Ok, now I have a moment!
First off- welcome to NH (in the future); we have found the quality of life to be a lot better up here. Don't get me wrong, I like northern VA and still love to visit; but I think you'll really like it up here.
First- my 6 mile commute in Arlington that took 20-30 minutes was replaced by a 30 mile commute here that takes 35-50 minutes; and up here I'm heading from NH into MA, toward Boston. Traffic up here is, unless right around Boston, on a very different scale.
Second- weather. Less humid & cooler summers (think nights with windows open, no A/C on) but still just as sunny during the day (just generally a little cooler/less humid). Fall is gorgeous (enough said). Winters are snowy, ice/rain in the winter is *fairly* rare. Be ready for the cold and the snow (get proper layered clothing) and ENJOY the winter; if you lock yourself inside you'll be unhappy, if you make the most of it- its wonderful. I will take the snow of NH to the rainy/grey winters of VA any day. Springs are rough because the leaves arrive back on the trees later and things get a little muddy from the snow melt; but such is life...its not that big a deal.
Third- "Small Town"; its not comparable to the "small town" of southern/western VA...don't worry.
Fourth- areas, if he's commuting to Merrimack I would suggest avoiding east of the Merrimack river (Hooksett, Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Hudson, etc). There are a limited number of river crossings and they can delay the drive a little, I've always found getting back/fourth across the river to be on the slow side whether crossing up by Manchester or down by Nashua.
Fifth- not sure about your price range but I think you'll find homes here to be "more for your money"; not necessarily in square footage but including yard size, etc.
Sixth- Schools/services/personality is by town, not by county (counties are somewhat meaningless here). In our research it appears Hollis has the best schools in the area and we've been VERY happy with the town- 10 minutes from everything in Nashua, yet like "returning home to vacation" everyday after work (plenty of homes- but farmstands, cute new england town square, etc). Amherst is also very nice but is less stringent with zoning (and a little further from Nashua). Both are WELL within 20 minutes to Merrimack. Bedford is more suburban and while very nice, I'm not a big fan because its just not my kind of town. Manchester is more urban. Nashua is like a northern VA suburb- don't let "city" confuse you. Merrimack doesn't have much of a "town center" which seems to detract from its value; plenty of nice homes though, but some areas (as with Amherst) seem further out there to me just because of road layouts.
In short- prepare for snow so that you have time to enjoy it (warm clothes, etc), don't worry about "small town life"...in the areas you're looking its not something to "get used to" really- its a plus. And I highly suggest checking out the different towns.
Also- people here are a little slower to warmup, in NoVa everyone is fairly open at first since no-one is there for very long (so it seems). Just be friendly & genuine and all will be well. Our first year we met very few people...we're now on year 2 and our life is blossoming. Get involved, have fun, enjoy everything- and you will LOVE NH.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Byrd30
Hello everyone.
I am new to this forum. Just signed up a few minutes ago. We are possibly moving to New Hampshire(not sure when) and would like some info about the area. My husbands job will be in Merrimack and he would like a normal commute (15-20 mins to get to work). He travels now 1 hour each way to get to work. We are from Fredericksburg Va and he goes to Alexandria Va for work. I have been looking at houses online in Merrimack,Nashua,Hooksett,Manchester,Derry..etc I would like a place that has good schools, somewhat close to shopping (not having to travel not more than 20 mins or so)
Where we live now everthing is basically at my fingertips and I don't know what "small town life" exactly means. Will I get used to it?Will I be miserable? If anyone knows anything about Fredericksburg va, are there any towns somewhat like it near the areas I mentioned in NH? Thank you so much for any info you can give me.-Byrd30
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