Suggestions on family town within 45 minutes of Manchester (Concord, Derry: sales, real estate)

[ryan in texas]

Have a possible job relocating to the area. I am an insurance adjuster by trade who works from a home office doing field inspections. I am in the running for a job servicing Manchester and a 60 mile radius.

I'm completely open to feedback and suggestions. It's important to be near a major highway to get places. Our kids are 3 and 4 so school is important. The Catholic schools in NH are so affordable compared to where we are now.

We would like to be around the 200k range for a house. Low property taxes are important. I am handy and can make most repairs around the house. Small town, out in the country, we are pretty open.

I have looked at maps, but don't know how the highways flow so any info would help.

Thanks in advance!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by ryan in texas

Have a possible job relocating to the area. I am an insurance adjuster by trade who works from a home office doing field inspections. I am in the running for a job servicing Manchester and a 60 mile radius.

I'm completely open to feedback and suggestions. It's important to be near a major highway to get places. Our kids are 3 and 4 so school is important. The Catholic schools in NH are so affordable compared to where we are now.

We would like to be around the 200k range for a house. Low property taxes are important. I am handy and can make most repairs around the house. Small town, out in the country, we are pretty open.

I have looked at maps, but don't know how the highways flow so any info would help.

Thanks in advance!

It depends on what you consider "low taxes." Most towns and cities near Manchester will have higher property tax rates so expect $5500 or higher in taxes on many properties that area assessed above $200K. You mentioned a 45 minute drive. I would look at Newbury, NH near interstate 89. It is around 45-50 minute drive to Manchester in good weather and about 30-35 minutes to Concord. Property taxes are more reasonable in Newbury and I can offer some suggestions for more affordable properties there.

[ryan in texas]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

It depends on what you consider "low taxes." Most towns and cities near Manchester will have higher property tax rates so expect $5500 or higher in taxes on many properties that area assessed above $200K. You mentioned a 45 minute drive. I would look at Newbury, NH near interstate 89. It is around 45-50 minute drive to Manchester in good weather and about 30-35 minutes to Concord. Property taxes are more reasonable in Newbury and I can offer some suggestions for more affordable properties there.

I guess by comparison by low taxes, I mean that a home in Pittsfield is taxed about twice the rate of Manchester or surrounding areas.

I have figured out the taxes vary, but appear to be lower if you live within the city limits of Manchester, Concord, etc where the tax burden is shared more than in a less populated area.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by ryan in texas

I guess by comparison by low taxes, I mean that a home in Pittsfield is taxed about twice the rate of Manchester or surrounding areas.

I have figured out the taxes vary, but appear to be lower if you live within the city limits of Manchester, Concord, etc where the tax burden is shared more than in a less populated area.

Lots of variables come into play. Manchester has a lower tax rate than Concord and differences in taxes are highly dependent on what properties are assessed at. Penacook, the village included within the Concord land area, has a higher tax rate than the city. If you're looking for properties on a bit more land closer to Manchester I would recommend Auburn. Easy access to all amenities and a nice lake.

[GotBackHome]

I'm in Greenville, and I can get to Manchester in about 45 min. so can Wilton, Amherst, Milford, sometimes New Ipswich(depending how you drive. One resident said he does, but I'm not sure I would!), Bedford & Hollis are even closer. But.. I wouldn't say any of these have 'low' taxes - not if you're looking for under around $20/thousand.

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by ryan in texas

I guess by comparison by low taxes, I mean that a home in Pittsfield is taxed about twice the rate of Manchester or surrounding areas.

I have figured out the taxes vary, but appear to be lower if you live within the city limits of Manchester, Concord, etc where the tax burden is shared more than in a less populated area.

it all evens out in the end - a home in Pittsfield is half the cost of homes near Manchester

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Lots of variables come into play. Manchester has a lower tax rate than Concord and differences in taxes are highly dependent on what properties are assessed at. Penacook, the village included within the Concord land area, has a higher tax rate than the city. If you're looking for properties on a bit more land closer to Manchester I would recommend Auburn. Easy access to all amenities and a nice lake.

a nice lake that does not allow swimming or wading nor any contact with humans

nor does it have a high school - students are transported to Manchester or Derry

someday they might have a high school, but it will probably take another quarter century...

[seamusnh]

On this side of the river, the nicer towns for families are Bedford, Amherst and Hollis. $200k is on the lower end of the price range... Catholic schools may be less expensive here but they do cost and you'll be paying real estate taxes, most of which goes to the schools in your town. My wife and I both went to Catholic schools, but we sent our kids to the Amherst schools. Worked out very well for us...

[Declan's Dad]

I prefer to best east of 93.

[elston]

NH doesnt have a state income tax or sales tax so it doesnt have much state aid for local schools. That is why property taxes in the towns are high.....the quality of the schools is frequently a function of the tax rate of the town. If the town is primarily residential without a commercial or industrial zone for taxes....the tax rate will be higher than a town that does.

When I lived in NH they were trying to figure out some way to equalize the education system across the state...."donor towns" that contributed to a state education fund. I dont know how far that went. .... There are lots of nice towns off Rt 93....north south transport is pretty good. Rt 89 also makes east west travel pretty good too. Southern NH is well served by routes and they are well maintained in winter.

Good Luck.