Maybe you already have an impression about New Hampshire – from word of mouth, or vacation/college visits, photos, and of course: the internet.  But the thought of actually moving to New Hampshire brings up excitement, uncertainty, and so many new questions!

How can I find communities with a reasonable commute that fit my budget and lifestyle? What is the current housing market and how many choices will we have? What kinds of employment and career opportunities are there? Where is public or private school information available? What do y’all do in the wintertime, anyway? Are there fun things to do? Good places to eat? Decent cell reception? How do you pronounce Nashua?*

Boasting an excellent quality of life within an hour of Boston, the Atlantic Ocean, and the mountains – Southern New Hampshire is an attractive growth center for New England.  Since 2000, New Hampshire gained 35,000 new residents moving in from other states.

Deciding where to live is about more than rankings and statistics, this choice is more about getting a good match for your personality, comfort and pocketbook.  Start with a list – what do you need to be near?  For instance:  workplace, airport, lakes, shopping, medical centers, university, art galleries, ice rinks, yoga studios, forests, nightlife, snowmobile trails, etc.    Based on this list, what are your MUST HAVES and what are your NICE TO HAVES?  This exercise and a good map will help to define a circle of communities to explore.  In any part of southern New Hampshire you will find a mix of small cities, suburban towns and rural areas.  Our largest city is Manchester NH with approximately 100,000 people and within 20 minutes you can be in a small town of 2,000 people.

Next, to expand or contract your initial circle – look at housing costs, styles, sizes and price ranges.  Of course, www.Verani.com is updated with new listings and scads of photos every day!   There are regional housing trends, especially if you are coming from the West Coast or the Southern states.  New Hampshire homes tend to be on larger lots (1+ acres) when they are serviced by well water and a septic system.  Two-story styles are common, as are oil heat, full basements, and back decks.  Central air, inground pools and spa bathroom suites exist but they are not the prevailing standard.  New Construction subdivisions may include 15 to 30 homes sites set near long established areas.  Over 55 and Senior Housing is really coming in strong with many new developments to explore.  Condominium housing has shared land and amenities but can offer large or small units, old or new, attached or detached style homes.  In other words, there is something for everyone.  Housing prices are influenced by our proximity to Boston, so finding the balance between commute and cost is key!

Schools are probably the most popular research topic for future NH residents.  Public education is supported by 88 local town and regional school districts.  There is a selection of private elementary and secondary schools, including Philips Exeter Academy and St. Paul‘s School.  More than 30 colleges, universities and technical colleges are located in the state, including the highly rated Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire. The NH Dept. of Education has an informative state website and several good resources are gathered there.

Email me or your Prudential Verani realtor for informative reports on school systems in the areas you are considering.  (P.S.  You can also instantly view school data for any home listed on www.Verani.com.) Still wondering which schools are the best?  That decision is a blend of both objective and subjective research.  Like the Oscars, you may or may not agree with someone else’s rating system.  Fair Housing, professional ethics and common sense preclude us from making such a personal choice for you.  Bottom line? Get data, ask questions and arrange to visit any school districts you are considering.

Two more things to do to help manage your move:

• Request your own personal Prudential Verani RELOCATION GUIDE with EASY MOVES MAGAZINE and a CD-Rom Guide to New Hampshire.  It’s mailed to you free. • When you visit, contact the Prudential Verani Relocation team at 877-787-RELO.  We will discuss your needs and timing and introduce you to a certified Relocation Specialist.

	Jennifer Frost is the Director of Relocation Services with Prudential Verani Realty in Londonderry, NH.  She is responsible for assisting employers and individuals with relocation services in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and throughout the United States.