Read this before relocating to NH.. (Concord, Rochester: rent, homes, neighborhoods)

[summer grace]

Originally Posted by ontheroad

This sentence really rings true for me--especially as I have travelled in the last month to all 5 of the New England states. I love them all, but as flycessna says, the closer to my utopia, the more expensive a town may be overall.

However, nothing really beats New England for me than its beauty. New Hampshire is just lovely especially around and in the mountains. I could have slept in the green-ness of the vistas, and they never seemed to end.

That's what I like about New England and NH too. I think you are so lucky to have seen all 5 New England states in the past few months. I would love that! I love your description of NH.

I believe that ( back to some other questions raised on this thread), that you might as well find the place you like the most, even if you're miserable everywhere, there are some places better than others, for most people. I can believe NH has it's problems, although the ones posted at the start of this thread are silly, but if they are issues for that person, then they should try to move. I like the detail about people being obssesed with old stuff- because I am!! I love antiques and history. I think it's true, but not a bad thing, instead it's a good one. New England is so historic, and how can that history not be on display? Of course, I don't think NH is stuck in the past or something, either.

[summer grace]

Originally Posted by Earthangel1776

"Whether you think you will succeed or fail, either way, you are right."

-Henry Ford

That wise counsel applies to every other facet of life as well. If we cloud our vision with the negative, and allow those feelings to take hold in us, everything will come accross as bad. If we look at the world with a bright outlook, our life will be a beautiful and joyous adventure. We will be content and have peace within even when things go wrong or are disappointing.

I'm stuck here in NH, so I try to make the most of it. But in the process, I've come to love it here. I now realize that nowhere is perfect so why waste my life being unhappy and frustrated? Yeah, the long, cold winters can drag on, but they have a beauty and peace beyond compare. When spring finally arrives and I'm breathing in the lilacs, I realize how worth it it all is! There are hassles and rudeness and traffic everywhere. Let's just make sure it's not coming from us! It is within our power to be content or miserable. Life is too short to waste a single moment dwelling on disappointment. Certain things we just must endure. If it were not so, we'd be in Heaven. Life is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride!

Great post! I can kind of relate, because I think the quote is great, and as well, I'm stuck in Iowa. But, like you, I try to make the best of where I am stuck. I wish I was stuck in NH ( that's why I am on here!!!), but great viewpoints! If we can't be at home with ourselves, where can we really be at home?

[Torrey]

Originally Posted by fashionablecowboy

I'm here, and I want out! I'm over the people, pace of life, politics, and winters. Welcome to Massachusetts II!

Okay, the people are so downright cold, and unfriendly. The never smile or look you in the eyes. Some would call this "genuine," but I would call this weather or culturally-inflicted.

People in New England can NOT drive in traffic.. People here think that passing one car in heavy traffic will get them to their destination QUICKER. (TAKE FOR EXAMPLE -101 or Route 16 through Dover, ever tried that on rush hour?) That's all life's about here; Get there and do things QUICK.

The roads are narrow, winding and hard to drive on yet sometimes fun. They are NOT relaxing, and tailgaters are everywhere. You could be in the most rural area in Rochester or Laconia and still have someone 3 feet from your tail.

You want food? Try Dunkin Doughnuts. "NH RUNS ON DUNKIN!" No need to drive far for it... It's in every other town here, and it has a drive-through to get your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's the monopoly here and will make you unhealthy and fat!

I'm here, and I want out! New Hampshire is such an un-motivating environment. The nicest towns are not much different than the worst towns. (You'll find bigger houses, and more detailed landscaping.. that's mostly it.) Rye or Ossipee.. it's all pretty much the same thing. Not many towns are unique.. it's all New England-style. No tudor, no french, no contemporary or your neighbors will have a fit.

People are OBESSESED with old stuff. Antique stores, and history.. I'm not at all. Not many people are fascinated by modern design--although we're apparently a liberal region (New England/Taxachusetts) -everyone likes the same furniture, the same black shutters, and the same clothes.

Despite that, this place is still relaxing with all the nature here(not the drivers)-the white mountains are great! but this states definitly not perfect nor the best. The wages are good, but don't be fooled. This state is no where near worth the money that it costs to live here. I'm here, and I want out!

Sounds pretty much like you didn't check it out before you moved there. Some things you do not like, I find to be exactly what I am looking for. I LOVE OLD STUFF, I hate modern buildings, LOVE New England style homes and buildings - it's what makes it what it is, NEW ENGLAND. What you expected more than likely is what most NH residents do not want to do, which is CHANGE it to be like where you came from. If you liked it so much where you were, go back there.

[Tat]

Do they still have Bess Eaton donuts and coffee in New England? I lived in CT for over 20 years and thought their coffee was even BETTER than DD! Here's a trick they use... put a dash of salt in your coffee grounds before brewing. Cuts the acidity and smooths the flavor. Try it! (As long as you can have salt)

Perhaps "cowboy" should try Iraq?

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by fashionablecowboy

.





People are OBESSESED with old stuff. Antique stores, and history.. I'm not at all. Not many people are fascinated by modern design--although we're apparently a liberal region (New England/Taxachusetts) -everyone likes the same furniture, the same black shutters, and the same clothes.

!

Once you are out of the Tourist areas Lakes region, in general the antique shops get far and few between. Yes the lakes region is over populated with them, and even the seacoast has quite a few But the rest of the state, has them far and few between. Oh don't forget the old fieldstone fireplaces. Gotta love those.

[videoarizona]

I consider New Hampshsire (Portsmouth) my "home"....even though I've been gone from the area for many years. My parents lived there until their passing for almost 50 years...and I returned often to visit.

New England people, to our family, at first seemd like "reserved". But after getting to know them, we were welcomed with friendships that have lasted almost 50 years!

As far as rudeness in driving, shopping or even in general....New England people are among the best for having social manners. This has been proved to be true over and over again...through numerous visits back "home".

The last visit was this past summer when I spend 2 months on the road towing my sailboat from Arizona to New Hampshire and back. The further East I got, the more polite and friendly people became. By the time I got to New England, my "Road Rage" survival mentality was almost gone. On a 2 lane road, the opposite traffic would stop and let me make a left turn....so I didn't hold back a huge line behind me. Do that in Los Angeles or Phoenix and you are likely to get shot. Not kidding here. Least that will happen is angry shouts and gestures.

So cowboy...take it from someone who has been to every one of the 50 states...and travelled through many again in the past decade...New Englanders are intelligent and polite both in reputation and in practice.

Regards,

David

[nibseysgirl]

Sorry you have had a hard time in NH. I lived in Dover(and yes I have traveled and agree 101 is horrific)for 5 years and Seabrook for 5 yrs b4 moving to FL and now thinking of relocating to GA. I found NH to be a great place to live and raise kids. I was raised in MA and although it will always be "home" going back once or twice a year is enough for me. I would go back to NH in a NY minute if I didnt have to deal with SNOW. Lots and Lots of SNOW.
I love the seacost of NH and think it is by far the best place I ever lived including Naples Fl where I live now...Talk about ppl not knowing how to drive...have you ever been here..if so then you know what I mean if not then if visiting the area(florida in general) remember RED is not STOP and GREEN is not GO. Always look several time b4 going or watch out for that car you dint even see come flying around a car or thru a light...CRAZY and I learned how to drive in both NY(ROCHESTER) and Boston...Id take driving back in the NE area anyday....
Give NH a try...I cant imagine anyone not loving it there...Good Luck

[nibseysgirl]

Originally Posted by videoarizona

I consider New Hampshsire (Portsmouth) my "home"....even though I've been gone from the area for many years. My parents lived there until their passing for almost 50 years...and I returned often to visit.

New England people, to our family, at first seemd like "reserved". But after getting to know them, we were welcomed with friendships that have lasted almost 50 years!

As far as rudeness in driving, shopping or even in general....New England people are among the best for having social manners. This has been proved to be true over and over again...through numerous visits back "home".

The last visit was this past summer when I spend 2 months on the road towing my sailboat from Arizona to New Hampshire and back. The further East I got, the more polite and friendly people became. By the time I got to New England, my "Road Rage" survival mentality was almost gone. On a 2 lane road, the opposite traffic would stop and let me make a left turn....so I didn't hold back a huge line behind me. Do that in Los Angeles or Phoenix and you are likely to get shot. Not kidding here. Least that will happen is angry shouts and gestures.

So cowboy...take it from someone who has been to every one of the 50 states...and travelled through many again in the past decade...New Englanders are intelligent and polite both in reputation and in practice.

Regards,

David

David,
I agree wholeheartedly. I think NH is the best place to raise a family and enjoy life. I wish it were not a cold state(weather) or I never would have left. I love it there...the people are great and the towns (yes they do exist) are just wonderful...full of charm, charachter and heritage) and the people by and far as some of the best I have ever know. Strangers and friends alike.
Any advise on people considering moving to GA? You said you have traveled all states..thought I would ask your impression of the suburbs of Atlanta, Cummings, Alphabetta, and Deluth are what I am looking into ...Take care and Thanks...Lisa

[kwiley1221]

Originally Posted by nibseysgirl

...have you ever been here..if so then you know what I mean if not then if visiting the area(florida in general) remember RED is not STOP and GREEN is not GO. Always look several time b4 going or watch out for that car you dint even see come flying around a car or thru a light...CRAZY

I've lived in Alpharetta for 3 years now and I think you just described Atlanta traffic/drivers perfectly. Aggressive, rude, stupid (red light runners here as well). I may be moving to NH within a month and I won't miss the traffic at all. I know New Hampshire isn't perfect, but from the short time I've been able to spend there, it's NOTHING like Atlanta.

All in all Ga is a nice place. Weather is great here (not too hot not too cold). Not my cup of tea, but definitely better than Fla from what I hear of the numerous Florida transplants here.

Alpharetta/Cumming are nice areas. Typical suburbs. Lots of restaurants and shopping. You'd probably like it a lot better than Fla, IMO

[sharebear]

Originally Posted by WIMU

Part of why NH has the appeal it does is because it not just one big suburbia(yet). The history and the look of towns makes it very appealing too many but not all. Apparently some don't like it--fine move. We lived in NH for 13 years and moved to OH and we want back so bad that Wwe would do anything to get our house sold in OH and we would be there tomorrow. It sounds like Florida or California would be good to move to they have everything you need and tailgaters to boot. They have them in OH too. Maybe somebody should redevelop NH and put in a couple hundred skyscrapers so it isn't so boring. I prefer it the way it is--you call it boring and I call it beautiful.

I am in Findlay Ohio and want to move back home to Laconia NH so bad I am going in July. Need help though, Like a place to rent that won't charge me 3 months rent when I move in because I have no JOB there right now. How would one work there now, Work here now and still relocate there next month anyways.
Please help me relocate home