or education headquarters and get info when feasible. (we hope to find teaching jobs up there but I have no idea if that is even possible these days)

Then Tuesday, we are heading up to see Sunapee area, Claremont, Lebanon. Then Wednesday is Keene and maybe jump over to VT just to say we were there. Thursday drive 1/2 way back to GA. Friday drive rest of way back to GA. Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it. We've leaving this Friday to drive 13 hours with a 1 year old and a 3 year old to my MIL's funeral in NJ. Then we are going on up to NH since we will already be in the NorthEast.

My husband is sure that we won't see any fall colors up there, but I think otherwise. (see Crazy Dave just posted one!) The maple trees here in GA are starting to turn already, so I know things must be starting up there too.

[Ken E]

Those are all beautiful areas around the lake. Your gonna love it. Have fun.

[MovedfromFL]

Thanks, Ken. We just hope there will be some teaching jobs to be had up there in the next 2 years so we can move.

I've been using Yahoo Real Estate search function to look at properties in various towns. Many of the listings give the most recent tax data. Some towns definately seem much higher (and not really feasible for us) than others.