NH or Mass? Moving back North... (Manchester, Nashua: sales, apartments, car insurance)

[turntor84]

I'm originally from NY, and am now i'm in Orlando, FL for probably a year. I miss the north and am looking for a more affordable northern state (compared to NY). I'm looking to move closer to my best friend who lives in Amherst, NH, but I prefer to live near a city as I am looking to do some DJing. Are all parts of Mass expensive? Does anyone know of a reasonably affordable area close to NH, or vise versa? I heard maybe Nashua? Obv clean and safe is a concern as well. After crazy amounts of moving, I would like to do the settle down thing soon. I'm completely clueless and any tips would help out greatly. Thanks!

[GregW]

Amherst is about equally inconvenient to both Nashua and Manchester. I suggest looking in both places. Try and stay west of the river to avoid traffic

[seamusnh]

Amherst borders Nashua and it is about 20 minutes from here to Manchester, going through Bedford. Amherst is a great town for families with kids in schools. Not so much for single people or those without children looking for more excitement...
As for MA, housing along the NH border is about the same cost as southern NH, but you'd be paying MA state income taxes and other costs would be higher; car insurance for example...
Nashua might be the best bet. Close to Amherst and close to MA....

[sgthoskins]

Liberal = MA
Libertarian = NH

[jaynek]

Check out Haverhill, MA. It's on the New Hampshire border with easy access to routes 495 and 93. The downtown area has seen a very nice revival with beautiful loft apartments and/or condos in the old shoe factories. There is a lively downtown scene as far as restaurants and music and it is only a 30 minute drive into Boston or there is a commuter railroad station right in town that will bring you to Boston or even Portland, ME.

[Valerie C]

If you're not dead-set on living in NH (which from you post, it sounds like you're exploring the area) Jaynek's suggestion of Haverhill MA is an excellent suggestion.

It's very affordable, as MA goes, with a huge variety of living styles. Multi family in some challenging neighborhoods... Lofts downtown... Stately mansions from a distinguished time gone by.... and everything in between.

The main concern is schools, which have been significantly challenged the last several years. Extracurricular (including music, sports, etc) have been cut to the bone, and while the HS has regained accreditation, it was in shameful condition for a few years.

Downtown Haverhill's 'historic' district has several good restaurants, with live music of varying styles (some live, some DJ) after dinner hour, and a very active downtown overall. Add in festivals (Christmas Stroll, Arts Festival, Children's Festival) And yes, as SgtHoskins notes, being on the MA side of the border, it's more liberal in feel and in politics than anywhere in New Hampshire.

I actually grew up in Haverhill (yep, I was a city girl!) and have only come to NH in the last 10 years.

[NHForester]

It's a trick question, right?

NH, all the way. The thought of living in MA is inconceivable to me.

[Valerie C]

For you, me, and most of us here, the thought of living in MA in inconceivable. However, the op is looking for:

1) a more affordable northern state, specifically "a reasonably affordable area close to NH"
2) near a city to get DJ work
3) clean and safe

NH isn't for everyone, and there are already many folks who chose NH for the 'cheaper housing' and 'no income tax', then proceed to vote, live and play as though they were still living in (whatever place they left).

Originally Posted by NHForester

It's a trick question, right?

NH, all the way. The thought of living in MA is inconceivable to me.

[bradford7777]

New Hampshire is the best choice by far! I was born in NH, grew up and live here again. I lived in Mass. for the past 10 years unfortunately. Boston was fun for awhile, but that's about all I can say that's good for the Commonwealth.

A few reasons why NH is better:
Clean and beautiful towns
No Sales Tax, No Income Tax
Everything from groceries to gas is cheaper than Mass.
White Mountains
Lakes Region
Friendlier people
Relaxing Environment
Easier to get involved in community or politics

Mass. Problems:
Horrible Traffic
Dirty
Vacation areas are too crowded
Very high taxes
Very high prices on everything
Corrupt government
Rude people

Portsmouth, NH would be a great place to live.

[avlis13013]

What if a person works in the high-tech/manufacturing industry? Then they should be prepared to for a long/slow commute down to Mass and be prepared to pay Mass income tax. Or just relocate to Mass.