Looking for an affordable cultural walkable town (Keene: homes, buying)

[sezzam]

Originally Posted by Kramerica

Yes we'll have to visit and form our own opinion for sure. The thing is that even if everyone has an opinion, through this forum you can feel what towns are mostly loved and which ones are arising mixed feelings. But of course, we'll check and have our own observations to make the choice.

True, there is no substitute for personal experience.

The tree streets of Nashua do not have a great reputation and frankly, I don't feel encouraged to consider them for living. However, my experience is that $900 can get you a 1-bedroom apartment in other ("better") parts of Nashua. For example, A Gilbert Campbell property off DW Highway has no-lease apartments that fit your budget. These apartments are simple, clean, and conveniently located to shopping.

[FrugalYankee]

I was going to suggest you stay in Mass and go as far west as you can tolerate a commute, and saw that you had posted in the Mass forum. Honestly I think you have a tall order there: walkable, cheap, yuppified and within commuting distance of Waltham.

I suspect you are going to have to give up on at least one of the items on your wish list sooner or later since I don't think what you want exists anywhere in New England.

[GregW]

AFFORDABLE, CULTURAL, WALKABLE - for $900 per month pick any two.

[Kramerica]

I realize that. I thought there were some hidden gem but apparently nowhere can fit those criteria.

[Monader]

Originally Posted by Kramerica

Also, we are in our late 20's-early 30's and would like a place to meet people like us.

Thank you so much for your suggestions!!

I noticed you're still fairly young. If a change of employment would be possible (and in today's job market, that's iffy), I would suggest the Keene area. The downtown is beautiful, and if you live close to the downtown area just about everything you might need or want is an easy walk or a very short drive away.

Of course, I've lived here for thirty-five years, so I may be a bit biased.

[riddei63]

Northampton Mass?

[Kramerica]

We thought about Keene,NH because from what we read on this forum it really seem to fit our criterias. But we would like to move as soon as possible and looking for a job can take quite a while. Northampton is pretty good but the commute would be more than 1h30. But that's the kind of small yet vibrant place we're looking for.

[GotBackHome]

if you are determined to move before getting jobs (yep, sure can take a while to find though), I strongly suggest you rent first since you really don't know where you're going to end up - no need to lock yourself into anything longer than necessary.

[Monader]

Originally Posted by Kramerica

We thought about Keene,NH because from what we read on this forum it really seem to fit our criterias. But we would like to move as soon as possible and looking for a job can take quite a while. Northampton is pretty good but the commute would be more than 1h30. But that's the kind of small yet vibrant place we're looking for.

I am withdrawing my recommendation of Keene. I walked downtown today, as I do just about every day, and I saw and heard of things being done by the City Fuhrers that just are not right. So I can not, in good conscience recommend this town anymore.

It's too bad. Keene used to be a nice place to live. But at least the Reich has found a home.

Of course, if totalitarianism and Leftist extremism appeal to you, this would be just the place for you.

[buck naked]

Keene's been unaffordable for a long time. They have high property values with exceptionally high taxes when compared to all surrounding towns.