We're Moving to The Lakes Region!!

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

So CateP, what do you think of our collection of merry posters? Many of us see each other at Forum fests or at each other's local business establishments. I hope you become one of our friends on winnipesaukee.com. If you want to be "undercover", that's fine too. Welcome.

I think this is a fine band of merry posters and I love the idea that folks actually meet and greet. I have spent the last two hours checking out all the great info in the house section. We seem to be drawn to older houses in the real estate listings (much more interesting architecture) but are wary of all the potential problems. (We live in a 100+ year old house now). There is a house on 96 Pease Rd. Meredith that looks very lovely, but it was built in 1900. Worried about septic, old oil furnace etc. We're also wondering whether Pease Rd. is busy because we have two dogs. The property has almost 4 acres, but the actual house is pretty close to the road.

We plan on taking a trip up in March to look at some of the houses on our list. We'll be staying at the Inn at Mill Falls. For now, we just like to check the web cams and marvel at the many moods of the big lake.

P.S. Our house in NJ is filled with loon stuff and we've taken some incredible pictures of our loon friends on Jenness Pond in Northwood. (friendliest loons we've met). The Loon Center is another place I may volunteer, but I really want to hang with the kids at NSC in Holderness. I am a former classroom teacher,worked at Maine Audubon, and started my own environmental education summer camp in Maine that was a huge success for the years that I had the energy to be teaching kids year-round

[beaner]

Hey Cate, I just sent you a Private Message. Or maybe I should say I think I sent you a Private Message! I've never attempted to do that before, so let me know whether you get it or not.

[Pineedles]

Our place was built in 1892 and is solid as a rock but you are wise to check out the septic system. Too many of the early cottages had the septic system too close to the lake. We moved ours back 200 feet in the 70s. Did you see that we held a forum fest at the Loon center a few years ago? Check out the pictures in the forum fest topic section.

[VitaBene]

Cate, welcome to you and your partner!

Best of luck with your sale in NJ and your purchase here. Give Moultonborough some consideration- we have a great blend of low taxes and good services.

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Cate, welcome to you and your partner!

Best of luck with your sale in NJ and your purchase here. Give Moultonborough some consideration- we have a great blend of low taxes and good services.

I second the Moultonborough recommendation! I am soooo jealous of you Cate. I wish I was making the move as well. If you have or are planning of raising children then Moultonborough should get some consideration for its awesome schools. Not that there aren't great schools elsewhere but I hear such great things about Moultonborough. Plus as VB said the taxes are low. Good Luck and I wish you well.

[TOAD]

Good Luck with you house hunting and move up to God's country Cate.

I sincerely hope your house hunting endeavors pay off sooner than ours has.

[Lakesrider]

Moutonborough...The most boring town in America...
Seriously if you need to commute to MA your going to be way better off on the Meredith side of the lake. Close to rt104 which gets you to exit 23 on RT93 fairly quickly. Moultonborough is a 1/2 hour ride just to get to the highway....or anywhere else. Oh and that turns into at least an hour in the Summer. Going down the hills into Meredith can take 40 minutes on some days alone.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Moutonborough...The most boring town in America...
Seriously if you need to commute to MA your going to be way better off on the Meredith side of the lake. Close to rt104 which gets you to exit 23 on RT93 fairly quickly. Moultonborough is a 1/2 hour ride just to get to the highway....or anywhere else. Oh and that turns into at least an hour in the Summer. Going down the hills into Meredith can take 40 minutes on some days alone.

Moultonberry is a little slow at times, but we are located right between two of the best "downtown" areas on the lake- Wolfeboro and Meredith!

[brk-lnt]

go away!



Just kidding

[jkjoshuatree]

I don't know if you're familiar with Private Messages and would even notice if you have them (top right under your screen name) but I sent you one.

[CateP]

WOW. This is an amazing forum. You people are funny, informative and really welcoming. I have received all PMs and am grateful to those of you who have reached out.

I am sharing all the posts with my partner Tracy and she is now even more thrilled about our relocation choice. (She is the jersey girl, I am not--New Englander all my life except for a brief stint in NJ-going back home).

And as far as those embarrassing characters on that TV show (Jersey Shore), we hope they stay here. We're bringing none of that up north. The reason we are moving to the lakes region is because of what it IS, not because we want to change things. Our attitude is that we are going to be polite guests for awhile. We will listen and learn and RESPECT the people and culture of the area. Over time we will assimilate (sounds a little sci-fi doesn't it?). Or should I say adapt and blend?

I am so glad I found this forum. It's a god-send to our relocation plans.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by CateP

Over time we will assimilate (sounds a little sci-fi doesn't it?). Or should I say adapt and blend?

Oh no...they're not Jerseyites....they're BORG!!!!

Sorry...Trekker here...welcome to the forum and you will LOVE the Lakes Region.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by Rose

Oh no...they're not Jerseyites....they're BORG!!!!

Sorry...Trekker here...welcome to the forum and you will LOVE the Lakes Region.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Moutonborough...The most boring town in America...
Seriously if you need to commute to MA your going to be way better off on the Meredith side of the lake. Close to rt104 which gets you to exit 23 on RT93 fairly quickly. Moultonborough is a 1/2 hour ride just to get to the highway....or anywhere else. Oh and that turns into at least an hour in the Summer. Going down the hills into Meredith can take 40 minutes on some days alone.

Indeed. My access to 93 is fairly important. That is why the houses we are looking at in Meredith on Pease Rd. and Chemung St are looking good to us. There's also a house in Laconia on Pickerel Pond that is on the top of our list.
We're hoping to find something that has decent access to 93 and allows us to take back roads to shopping over on Rt.3 in Laconia/Guilford.

We know some of these properties may not be available when we are ready to buy, but at least we are trying to target a specific area.

(Although there are a few super properties in Sandwich too!)

[Cristen]

Hi Cate - congrats on your decision to move to the lake! We moved up here from the Boston area 2 years ago. I am very happy with my new home and take full advantage of the seasons.

The lakes region is not as diverse as a city of course, but I think most people are very welcoming. I wish you and your partner the best of luck with your move!

Cristen

[SAMIAM]

Cate.....definately look at Windsong Place off the Meredith Center road. It is a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors and lots of nice dogs....goldens and such. I don't know if there is anything available there but if there is, you can't find a nicer spot. Almost secluded on a cul-de-sac but 10 minutes to Meredith, Laconia and rt 93.
We don't live there but walk there a lot and people are really nice....several invited us in to see their home or meet their dogs.
Google it up........I believe it is well within your price range.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Cate.....definately look at Windsong Place off the Meredith Center road. It is a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors and lots of nice dogs....goldens and such. I don't know if there is anything available there but if there is, you can't find a nicer spot. Almost secluded on a cul-de-sac but 10 minutes to Meredith, Laconia and rt 93.
We don't live there but walk there a lot and people are really nice....several invited us in to see their home or meet their dogs.
Google it up........I believe it is well within your price range.

We are using the NNREN listings , which pretty much lists everything for sale in the area. (except for sale by owner, which we probably won't get involved with). No listings for Windsong Place at this time. BUT I think more houses will come on the market this spring. Winter is a snoozy kind of time for real estate.

[feb]

Originally Posted by CateP

Indeed. My access to 93 is fairly important. That is why the houses we are looking at in Meredith on Pease Rd. and Chemung St are looking good to us.

Chemung will be about 1.5 to 1.75 hours from Waltham on a good day. During normal commuting hours you're probably looking at 2.5 or so.

Excellent dog walking and mountain biking trails around the Chemung area though.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by feb

Chemung will be about 1.5 to 1.75 hours from Waltham on a good day. During normal commuting hours you're probably looking at 2.5 or so.

Excellent dog walking and mountain biking trails around the Chemung area though.

Yeah. I'm planning on a least a 2-hour ride to Waltham, MA and 2 hours back. Will make for one l-o-n-g day (if I don't stay over at the company hotel suite). It's worth it since I'll be coming home to one of the most beautiful places in the northeast.

[beaner]

Originally Posted by CateP

(Although there are a few super properties in Sandwich too!)

Can anyone on the forum confirm whether Sandwich has high-speed internet access? I seem to recall that the only available option for many years was dial-up, but perhaps that problem has been solved. Anyone know?

[wifi]

Originally Posted by beaner

Can anyone on the forum confirm whether Sandwich has high-speed internet access? I seem to recall that the only available option for many years was dial-up, but perhaps that problem has been solved. Anyone know?

Sandwich, this year, got DSL downtown. There are no cable providers in town, because the town requires a cable applicant to cover the entire town, not economically feasable. The rest of the town is covered mainly by two wireless providers (WINK)

[CateP]

Originally Posted by wifi

Sandwich, this year, got DSL downtown. There are no cable providers in town, because the town requires a cable applicant to cover the entire town, not economically feasable. The rest of the town is covered mainly by two wireless providers (WINK)

Okay-Sandwich is out then. My job depends on dependable high speed internet.

I guess we'll just go to the fair then.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Moutonborough...The most boring town in America...
Seriously if you need to commute to MA your going to be way better off on the Meredith side of the lake. Close to rt104 which gets you to exit 23 on RT93 fairly quickly. Moultonborough is a 1/2 hour ride just to get to the highway....or anywhere else. Oh and that turns into at least an hour in the Summer. Going down the hills into Meredith can take 40 minutes on some days alone.

I am near Fullers and think it is about 10 minutes to Meredith. I love Moultonborough, but think that if you go further north it would add too much to your commute. There probably are lots of good simple homes with nice views around. Center Harbor has a nice public beach where we had our Forum Fest last year. Heaths is right there and I like St Charles and Father Audett.

Does Meredith have a public beach........I am thinking that it must have one? The air is so fresh and clean, but I am just not familiar with what is available close to Center Harbor in Moultonborough that is not waterfront. Going down the neck road is a real killer so would not want to do that often.....think it is about ten miles each way? I do have good friends there who love it.

I grew up renting way up in front of what is now Suissvale down on Route 109 in Moultonborough. Suissvale wasn't there then. Simple cottages that my family rented near one that their friends had built! 100 foot waterfront lots cost 500 dollars and they built a small cottage themselves! Now it is torn down and a huge home replaced it. I miss it though. But that area is just too far from 93 etc. There are lots of nice woodsy areas and lots if you do not want waterfront I think, but the location would not work. Also the water is not as clear as it once was. So the Moultonborough near the Fullers area would still work if there is much available off the water. It would add some time to your commute but not all that much....ten minutes. I go to Hanafords and often take off for exit 20 for Home Depot or Walmart or go down to TJMaxx by taking Rte three down the lake. I am really at home at the lake and will be fine if I don't have too many health problems. I also like going off to Plymouth. Again, you will know it when you see it. Your heart will fly away!

I think you will love it at the lake. You don't have to decide now. Heck you grew up here in New Hampton? You probably know more about this area than most of us who did not live here then!! Are you lucky in life? I am a Lucky1 and love my life and my lake! You will be happy as two peas in a pod.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by CateP

I think this is a fine band of merry posters and I love the idea that folks actually meet and greet. I have spent the last two hours checking out all the great info in the house section. We seem to be drawn to older houses in the real estate listings (much more interesting architecture) but are wary of all the potential problems. (We live in a 100+ year old house now). There is a house on 96 Pease Rd. Meredith that looks very lovely, but it was built in 1900. Worried about septic, old oil furnace etc. We're also wondering whether Pease Rd. is busy because we have two dogs. The property has almost 4 acres, but the actual house is pretty close to the road.

We plan on taking a trip up in March to look at some of the houses on our list. We'll be staying at the Inn at Mill Falls. For now, we just like to check the web cams and marvel at the many moods of the big lake.

P.S. Our house in NJ is filled with loon stuff and we've taken some incredible pictures of our loon friends on Jenness Pond in Northwood. (friendliest loons we've met). The Loon Center is another place I may volunteer, but I really want to hang with the kids at NSC in Holderness. I am a former classroom teacher,worked at Maine Audubon, and started my own environmental education summer camp in Maine that was a huge success for the years that I had the energy to be teaching kids year-round

Zillow says that it last sold JUly 8, 2009 so maybe there is a listing from then that would give you more details. What was the price then? Did they paint it up to sell it or??? Since it has been on the market for 281 or something days, I would want to know if it is overpriced or if it is just a poor economy or if there are structural problems etc. Meredith tends to have higher taxes than some other towns like Moultonborough which has a lot of lake front properties that helps the tax raise income. Good luck in whatever you find. Sounds like you have some good ideas.

The people on this Forum always seem warm and welcoming and I love the lakes region. One in a while someone can be harsh occasionally, but even one or two who might be harsh will seem to come along and be warm and friendly given some time. I assume that, like the rest of the world, the lakes region has some wonderful people and some not so wonderful people as well as everything in between. I have no idea on the gay issue but maybe ask if there is a group in the area or someone who is gay and knows how the atmosphere is and what their experience has been. You sound like you are well organized and know what you are doing. I wish you luck.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Zillow says that it last sold JUly 8, 2009 so maybe there is a listing from then that would give you more details. What was the price then? Did they paint it up to sell it or??? Since it has been on the market for 281 or something days, I would want to know if it is overpriced or if it is just a poor economy or if there are structural problems etc.

The property was subdivided in 2009 so that is why it shows as a sale. The listing has been on Zillow for 238 days. With a property this old I would be sure to have a thorough house inspection done.

[Pineedles]

I think we are overwhelming CateP with our emails, at least that's my impression. I think she knows we welcome them to the LR. I also see that she responds to nearly every post, which has got to be some work. JMHO. Whoa, just crossed the 2' foot mark for snow here. Might be another day at home tomorrow. awww, I'm so dissapointed.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

I think we are overwhelming CateP with our emails, at least that's my impression. I think she knows we welcome them to the LR. I also see that she responds to nearly every post, which has got to be some work. JMHO. Whoa, just crossed the 2' foot mark for snow here. Might be another day at home tomorrow. awww, I'm so dissapointed.

I am very happy with all these responses. It's amazing and very informative.
If people are taking the time to write I am happy to reply.
Enjoy the snow Pineedles. We had 31 inches here back in December and just got another 6 inches today. More snow than I've seen in years.