This is a nice forum, but.... (pros and cons, legal, expensive)

[BuyerMaybe]

I've enjoyed catching up with this forum and had to smile when I recalled my user ID under which I originally registered: "BuyerMaybe".

As of last May, we are "DidBuy-noMaybe". After a year and a half of looking between VT and NH, we finally purchased a few acres in Strafford County- outside of Farmington. In the end, we selected the area for it's proximity to the coast and other areas as well as the immediate rural surroundings. Since it will be our last outpost (semi-retirement), we took a lot of things into consideration when deciding where to look.

Currently living in PA just north of Philly in Bucks County. In all our trips to NH, I can't say I ever came across DEVELOPMENT (more than just with a big "D"), the way Bucks County (all of SE PA) has allowed it to run wild, with no restrictions... it has become the land of the McMansion with all the negatives that come with that. I drive by them and can't figure out how anyone whose had a few beers walks in the right door. No character, just show.

We wanted New England because we love it there, summer jobs when I was in high school & college and lots of vacations over the years since. The history and the landscape- yes, even the weather!

Certainly not looking to change the culture but hope to positively become involved. Looking forward to building a small, sustainable home that does anything but standout in the farming area in which the land sits. We look forward to not being suspicious about opening the door

We anticipate building in the next year or two. I read the local on-line news to get familiar and subscribe to the town meeting minutes, etc. So, we know the area is having economic difficulties-- but better times are down the road.. just not the same old times. But the New England character will prevail... not all of us 'outsiders' want that to change.

[GotBackHome]

that's great to hear! I understand your situation completely: we are 3 years from retirement and moving from MD, but already own land to build on and a house until we're ready to build. Just wish we were there now.

[GregW]

Think about building a heavily insulated home with lots of solar gain windows facing south east. Design and build it (solar heated salt box cones to mind) as if it were to be completey solar heat then don't bother with the collectors. That way you will get 80% of the benefit with 20% of the cost. There are lots of plans available and the builders are waiting for anyone with money.

[Ken E]

Originally Posted by BuyerMaybe

I've enjoyed catching up with this forum and had to smile when I recalled my user ID under which I originally registered: "BuyerMaybe".

As of last May, we are "DidBuy-noMaybe". After a year and a half of looking between VT and NH, we finally purchased a few acres in Strafford County- outside of Farmington. In the end, we selected the area for it's proximity to the coast and other areas as well as the immediate rural surroundings. Since it will be our last outpost (semi-retirement), we took a lot of things into consideration when deciding where to look.

Currently living in PA just north of Philly in Bucks County. In all our trips to NH, I can't say I ever came across DEVELOPMENT (more than just with a big "D"), the way Bucks County (all of SE PA) has allowed it to run wild, with no restrictions... it has become the land of the McMansion with all the negatives that come with that. I drive by them and can't figure out how anyone whose had a few beers walks in the right door. No character, just show.

We wanted New England because we love it there, summer jobs when I was in high school & college and lots of vacations over the years since. The history and the landscape- yes, even the weather!

Certainly not looking to change the culture but hope to positively become involved. Looking forward to building a small, sustainable home that does anything but standout in the farming area in which the land sits. We look forward to not being suspicious about opening the door

We anticipate building in the next year or two. I read the local on-line news to get familiar and subscribe to the town meeting minutes, etc. So, we know the area is having economic difficulties-- but better times are down the road.. just not the same old times. But the New England character will prevail... not all of us 'outsiders' want that to change.

Congratulations. I grew up in that general area. You'll love it.

[seamusnh]

If people come to NH from another state (not illegal aliens) because NH is a better way of life, they are openly welcomed. If they come here to change NH or to "fix it", then they won't be welcomed. It is that simple...
As for drivers, I grew up in Boston and driving in MA is more of a competition than driving. I am in MA often and it is much more crowded with worse drivers and rude people compared to NH...

[BuyerMaybe]

Thanks for the feedback, GregW. That's the "alley" we want to head down. Faithful watchers of Planet Green's Renovation Nation & such, we're collecting ideas and open to suggestions. Will begin exploring builders with experience in that arena. KenE and WannaComeHome, thanks for the kind thoughts.

[LexWest]

Originally Posted by seamusnh

If people come to NH from another state (not illegal aliens) because NH is a better way of life, they are openly welcomed. If they come here to change NH or to "fix it", then they won't be welcomed. It is that simple...
As for drivers, I grew up in Boston and driving in MA is more of a competition than driving. I am in MA often and it is much more crowded with worse drivers and rude people compared to NH...

And what is wrong with illegal aliens, if they also happen to desire a better life, and perhaps may work just as hard if not harder than some people in the US already? Not all illegals have a bad name. In fact, every person's ancestor in America save Native Americans, were illegal at one point.

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by LexWest

And what is wrong with illegal aliens, if they also happen to desire a better life, and perhaps may work just as hard if not harder than some people in the US already? Not all illegals have a bad name. In fact, every person's ancestor in America save Native Americans, were illegal at one point.

Illegal aliens drain public funds, create unfair competition for jobs with America's least prepared workers, thereby lowering wages and working conditions. They impose unwanted strains on services designed to provide assistance to Americans. ILLEGAL immigration causes harm to Americans and LEGAL residents.

There is a list of several million eligible people waiting to be legally admitted as immigrants to our country. Some of them have been on that list for many, many years waiting for one of the numerically limited visas to become available. Illegal immigration makes a mockery of those people's adherence to the rules and of our country's sovereignty.

[MCNPA]

Originally Posted by buck naked

Illegal aliens drain public funds, create unfair competition for jobs with America's least prepared workers, thereby lowering wages and working conditions. They impose unwanted strains on services designed to provide assistance to Americans. ILLEGAL immigration causes harm to Americans and LEGAL residents.

There is a list of several million eligible people waiting to be legally admitted as immigrants to our country. Some of them have been on that list for many, many years waiting for one of the numerically limited visas to become available. Illegal immigration makes a mockery of those people's adherence to the rules and of our country's sovereignty.

This is true. Not everybody came here illegally. My grandparents came here on American ships and had to be sponsored by an American family. They worked, learned the English language almost immediately, and took great pride in becoming an American.

[GotBackHome]

Originally Posted by LexWest

And what is wrong with illegal aliens, if they also happen to desire a better life, and perhaps may work just as hard if not harder than some people in the US already? Not all illegals have a bad name. In fact, every person's ancestor in America save Native Americans, were illegal at one point.

<sigh> such an old idea. Ok: That was then, this is now. yes there was a time when anyone could immigrate over and get a job and settle in. Then we became too populated, required too many social services and we had to create laws to handle all the immigration (not stop it, just organize it cause there was so much!). Just like originally you didn't need a license to drive a car, you just needed to buy a car. then there were too many cars and they had to do something to deal with it all. So now there are laws governing how and when someone can move here permanently - cause we just can't handle 1/2 the flipping world moving in! anyone who flouts these laws is by definition an Illegal Alien. They did not follow the rules and do it the way we really want so we can manage things. Why should they be so special compared to those who have jumped through tremendous numbers of hoops and done it legally?? What part of ILLEGAL are you not understanding?