New Hampshire

[Boss Mare]

What can you tell me about the state of New Hampshire? Please list all pros and cons.

It's always a state I've considered moving too -- don't know why, just have always been intrigued and am considering it as a possibility when buying a house and land in the future (a year or so?). Never even been to the state, but plan to make it a vacation destination in the future too.

Obviously need farm land for 5-8 horses. What about job opportunities? I am a professional dog groomer, but have other retail management experience and dog kennel supervisor expereince. My partner has a degree in criminial justice and retail management experience.

Overall, looking for any info.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bevann]

Never been there, but from what I read you better LOVE cold weather and snow.How about Delaware?Lots of horses, great vets in the area,only 2 hrs from U of PA New Bolton equine teaching hospital,no sales tax, lots of retail opportunities and correctional stuff for your partner,beautiful beach communities with many people with pets who spend LOTS of money on pets,low property taxes,small farmettes available,only 2 hrs from cultural stuff and big airports,(Baltimore,Phila,)Come on over -I'd love to have you

 

[Boss Mare]

Hey Bev!

I've considered Delaware too.. Was curious about prices of homes and land.. ?

Definitely enjoyed visiting your farm years ago!!

 

[MountainWoman]

I'm in Vermont. Depends on the part of NH and whether you are interested in being really rural or semi-rural. Southern part is more developed and northern part not so much. Job opportunities are better in the locales with the bigger cities. Not many jobs out in farm country. Heating oil is very expensive, winters are cold and long but I think it's a gorgeous state. No sales tax so lots of Vermonters head over there to shop. You can find land in the northern part of the state fairly cheaply and land for horses is not a problem. Lots of recreational opportunities too. But between New Hampshire and Vermont, I'd rather be in Vermont.

 

[Shari]

Lived there for 3 years..... is a beautiful State... but then we love Maine and Vermont, too.

I lived in Derry, then Manchester, when DH was still in the Navy. Living in Manchester was so, so.

Heating and electric is very, very spendy... and on average, while there... we only had 2 to 3 frost free months during summer. And summer was hot and sticky.

At the time, Manchester didn't plow the roads well.

We went into the White Mountains and to Conway, every chance we got.

At the time, they had very strict leash laws for dogs... and it worked in our favor being a horse owner. Did not have to worry about loose dogs on the roads or trails.
Loved all the Fairs they had in NH, Maine and VT... loved the Draft horse pulls they had going on nearly every weekend in those areas.
Great Highland Games in Maine.

For jobs... really depends on where you are looking. A lot of areas are tourist based and seasonal.

I would recommend spending at least a few days in the area's you are thinking of moving too. When DH was in the Navy, we had no choice but sure wish we did.

Know in Delaware and Maryland... the taxes are a lot higher and I don't know if they have the dog hunter issues like they do in VA or not? Dealing with a lot of people that hunt with dogs.. loose all over the place

and those people here, think they have the rights to do what ever they want on your property... is an issue. Specially for people with horses. Dogs trying attack your stock, loose dogs and people shooting towards you, is pretty common in this area. Beyond dangerous.
Think you would be happier up in New England.

 

[bevann]

I am not going to agree with Shari I live in DE and property taxes are cheap.We have lots of people who have moved here from MD,NJ and NY due to low taxes.Not sure about MD. Example= property valued at $500,000 tax is less than $1000.00 per year in my county.No sales tax.Can't get much better than that.

 

[Boss Mare]

Thanks guys.

I am in MD now and while not a bad place I want a change.. A new location to live and explore. Not to mention I think housing around here is very expensive for what it is.

Definitely will have to plan a vacation to New England to get a better idea.. Have always liked Delaware.. No desire to go south of MD or out west.

 

[bevann]

In the lower 2 counties of the state Kent and Sussex(where I live)we have a very close knit equine community.Most of the horse people know each other and are always willing to help anybody.I'm 9 miles from the DE State fairgrounds and there is a horse related show or activity there from March until Nov every year.Standard bred racing there also and Dover Downs is only 20 miles north of that track.casinos at both tracks. Weather here is usually never severe.We get the tail ends of bad stuff-hurricanes,blizzards etc.2 hrs to big airports-low crime rates I think it is a really great place to live.My dog vet is great-he takes care of lots of show dogs that win at the Garden.Good hospitals.I was born here, moved away for a while and I'm back til I go out in a pine box.

 

[Shari]

I know in Southern Maryland, when we were looking for a place before the move... the property taxes there, were as high as Oregon and Oregon has very high property taxes, as least where I lived.

VA property taxes are low...but boy,, they tax anything and everything, including to park your cars on your property.

The one friend I know in DE... her property taxes are as high as southern MD.... but am sure there are areas that are cheaper.

Want high property taxes,, a friend moved out of there almost 2 years ago... Long Island. She had a tiny little place, nothing fancy, fairly old,,,

she was paying $15,000.... yes, got the number right... in property taxes a year! Major Yikes!

You can always talk to the county you are interested in and see what is up with the property taxes.

And that is a great idea... check out the Vets in the area. When we finally had to move, there was only one place that wasn't a short sale at the time...so not much of a choice.

have never lived any where, where their is a lack of good Vets.
The Horse Vet I have is pretty good... so far, still getting used to her. My cat's Vet, is a distance and good luck finding a Vet that isn't 2 1/2 hours away and willing to come for

sheep/goats/cattle/llamas....
Now if you have a dog, you are in luck, lots of Vets for dogs..... there's a surprise.

Have fun in your search!

 

[Riverrose28]

I've never been there, but have a friend that lives in Conn. she moved there from Fla. and loves it. she doesn't like the heat that the South has. I live in Southern Maryland, but my property taxes are not to bad since we pay farm taxes, but everything else is high. Our equine vets are awful expensive, as are doctor visits. Nest time to speak to my friend I'll ask her about the taxes and cost of living up North in her area.

 

[dreamlandnh]

I have lived in NH all my life, LOVE it here! I'm in the southwest part (about 45 minutes from VT and MA). Winters can be cold/snowy. We have more than 2/3 months of no frost during the summer...frost is normally gone late April and returns late Sept/Nov. Can be a few weeks in the summer that get hot/humid. You can go over to the ocean after Labor Day till May and drive/ride horses on the beach. We have several fairs that go on throughout the year. Depending on the town you live in is how high the taxes are.

 

[Boss Mare]

I have lived in NH all my life, LOVE it here! I'm in the southwest part (about 45 minutes from VT and MA). Winters can be cold/snowy. We have more than 2/3 months of no frost during the summer...frost is normally gone late April and returns late Sept/Nov. Can be a few weeks in the summer that get hot/humid. You can go over to the ocean after Labor Day till May and drive/ride horses on the beach. We have several fairs that go on throughout the year. Depending on the town you live in is how high the taxes are.

Thank you for the input.

Hopefully I can plan a vacation to NH sometime next year .. This year's vacation time is going to be spent traveling south for a family wedding.

Any ideas / areas for vacation in NH is appreciated also. Mostly want to see what there is to offer, explore housing and jobs.

 

[minisch]

One of THE BEST states to live in. But I'd visit awhile before making a move to any state.