another Berlin thread (Lancaster, Washington, Shelburne: ski resorts, home, employment)

[Madamex1968]

I have seen conflicting tales of what Berlin is like.

On the one hand, I hear it is not a great place to be.

On the other hand, I hear the plave is undergoing some sort of a revitalization.

Can anyone clarify what is really going on?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Madamex1968

I have seen conflicting tales of what Berlin is like.

On the one hand, I hear it is not a great place to be.

On the other hand, I hear the plave is undergoing some sort of a revitalization.

Can anyone clarify what is really going on?

It's a mixture between the two realities. It has seen a bit of improvement in the past year or two, but it has quite a long way to go. The main issue is obviously loss of employment and taxbase when the mill closed. the prison was built and then sat vacant for awhile. A conflict arose regarding age discriminiation for new hirees at the prison. The wood chip plant has been proposed for the area, but I don't think anything has been approved yet. The loss of tax base for Berlin leads to very low property values, but very high property taxes as the rate is around 30.00 per $1,000 assessed value. In Coos county I prefer the town of Lancaster, the county seat. The Randolph through Shelburne corridor along route 2 is also nice. South of the notches would likely be more ideal, but most areas are still a pretty far commute to good paying jobs. If you're self employed that isn't a factor obviously. In the rural areas, high energy prices are taking their toll even with a very mild winter. Heating oil and propane prices are between $3.50 and $4.00 a gallon when including distribution costs. Gasoline prices are now close to $3.75 a gallon. If this continues for a longer period of time you will see more people leaving the more isolated towns to be closer to work or family.

[kara3967]

I don't know much about Berlin, but I live in Lancaster and I love it! It is a nice little town with a small hospital and laid back mentality. I have been here for a little over two years and enjoy the lifestyle. We have the Lancaster Street fair that takes place on one of the last two Saturdays in July (I can't remember which one, even though I had a booth last year). Then there is the Lancaster Fair in September which draws quite a few people from all over. There is a farmer's market every Saturday in from of the county courthouse during the summer. Quite a few ski resorts are within comfortable driving distance (about an hour give or take) and of course, Mount Washington is just 30 minutes away.

The scenery can't be beat! The mountains show their beauty no matter what the season. One of the things my family likes to do it just get into the truck and drive (thank the goddess for GPS or we would never make it back home LOL). The Canadian border is just up Rt. 3 and I get a kick out of the sign that says




If you want hustle and bustle, this is not the place for you. But, if you want nice and quiet head on out.