Moving to Lakes Region later this summer
 

Hi all! I've been reading through the forums since my husband and I decided to move to the Lakes Region. My husband is a Lynn, MA native. I've grown up in the great Pacific Northwest. I have lived in some states back east, but as that was when I was less than 5 years of age, I don't think it counts... besides I lived in Air Force bases that are no longer in commission.

We are planning to move later this summer as there is a lot that needs to be done here before we can make the move. We've been looking at all of the Lakes Region, but I find myself drawn to Ossippee and Wolfeboro the most. I love being able to watch the Weirs Cam every day as this allows me (a rainy Pacific Northwest woman) to see what kind of weather you get back there. I must say the amount of snow is rather intimidating... right now, we have trees leafing out and daffodils blooming and you're still under a ton of snow!!

When does the first snow fall? I'd like to be moved and settled before then. Thanks everyone for the forum and all the wonderful information on it!

Moving to Lakes region later this summer
 

If I remember right (and that is questionable), we had 2 feet on Hallowe'en 2 years ago. Of course, this was very unusual.

I guess I would have to suggest being all moved by the end of October, just in case the weather did do something silly like snow.

Since you have been reading the postings on this site about moving, you should have a pretty good idea about some things. Good luck to you.

Yes, it does happen that it snows in October, and some in November. But when that happens, it usually doesn't last, and that is not the norm.

I'd say you want to be here by Oct 1st. But that's only because Fall here is beautiful and you would be here for the foliage that many travel from all over to see.

But if avoiding snow during a move is the concern, most years you would be ok at least through Thanksgiving.

Welcome to the Lakes Region! We are originally from North Andover, MA but moved into our Florida condo back in 2008. We spent six months in Florida and six months renting on the Big Lake and LOVED every single day! Finally, we decided last year that we would sell the Florida condo and buy a year-round house up here, which we did. We bought the house in August but didn't move in until October. We're in Gilford with water access, only a stone's throw from the lake. Yes, we liked Wolfeboro, too, but Meredith and Gilford were so much more convenient as far as groceries, Lowe's, etc. etc. My recommendation would be to rent a place for a year or so before you buy a home in a town that you're not very familiar with. That way you will find your niche before you buy! I wish you well!

http://i44.tinypic.com/1499wms.gif Oregonrain, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

I believe you will enjoy your decision on coming to the lake region.:)

http://i54.tinypic.com/2e56yqf.gif

You might want to take Jeanzb1's advice and look at renting for a year before you buy. Until you are in the area it's difficult to get a feel for what each town is like. Good luck:)

Do yourself a favor and watch the tax rates in each town. Some are far worse than others.

Yes, Oregonrain, you mentioned Ossipe and Ossipee is a higher tax town.

Have you been back to the Lakes Region yet?

I fly back to visit family every couple of years, and am always startled by how different things are in NH than "back home" in the Pac NW.

For example, there are few old cars and trucks, as they rust out quickly.

Many more American cars than imports, unlike out west.

Nice place to visit.

I've been watching the tax rates. Are there storage buildings in the area? If so, about how much would they be? Thank you all for the welcome and the information. I appreciate it!:D

There are so many considerations that you reallllllly need to think about before you commit to buying a home. Yes, certainly, financial issues are number one. But one thing that we thought about was "the other six months of the year." Summer on the lake is THE BEST, but then there is winter. I mention this because we had the opportunity to buy a small place right on the lake, surrounded by summer camps, and we almost jumped at it, but then we had to think about what life would be like six months a year without our wonderful summer neighbors. We are very much people-people, so we decided that it would be too desolate half of the year. Wolfeboro is definitely a year-round community, but I'm not so sure about Ossipee. Can someone more knowledgable chime in here?

My husband and I are people people as well, but we also like some quiet time. Are there any wood workers or wood working groups in the LR?

We settled in Tuftonboro and are very happy with the town. I find Ossipee a little lacking in things off season. I didn't realize how high the tax rate was in Ossipee!
Tuftonboro is much more reasonable, yet close to Wolfeboro for things to do. Moultonboro is also nice. One thing I have noticed is on this side of Winni we are an hour from any serious shopping. On-line shopping is really a necessity for Christmas and holidays. It really depends what kind of activities you want. I like peace and quiet, but I do find the winters can be a bit lonely.

Just gotta do it.... a plug for Alton.
 

Alton and Alton Bay (two zip codes, one town. Alton) has low tax rate, is 20 mins to Wolfeboro, 20 mins to Gilford or Laconia, less than an hour to the Seacoast, 40 minutes to Concord, less than an hour to Manchester, and about 40 minutes to the Tilton Outlet Mall.

We have lived here since 1996, and love the feel of a small town, lots of nice friendly people, and good hiking areas in town. Scenic areas to live or just visit.

Take a look and give it a try.

And Welcome to the Forum. :cheers:

I second Alton area. And a couple of storage facilities with an average of 150.00/mo for a 10'X20'

I don't know about groups, but there are plenty of wood workers. We have some excellent wood workers here.

Have you ever noticed fatlazyless's signature? livin'on that walmart side of the lake? I think that sums it up. You have to decide what you want.

Much of how one views life in the quieter times of the year depends on the individual. One can feel utterly alone and isolated in New York City or completely surrounded by human warmth in a very rural, sparsely populated community. There certainly is plenty to do up here in the Lakes Region throughout the year, from all types of outdoor activity to indoor groups of folks with common interests. Sometimes it can be an effort not to become "overbooked." It's all up to the individual to make it happen.

Thank you everyone for all the information! I think moving there is going to be good. It's going to be a wonderful adventure and will add many new friends to my life!

I look forward to meeting fellow wood workers and learning from them. I just started wood working and there's much to learn. I also look forward to getting involved in a good church group.

There is much to be done before the move so I will sign off (for now... hehe) and start doing what needs to be done so we can move sooner rather than later... :)

If we had our way, we'd be there this weekend!!

It's definitely a beautiful place to live.
You also need to take into account what kind of health care you will require. Take note of distances to major medical centers and availability of doctors.

Moving to Lakes region later this summer
 

I'll be the 3rd vote for the Alton area - having just moved to the Wolfeboro side of Alton Bay in October. We're 7 miles into downtown Wolfeboro, approximately 15 miles to Gilford (for Lowes, TJ Maxx, Walmart, etc) and 5 miles to the Alton circle for a 1.5 hour trip to Boston. Low taxes too. I love this side of the lake! Renting is a great idea since all the lake towns are beautiful and different in their own way. Happy Packing !!!

:)

Has anyone in Ossipee seen this house, on 100 Moultonville? http://www.beangroup.com/homes/NH/Os...le/2134329378/

It looks like a nice place. Makes me skeptical of what they don't list. $99,900 seems low.

I would be skeptical of a house that old. You would pay for more in utilities over the life of the house then buying something a little newer. Especially this past winter :eek:

I agree with the above two posts. There is a reason why a house that big is so low priced. In addition, the heating costs will be astronomical, as I doubt there is much insulation in a house of that vintage. I still think you should rent here for a year before you buy. But that's just my opinion.

Be very careful of your location too. Make sure it is where you would want to be.

That is a very rural area, I have been through center ossipee and the general ossipee area all my life. good people but can be rough around the edges especially if you are not from a rural area. ei: roads, stores, restaurants. it is a mountain/hilly area, best to have a suv for transportation.

I know very little about Ossipee other than my niece met a guy from there and they got an apt together. After 9 months she said if they ever get married they won't be looking in Ossipee for a home, Not enough going on. No real shopping nearby. Only two restaurants .very isolated especially in winter.:rolleye1:

I've heard that, too. Too rural and too far from modern conveniences. I think the novelty would wear off very quickly -- at least it would for me!

Different strokes for ..
 

If you like living in the cities with noise, lights, traffic and something open 24 hrs/day, then Ossipee is most likely not something you want to consider for a permanent residence. If you want neighbors that can't see your house from theirs, the opportunity to own larger tracts of land, aren't scared of wildlife in your yard, capable of living without emergency services being minutes away, and can plan living supplies, then Ossipee is more your style.

I'm fortunate enough to have places that match both. I live on the lake, but sometimes, in the summer, I just have to get away to the sanity that relative solitude brings.

Thank you for the input. I grew up in a rural area and don't mind the solitude. We are thinking we should do a 'scouting' trip this spring and spend some time looking at all the different areas. I agree that renting would be the smart thing to do... but no one ever accused me of being smart!! (joking) :emb: Besides, I really want to move once, not twice. I think we'll be out this spring and scout the areas. Thank you everyone!!

local paper
 

You might subscribe to the local weekly newspaper, the Granite State News to give you an idea of happenings, issues being discussed in the letters to the editor, etc. Not sure the website but phone number is 603-569-3126.

Yeah and look at the taxes. $2300 for a $99,000 house? My house is worth $223,000 and I don't pay that much for taxes in Moultonborough.....

Moultonborough has one of the lowest tax rates in the state. Ossipee is on the low side as well, but almost double what Moultonborough is. Belmont, Sanbornton, Tilton are all most 3 times that of Moultonborough. You need to really look at the rates for each town and what services you get.

On the chance of sounding ignorant, what do you mean? I know you mean to look at the tax rates, which I do when I look at houses on the market, but how do I find the rates for towns? By services, do you mean: police, fire, hospitals, and such? Your way of doing taxes is some what different than what I'm used to.

My head is about to burst with all this wonderful information... Thank you, everyone for helping me!

You can Google tax rates for towns. As for services, what you mentioned and things like school systems, trash pick up or dump, fire and ems staffing (24 hr, days, nights, weekends?). Or the services you currently have where you live now. I would also consider condition of town buildings to see if the town will need some sort of bond for a new $100 million school!

Oregon, this explains the taxes and on the right is a list of towns with the rate per thousand dollars of valuation.

http://www.joeshimkus.com/NH-Tax-Rates.aspx

Community profiles
 

You can access a profile by town here:

http://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/

Also.....only has 100amp service. Don't run the toaster and the hair dryer at the same time.
A lot of house for the money, though. Just needs a few upgrades.

If I had to guess I would say it is most likely the location. I think Moultonville is a less expensive area than some.