Massachusetts vs New Hampshire (live, cost, state, better)

[masssachoicetts]

Hey yall! Some very close family members are considering a move to either Southern New Hampshire or the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. I understand that these two are in very close proximity and are both within metro Boston, but it really all boils own to the state of choice at this time. What state is better to move to in all honesty if given a choice, MA or NH?

A little about pre-post: Originally from Norfolk County, MA ... Moved to FL and disliked intense heat at one point. Love the mountains/beaches/small port towns. Dont care for heat that much...
Some towns into consideration are Nashua, Hanover, Exeter, etc in NH
In MA, looking specifically at the Essex and Northern Middlesex County parts due to COL

Budget: $400,000, Smaller condo/townhouse, nothing too large so housing costs are a little more flexible.
Retirement age for folks are nearing, so that is one to consider.

Ironically us all being from the South of Boston, you would think we would have a little more insight about the Merrimack Valley and the NH/MA debate... but we would like to hear other's input.



Criteria: (NH/MA)

COL/Budget: (For Under 400k Condo/Townhouse, Retirement)
Walkability: (BIGGEST Factor, limited car use ideal)
Things To Do:
Towns/Cities:
Restaurants:



*Keep in Mind, NH=Southern NH, MA=Northern Essex/Middlesex/Merrimack Valley

[BostonBornMassMade]

Merrimack Valley and Northern Essex is overpriced and has a lot of trash. I'd go southern NH or stick to Middlesex County.

[Koji7]

Nh

[YorktownGal]

One different between NH and MA is the taxes. NH has higher property taxes and MA has higher income taxes.

https://smartasset.com/retirement/

We lived in Westwood, MA and loved it. Really nice community. I will say that housing prices have increase dramatically since I left.