[MomCat]

Thanks, TomC, for the info. This was a timely post.

My husband and I are coming to the heartbreaking conclusion that we may have to abandon our dream of retiring to the Lakes Region within the next couple of years and expanding our vacation home near Meredith into our year-round permanent residence. We’ve been prepared to spend a substantial amount of money on design/remodeling/improvements, including new appliances and heating system, furnishings, etc. (all going to local businesses). But because we know that this project would result in a HUGE increase (even a new dishwasher impacts your assessment) to our already excessive—and rapidly increasing—property tax bill, we are forced to rethink our plans.

We realize that we will not be able to match the peace and beauty of our location on a small lake near Meredith anywhere else, and we hoped to enjoy the quality of life, lifestyle, and people of the Lakes Region for many years to come. As educated, financially secure professionals, we looked forward to contributing to the community with volunteer service and financial support. But the relentless and disproportionate escalation in taxes—as well as steep hikes in fuel and utility costs, and expenses for plowing and maintenance—has caused us to rethink our plans: Yes, we could "afford" it, but is it worth it? Most of all, we resent being extorted by state and local government through an unfair tax system. Thus, we may decide to take all of those hard-earned retirement dollars to the South, where they will go much further. Eastern Tennessee, for example, has a lot to offer in terms of lakes and mountain scenery (Smokies), but taxes, utilities, and real estate—including waterfront—are bargains compared to NH. The many thousands we would save on property taxes could then be spent in the local economy, contributed to charities, and invested. We love NH and would love to live in and contribute to the Lakes Region, but NH doesn’t seem to love us back or want us to stay—it’s certainly making it much easier for us to consider saying “Good-By.” (Sorry for the long rant, but this is a very serious—and sad—issue for us, and I suspect we’re not alone.)