Southern New Hampshire Cost of Living (Nashua, Salem: renting, houses, construction)

[Maine09]

I am an athletic director renting on the coast of Maine. Im trying to get ideas on new places to move to hopefully in the upcoming years. I am not native to New England, but I really like the area. I LOVE the scenery, hills, 4 seasons, trees, close cities, and outdoor recreational activities. One area I was considering was New Hampshire. The problem I have with Maine is that it is too far from any major cities. I am not single and in my upper 20s and would like occasionally access to a decent sized city, but do not need to live right in the city.

I figured Southern New Hampshire is a good idea because you still get the small town feel, the coast, the mountains, the outdoor recreation but you also have Boston and NYC close by where in Maine I am 4 hours from Boston and 8 from NYC.

How are the housing prices in Southern New Hampshire? Are there decent houses say no more than 1 hour from Boston in the 250-300 range?? I noticed Maine is a lot of shabby old looking houses. Is there any newer type construction in New Hampshire? I am looking for more newer type properties. Also I am not used to having to pay for oil heat which is really expensive I would rather use natural gas is this available anywhere? or do most people heat using wood or oil?

I would appreciate any information anyone can provide as I am trying to limit my search to where I can still live in New England. If any also has any other suggestions on New ENgland areas which are close to Boston or NYC and have a decent cost of living (under 300,000 for a modern 2-3 bedroom house around 1500 square foot or so).Thanks!

[GregW]

Cost of living in southern New Hampshire is a lot higher than southern Maine away from the coast. Citi-data has costs for both places. Just search for the town you are in and a town you might like.

[dtkn]

I think you can find decent house in that price range in southern NH that close to 1 hour from Boston. What's your life style? Like big city or small town? But I think if you want natural gas, you'd have to be in well established city. Nashua, Salem might have what you're looking for.