Where not to live (Derry, Bedford: renting, houses, school districts)

[Mama869]

We are struggling to decide where to live in NH.
Love the lakes region but some schools score better than others and usually those towns are harder to find property.
I'd say the lake region is out first choice but other places like Derry and Bedford make the list too.

I've asked some people and when we went to visit spoke with people in the areas. Most all seem to agree all the schools are good. It's just a question of commute and how close you like to be to others and amenities.

Are there any towns or schools we should be leary of?

[Sporin]

The state is so diverse with in-town, suburban, and rural living, that it's hard to guess where to point you. What kind of things are you hoping to do? How old are your kids? What sports and activities do they need/want? Where are you working?

Strictly for convenience and so-as not to waste hours commuting, I'd live as close to work and school as possible.

[KCZ]

I'd also avoid towns with high property taxes and long drives to the amenities you want. When looking at driving times, remember to factor in additional time in the winter. Where are you moving from?

[Nonesuch]

Other than schools, what are your criteria? Do you commute to work? Do you need acreage?

The obvious answer is to look for property with the features you want, at a cost you can afford, including total cost of ownership (not just property tax -- heating, upkeep, etc).

Most towns have their budgets, board of selectmen agenda, and other details published on a website or at least available in town hall. If you're undecided, you can learn a lot from looking at how the town is run.

[Mama869]

Thank you everyone, currently we are two hours south of st Louis MO. We will be commuting to work, neither of us has a definitive job in NH just yet. We have been talking about renting but hate the idea of bouncing our 8 yr old from one school to another if we find a home in a different school districts then where we rent.

We are not big into sports but more into things like gymnastics, martial arts, possibly music or computer classes.

The whole southern part of the state seems great.
Franklin and Tilton were a bit less rejuvenated looking.

[GregW]

While the houses are expensive and the property taxes high, the schools are top tier and it has expressway connections to the Mass High Tech areas and bus service to downtown Boston. The town is the essence of suburban living.