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Hi everyone. Just wanted some suggestions for areas to check out for possible retirement. We checked out the lakes region last year but want great mountain views, good health care, easy access to amenities and somewhat liberal-leaning.
Also, I've read a lot of threads on here and see people saying how expensive it is to live here. Can you explain why? I'm in Maryland, a very expensive county, about 1 hour from Washington, DC so wondered what the difference might be.
Expensive is relative, you'll need to compare it to what you're used to and your income. Keep in mind nh has a 5% tax on dividends and interest, so for retirees it isn't necessarily income tax free.
Any particular reason you're interested in nh specifically? It might help to narrow down a place.
Coming from the DC area, you probably won't feel the COL is bad here. I came from the NYC area and felt relief, to be honest. But keep an eye on property taxes when you are looking at houses. That's where they will really get you, especially if you insist on a view.
If you want "great mountain views," and you aren't happy with the Winnipesaukee views of the Ossipee and Belknap Mtns, which are smaller but pretty dang nice IMHO, you'll have to go north to the White Mtns, which isn't entirely compatible with your other wants, particularly a larger lake.
First of all, have you ever lived through a northern winter? Six months of cold, snow, and darkness? That's a huge culture shock for people that aren't used to it.
Regarding "good health care." If you mean a medical center, there is only one in northern NH... Dartmouth in Lebanon. There are smaller community hospitals scattered around the northern half of NH. Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia is one of the larger ones.
Regarding "easy access to amenities," the two areas in northern NH with much shopping and big box stores are Littleton and Conway. Both have small community hospitals. Littleton has easier access to Dartmouth than Conway does to a medical center. The only place in northern NH with access to exhibits, museums, lectures, and that type of cultural opportunity is Dartmouth. There are small theatre companies in a bunch of communities. There is access to outdoor activities pretty much everywhere.
Re: "liberal views." NH, especially the northern half, is not a liberal state. However, people will be respectful of your views as long as you don't try to force them on anyone and don't agitate for programs that will raise taxes. If you want liberal in New England, you want Vermont or Mass.
Re: expenses. Property taxes are among the highest in the country. See here... //www.city-data.com/forum/new-h...x-ranking.html. Also be prepared for high heating bills. There are plenty of threads here discussing that issue.
I would suggest looking in the Littleton area. It's closer to the mountains, with a community hospital and not overly far from Dartmouth, with a larger than average downtown for northern NH and some big box stores, for amenities. The other option is Keene area, which has one 2000' mountain but more access the other things you're looking for. If you can give up the mountain view, look in the Sunapee area for your lake wants.
KCZ gave an excellent response. I'll just point out that "highest taxes in the country" are percentage-wise, not nominally. Many people who move to NH pay less than they did elsewhere. Also, I know everyone on City Data likes point out the winters, but I find them not that burdensome when you consider the overall package of life in NH. You get used to it and winters are tolerable. If it's above 30 with sunshine and no wind I'm literally comfortable in a light long-sleeved shirt. And this is coming from somebody who prefers 90- to 100-degree hot summer days over any other weather.
You should look at SW NH too - the Monadnock region. Our mountains aren't tall like the whites, but stand out none the less, and folks pay a premium for the mountain views. We're not a cultural desert either. It's just on a smaller scale than Boston, which is 90 minutes away outside of rush hour. Health care is at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, or Monadnock Community hospital in Peterborough. Specialty care is easily accessed in Boston, at some of the worlds best medical institutions.
The area is not a shopping mecca or loaded with ethic dining like more urban areas, but does have good restaurants, and great breakfast places.
Politics? Varies widely by town - some very liberal, some very conservative.
KCZ gave an excellent response. I'll just point out that "highest taxes in the country" are percentage-wise, not nominally. Many people who move to NH pay less than they did elsewhere. Also, I know everyone on City Data likes point out the winters, but I find them not that burdensome when you consider the overall package of life in NH. You get used to it and winters are tolerable. If it's above 30 with sunshine and no wind I'm literally comfortable in a light long-sleeved shirt. And this is coming from somebody who prefers 90- to 100-degree hot summer days over any other weather.
Per the chart I linked, NH property taxes are the third highest in both percentage and actual amount on a median priced home.
This is exactly why I pointed out the winter issues. I'd like 30 and no wind too, but I live south of Littleton and Conway, it's March 19th, we've gotten 3 feet of snow in the last 10-12 days, and despite today's sun, the wind chill is slightly below zero. That's a lot to take for someone who's not used to winter.
If you haven't spent any time up here in the winter, I would strongly urge you to try it and to rent before buying a home.
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