Year Round Waterfront Living - Moultonborough

[TheProfessor]

Most of the homes that I view on the lake with year round residents are retirees. That is - retirees living in the homes on lake.

The last family that moved up here on lake with children asked me:

1. When are sidewalks going to be constructed.
2. When will the town put up street lights.
3. When will the town construct more playgrounds.
4. Does the town have a bus service.
5. What is the speed limit on this road.

They lasted 4 years and then moved south with their children.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Most of the homes that I view on the lake with year round residents are retirees. That is - retirees living in the homes on lake.

The last family that moved up here on lake with children asked me:

1. When are sidewalks going to be constructed.
2. When will the town put up street lights.
3. When will the town construct more playgrounds.
4. Does the town have a bus service.
5. What is the speed limit on this road.

They lasted 4 years and then moved south with their children.

I think they lived on Boathouse Road, and moved to Jupiter, Florida....correct?

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Most of the homes that I view on the lake with year round residents are retirees. That is - retirees living in the homes on lake.

The last family that moved up here on lake with children asked me:

1. When are sidewalks going to be constructed.
2. When will the town put up street lights.
3. When will the town construct more playgrounds.
4. Does the town have a bus service.
5. What is the speed limit on this road.

They lasted 4 years and then moved south with their children.

I think that gets back to: Don't move to new Hampshire because you like it and then try to change it to be like the state you came from. That will bring in things like an income tax and a sales tax. It is funny (not funny) to see the fence jumpers on the southern borders who come in waving the flag of the country they are trying to escape. Doesn't compute!

If you change locations assume that the people who already reside there like it as it is so you should try to assimilate.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Most of the homes that I view on the lake with year round residents are retirees. That is - retirees living in the homes on lake.

The last family that moved up here on lake with children asked me:

1. When are sidewalks going to be constructed.
2. When will the town put up street lights.
3. When will the town construct more playgrounds.
4. Does the town have a bus service.
5. What is the speed limit on this road.

They lasted 4 years and then moved south with their children.

He asked a simple question and you feed him the riot act.

Is your plan to just scare every new comer away?

I think he asked a great question.

Around NewFound lake the bulk of the homes are owned by weekenders that could be from anywhere (including NH). Probably 1 in 10 have full time residents. Not many with kids, but not all retirees either. It’s similar around all the lakes region. Dead in the winter.

I personally wouldn’t want to raise my kids around any of the lake towns (on the water). Just due to lack of “neighborhoods” year round.

I dislike having neighbors that AirB&B their homes. Since they are only there for a week or two. They are often rowdy and they have this thing about fire works. Like almost every night. It gets old. Not easy to figure out ahead of time. They are often not good with boats either and an accident waiting to happen.

In some respects some of the large shared developments are a better for kids because they might have a sense of a neighborhood. But most are still too sparse over winter.

When we were young we were in a town not known for great schools. So we wanted to move. We considered a more exclusive rural town where you could not see your neighbors house. You drive your kids to their friends. We ended up in packed development, same house one after the next. Every other house had kids of similar age. They could walk or ride their bike to school. Best decision we ever made for them. Even though in our heart we really wanted the place you could not see your neighbor With a horse barn and a pond and noted for top notch schools.

[map]

Originally Posted by mswlogo

He asked a simple question and you feed him the riot act.

Is your plan to just scare every new comer away?

I think he asked a great question.

Around NewFound lake the bulk of the homes are owned by weekenders that could be from anywhere (including NH). Probably 1 in 10 have full time residents. Not many with kids, but not all retirees either. It’s similar around all the lakes region. Dead in the winter.

I personally wouldn’t want to raise my kids around any of the lake towns (on the water). Just due to lack of “neighborhoods” year round.

I dislike having neighbors that AirB&B their homes. Since they are only there for a week or two. They are often rowdy and they have this thing about fire works. Like almost every night. It gets old. Not easy to figure out ahead of time. They are often not good with boats either and an accident waiting to happen.

In some respects some of the large shared developments are a better for kids because they might have a sense of a neighborhood. But most are still too sparse over winter.

When we were young we were in a town not known for great schools. So we wanted to move. We considered a more exclusive rural town where you could not see your neighbors house. You drive your kids to their friends. We ended up in packed development, same house one after the next. Every other house had kids of similar age. They could walk or ride their bike to school. Best decision we ever made for them. Even though in our heart we really wanted the place you could not see your neighbor With a horse barn and a pond and noted for top notch schools.

I am already sick of noise and fireworks and summer crowds and I’ve only lived here one year. Fireworks right behind us going from early evening to past 11:30 pm last night as we had tried to sleep.

Sometimes I wish we had moved to Vermont instead where we vacationed for 21+ years. My heart is still there. Totally different than here. I’m surprised at how much.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by map

I am already sick of noise and fireworks and summer crowds and I’ve only lived here one year. Fireworks right behind us going from early evening to past 11:30 pm last night as we had tried to sleep.

Sometimes I wish we had moved to Vermont instead where we vacationed for 21+ years. My heart is still there. Totally different than here. I’m surprised at how much.

It’s too bad that your life here hasn’t been what you expected, but if you wanted peace and quiet and a more sparsely populated area, why did you choose to locate in the Weirs? There are many locations that are much quieter.

[map]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

It’s too bad that your life here hasn’t been what you expected, but if you wanted peace and quiet and a more sparsely populated area, why did you choose to locate in the Weirs? There are many locations that are much quieter.

Because we couldn’t find the type of development we are in anywhere else in the state (or even VT) in terms of a new or newish home that was affordable for us. We understood about bike week and figured we could tolerate that, and also that this is a big vacation area anyway, but we did not realize how noisy and in your face it can get the rest of the season and the extent of the crowds everywhere. C-19 I suppose didn’t help. I feel like in summer and fall if you want to enjoy where you live it’s not always easy with everything crowded and booked up.

VT is not like that. We were there last summer as always (staying at our timeshare resort for the week) and would go to a popular state park, for example, to use the beach on Lake Champlain. We were the only out of state license plate there. It was not crowded. No loud music on the beach. Just a few boats out on the water- sail boats. Peaceful. Big difference from here where every plate is from Mass. and tons of motor boats and beach packed with people. Music blaring in some cases. People cooking full course meals for a tribe. And that’s with restrictions for capacity. Lol! Just a different vibe.

Want to hike a trail here? Good luck even being able to park. And the trash? Omg. Lots of people being disrespectful. VT- not perfect but much cleaner from what I see when I’m there.

This all said- we moved here because our only child lives here and tax (and political) situation is better. And we like it- don’t misunderstand - but - well- we have a lot of “buts”....no place is perfect. And at least not living in VT keeps it special. Sometimes when you live somewhere you love to vacation in, it eventually becomes less special as you see more of the cons and not only the pros.

We already lived in seclusion in a rural area in NY and didn’t want that in retirement, but I guess we wanted something in between. Oh well. Too late now. We’re not moving again. We still like a lot about the area and the state in general. And we have some really nice neighbors so we’re good. With C-19 hitting a month after we moved, our first year here was actually pretty good overall- better than it would have been if we stayed in NY that’s for sure.

[DougNH]

Originally Posted by map

I am already sick of noise and fireworks and summer crowds and I’ve only lived here one year. Fireworks right behind us going from early evening to past 11:30 pm last night as we had tried to sleep.

Sometimes I wish we had moved to Vermont instead where we vacationed for 21+ years. My heart is still there. Totally different than here. I’m surprised at how much.

Fireworks last night… I heard them too, music to my ears, I am down the street in Meredith. I have two kids, 12 and 14, we are here as much as possible. We hike (all year), snow shoe, ski, tube, fish, boating. I live full time in MA due to my job, boring as all hell. I love to hear the boats at day/night, snow mobiles running on the tracks, fireworks and all the activity on the lake, keeps me young and feeling alive.

I was at Walmart yesterday (Gilfrod) checking out with $200 in groceries and the gentleman in front of me a $6 fishing line for the derby this weekend. Had a good quick chat, he had to be about 70, nice as anyone could be. I wished I could have stayed and talked to him longer, I can only imagine the life knowledge he holds.

[fatlazyless]

Seems like the #1 best lake experience is out on a Winnipesaukee island that's not attached with a bridge, a real island. Once it has a bridge like Governor's, Black Cat, Long, Oak or Christmas it becomes an island in name only, and is basically a fake island. Is not a real island experience.

When the weather goes south due to rain or cold or wind or darkness the mainland boats stay safely secured to a dock while the islanders never stop boating, pretty much.

And, having a large two acre sized lot, big enough to buffer away from the neighbors next door is pretty much the norm out on an island. Island living looks a lot like that old Winnipesaukee from the 1960's and before when the shoreline was all tree lined and homes were the more basic style cottage that blends with the forest. Having to get out to an island makes it more of an escape get-a-way and people welcome the challenge to get back out there, even when the lake is slushy ice and a little unsafe for travel.

Armed with a bright green foam noodle belt securely tied around their waist, the intrepid islander is able to make their journey back to their island home, safe and secure, as that big bright sun sinks slowly out of sight into the west. (sayonara music here) ....

[Natebz]

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by Natebz

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

If you decide to pursue a waterfront property in Moultonborough...one house, as opposed to two...you might look at Krainewood, off Redding Lane. There are waterfront and non waterfront places in there, and I suspect lots of school age children. Idea #2: waterfront on Castle Shores, which abuts Suissevale, a water access community. Those are the only ones that come to mind right now. Best of luck in your search.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Natebz

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

If you have the funds then that's a good plan. Even a condo dock may work as some have nice facilities or you could look into the boat club which has a pool also.
Get a good realtor that knows the area and start with a primary residence first then you have lots of options after that. Good luck!

[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by Natebz

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

Bluntly, it sounds like you should stay put. going to be hard to replicate a community especially with kids on the water up here.

[Flylady]

Originally Posted by Natebz

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

Perhaps broaden your search to other lakes in the Lakes region. Some of the smaller lakes have many more full time residences and less summer vacation rentals than Winni.

[YOLO]

Originally Posted by Natebz

Thanks for everyone's response. It has been helpful. We currently live in a New England seaside town and experience (to a lesser degree) of seasonal crowds and a quieter off season. We are interested in the lakes region because it provides water activities like we currently have, but we are missing the hiking and mountains.

We currently have a close knit network of friends with children around the same age as ours and this type of community is something we find important. It sounds like, as much as we would enjoy living on the lake, we would have difficulties finding the community we have now.

Getting a house inland and a smaller property on the lake may be the balance we're after at this stage of our life.

I think you are wise at this point. If you were going to start a family living on the lake, the kids would be used to less social and neighborhood interaction, but as elementary school kids, its probably going to bore the heck out of them. I am a single widowed dad and recently bought on the lake with the intention of moving there as a primary residence once the kids go to college in 5 and 6 years from now.

They can come home in summer to the lake and have fun at an older age and since they will have licenses by then, they can visit their old friends as they see fit. I floated the idea of moving up full time immediately when I bought the house, but the kids absolutely did not want to leave their friendships and neighborhood behind at this stage in their lives.

Time flies, they'll be out of the house before you know it. You can live your dream. I love the offseason. I come up once a week by myself just to relax without the noise.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Most of the homes that I view on the lake with year round residents are retirees. That is - retirees living in the homes on lake.

The last family that moved up here on lake with children asked me:

1). When are sidewalks going to be constructed.
2). When will the town put up street lights.
3). When will the town construct more playgrounds.
4). Does the town have a bus service.
5). What is the speed limit on this road.

They lasted 4 years and then moved south with their children.

6). Where can I get a copy of The New York Times?

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by ApS

6). Where can I get a copy of The New York Times?

www.heathsmarket.com always has the www.nytimes.com for $3/ daily and $6/Sunday. You gotta check out Heath's reduced price, day old pastries, bread, and cookies on the little rack, way back the store. Sometimes they have these big, FAT, chocolate whoopie pies made in Millinocket for just 75-cents.

Normally, Heath's also has free Vermont Coffee Roasters coffee in five different flavors for store customers who buy other great stuff like the 75-cent whoopie pie however this has TEMPORARILY been suspended to comply with corona virus safeguards. So, here's looking forward to the demise of the corona virus, and the return of Heath's freebie Vermont, store, cup-of-coffee in a styrofoam cup.

And, there's a rumor goin 'round that Heath's has scored a case of Bernie Sanders' inauguration mittens, now made by Vermont Teddy Bear and selling for the not-so-low price of $59.95/pr ...... some very warm and well designed mittens.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

And, there's a rumor goin 'round that Heath's has scored a case of Bernie Sanders' inauguration mittens, now made by Vermont Teddy Bear and selling for the not-so-low price of $59.95/pr ...... some very warm and well designed mittens.

Great I need some good fire starters.

[Misha888]

My worry would be the school ranking. A quick search brings up 500+ rentals in Moultonborough. Before Covid, I knew at least 5 families who left Moultonborough for better work opportunities, elsewhere. The environment has changed around the lake, for certain. What that will bring in the future is uncertain. Your kids should like outdoor sports and you. A lot of families I know hang around their children 24/7. All the best in your decision.

[mowtorman]

Waterfront means rentals. I know the owner of a rental property in Alton. Went to work on a boat and there were 6 out of state cars and about 30 people. So much for the septic haha. Nate unless you are baiting some harsh responses I assume you are discussing neighborhood and schools with your realtor. If you gave a specific location people might have better information. Waterfront can be very stable or very transient. The most stable properties are in trust, just look at a Gilford tax map including the islands. Norway Point was in trust at least 60 years. People buy in booms and sell in busts. Knew a man years ago who owned for 25 years and had a major stroke in April of the summer of his retirement. The property was listed in June. I know 2 brothers who took their mother's inheritance and bought 2 properties between Cooks and Avery Points. They stayed maybe a week in each house
each summer and rented the rest. These were single family summer residences prior. Last time I was in Balmoral there were established ATV paths next to the road and the welcome wagon was a group of teenagers giving us the finger and swearing at us as we drove by. Point is I hope you buy based on what works for your family for the foreseeable future, not your neighbors as they may be gone before you know it. Good luck you are in a great position!