Family friendly 30min. of Manchester or less? (Nashua, Concord: sales, real estate)

[jenni20030]

Hello,
Im new to the NH forum as we thought we where going to be relocating elsewhere. As it turns out my husband may be accepting a position in Manchester. Is there any town in particular (not in the sticks) that is family friendly, that is populated by other young families in the area surrounding Manchester? We are willing to look in the surrounding area out about 30 min. So this would also include Concord and Nashua. Is one of these better than the other or should we look into another town. We like dowtowns, close convenient chain stores, etc.
Also is there diversity in NH? Im Italian and my husband is Chinese&Mexican. I would like out son to grow up around people that are also of ethnicity.
We're coming from California, so we are used to high cost of living. Just how high are your taxes in NH? Are there any school districts we should avoid are all they all pretty fair?
Sorry Im all over the place here. This is just sudden news to us and I've only just begun researching.
Any, and I mean ANY information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

[GregW]

I suggest starting by giving the residential areas of Manchester a good look. The Northeast part of town looks very neat.

Then all the surrounding towns are varying levels of suburban with very good schools. Buy a DeLorme Road Atlas for detailed maps of the area and contact ValC on this board for housing information.

[GotBackHome]

Manchester and Nashua will have the most diversity in a state that doesn't have a lot - they are the 2 largest cities NH has!

There is no state income tax or general sales tax (except prepared food), so that helps to compensate for the real estate tax. Seriously, sinceyou're coming such a long way and from such a different climate, you'd be much better off renting for a year while you explore the area and decide where you want to buy (if you still want to buy after you've been through a complete winter). Diversity may not be all its cracked up to be, and you may decide that some of the other, smaller towns surrounding, are better. Or not. But renting first gives you the option to see what you like before being locked in. In any case, you might want to look around Northern New England Real Estate Network - Official Website of the Northern New England MLS to see what housing costs are and what the last taxes were. ValC is a gem and you can't go wrong with her.

[creativesoul]

I agree with GregW, there are definitely residential parts of Manchester that you should check out. The neighborhoods off of South Mammoth Road (28A) right by the mall of NH are nice areas.. 28 A goes into Londonderry, which is also a great town.

[iclyde]

I'd also consider North West Manchester / Hooksett if you're looking for a newer home - there are lots of new homes and condos off of Hackett Hill Rd