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Fiona,
a couple of things: politics- the country is in a very scary place right now, everywhere we have become so polarized on a variety of topics that all have a political aspect (changing things people don't want changed, changing things many people do want changed... and usually done by enacting laws) and people have become quite angry and hostile over them. And in NH, partly because it's the running politico's playground and partly because NH is surrounded by states that are far more liberal in many ways, people get very tetchy right now about anyone moving in since so many people who have moved in keep trying to change things. If that comes across as hostile, many people don't mind if it keeps the 'changers' away. <sigh> it is very sad to have come to this.
The other thing: balance. Right now this forum really only shows that side of NH; there was a time when this board was kinda known for being a party board. We had a ton of posts about nothing in particular, just having fun and being friendly- we had threads just saying good morning or goodnight and have a nice day! But they weren't specific to moving to NH so it was all squelched according to the posted terms ToS rules. The result is that now the postings are fairly unbalanced, and the fun, friendly side of NH isn't seen as much. It's there, and since you've been to the state, you've seen it. But starting with a post that asks if you're going to be too liberal for the state, just sort of send up red flags to those who are trying to protect the conservatism.
If NH comes off as hostile to people moving in... I'm afraid that's not going to bother too many people as no one wants a huge influx of people "from away". It is a shame to promote the attitude that NH isn't friendly, though.
Thank you! I understand where the hostile attitude comes from. I realize that it's a touchy subject. Even around where I'm living right now, the term "liberal" automatically draws up the red flags. OH, well. There's nothing I can do, or would want to do, to change other people, and they likely can't change me, so we all have to learn to live with one another, I suppose. (live free or die? Live and let live)?
My original post was actually asking if I would be rejected due to my views, not so much if I am too liberal for NH. I *know* NH is conservative, but there are pockets of diversity (probably another word that sends up a red flag for some people! "Diversity! Gasp!") and I think that is more of what I was getting at. I was worried, b/c there was a lot of nastiness brewing about in the threads, name-calling, unwelcoming messages, etc. Believe me, I do not want to move into a place where I'm not welcome, any more than the people who don't want me there. But there's something inherently wrong with that - don't you think? I would be saddened if the place where I lived kept people out. I don't think NH is generally like that, though. I think these threads run on the political side, and that the voice of the few sometimes loudly blasts out the majority.
(Perhaps those who want to keep "outsiders" out might think about building gigantic walls around themselves? That would guarantee the closed society they're after - although there might be some inbreeding issues...KIDDING).
Exeter is on our list of possible towns - and next Spring is our target time to sell our house, as well. We've got two young kids, so schools are important. Is there a specific reason you chose Exeter? Just curious, as we haven't yet decided on a town. I know the schools are supposed to be very good.
I really love Portsmouth, though - and would like to be close enough to easily visit, periodically. I think Greenland and Kingston share the Portsmouth school system...but am not entirely sure.
I toured much of the seacoast with my wife. I chose Exeter area because of good schools, town center, proximity to Portsmouth, Newburyport, Maine Coast, etc.. I looked at the Hollis, Bedford areas, but I realized that I like Portsmouth and the ocean and wanted to be close to it.
Thank you, MCPNA! I really liked Exeter's town center when we drove through. It definitely seems worth doing more exploring there, although the Oyster River school towns are also top on the list. York, Maine has great schools, too, but is more expensive, I think. I appreciate the feedback. Best to you!
Pixieshmoo and Fiona, you need not concern yourself about acceptance or tolerance or anything else. NH people are for the most part very friendly with an attitude of "Let Live". I have lived in the southern part of the state, the central part and the Lakes Region. Some of the areas I lived in were considered "redneck" and conservative. Since we were seen as flatlanders, the response was more to help us survive than to criticize us. I would say if you're concerned about fitting in or concerned about being seen as liberal, you're overthinking it! Take a look at the Concord area as well as seacoast.
I think medical care and the educational system in NH is top notch. I've used Dartmouth Hitchcock for years and am very satisfied with the quality of care. When you look at towns in which the property taxes seem extreme, it will usually be due to the school system. That usually means the schools are better. Lots of docs and lawyers in the Concord area so demand for good schools will be evident. Check out Hopkinton or Amherst and any town or city where there's a college.
NH's lower taxes have definitely helped economic growth, but there are a million other differences between NH and Maine that that author doesn't talk about. For one, NH is immediately adjacent to the Boston metro area, and growth of the CSA into southern NH is one of the biggest contributors to NH's economic growth over the past few decades. Huge areas of Maine are completely cut off from urban areas or any of the tourism that fuels NH's economy, and have become increasingly economically depressed since WWII. So taxes are definitely not the only factor.
Just another thing to keep in mind when comparing the two states overall - individual areas within each state can be radically different from each other.
Pixieishmoo,
I moved to Maine from NJ 2 years ago, and it was the best thing I've done!! I only go back to the pits of NJ to see friends and family. We lived near Camden, it doesn't get much worse than that. And the Lewiston/auburn area has nothing on it. When we moved here we started out in a winter rental in York Beach, so that we could continue our search for our permanent home. We've been in Maine many times prior but still wanted to "live" here before making that final decision. We now reside in Lisbon Falls and Love it. The area is beautiful, snuggled in the Androsscogin Valley. The school system is good. To me, I wouldn't ever change a thing!
Thanks for the info. and for someone finally responding! Liberal??? No way. My goal in life is to watch my kids grow up healthy, happy and prosperous while my husband and I entertain our friends and family with a barbecue and some beers on our deck along with some Led Zeppelin in the background.... Liberal???!!! Live Free or Die - isn't that your motto? My personal favorite.
Ha you forgot the cigars and some Brian Setzer while we're at it lol. Especially the Guitar Slinger album.. and if you wanna get raunchy, theres Red Peters lol.
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