Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > General Discussion
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Register FAQDonate Members List Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-01-2016, 06:39 PM   #1
pjard
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Gilford, NH
Posts: 636
Thanks: 494
Thanked 194 Times in 101 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregonrain View Post
One of the things we're looking for in a community is a good church. By that we mean one that is faithful to the reformed theology. There is a church in Laconia that we've been researching that meets the criteria we've set (so far. We won't know for sure until we've been able to go there a few times.) That is the main reason.

For myself, I'm not used to driving in snow and was looking for a place that wasn't too far away. For my husband, he grew up in New England and has no problem driving in the snow. He's perfectly ok with driving a bit of a distance in order to attend church. However, for both of us, church is very important. Also, my husband has some health issues and being near a good hospital/doctor would be good... although, I've heard some very negative things about the hospital in Laconia which I'm taking into very serious consideration.

It's not set in stone where we'll live. I'm aware that things will be vastly different once we get there and can see things in person. I was just wondering if there were certain parts of Laconia that it would be better to stay out of than others.
Any city or town in NH does a great job with snow....they have it figured out. Sure there may be that 1 in a 100 years blizzard that totally shuts things down but that's not often. If the weather is that bad, they probably would cancel service anyway. I wouldn't even consider that as a criteria....just my opinion.

Once again am not a Laconia basher. I live in Gilford, not Laconia but there are plenty of nice parts of Laconia.
pjard is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to pjard For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (05-01-2016)
Old 05-01-2016, 08:38 PM   #2
Oregonrain
Senior Member
 
Oregonrain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region
Posts: 144
Thanks: 199
Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Default

I've grown up in an area that closes its school when we get 1/2 in of snow... so any amount over that is a lot to me.



Quote:
Originally Posted by pjard View Post
Any city or town in NH does a great job with snow....they have it figured out. Sure there may be that 1 in a 100 years blizzard that totally shuts things down but that's not often. If the weather is that bad, they probably would cancel service anyway. I wouldn't even consider that as a criteria....just my opinion.

Once again am not a Laconia basher. I live in Gilford, not Laconia but there are plenty of nice parts of Laconia.
Oregonrain is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2016, 09:06 PM   #3
Acrossamerica
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 239
Thanks: 0
Thanked 133 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregonrain View Post
I've grown up in an area that closes its school when we get 1/2 in of snow... so any amount over that is a lot to me.
It generally takes a full 6 inches to get the schools closed. We just had a 2 incher three days ago. Plan on winter with the possibility of snow from November 1 to May 1 and having the heat on in the house from the end of August until the end of June. It is a fun place to live. Also no matter where you live with rare exception plan on driving an hour to get to the next place you wish to visit. Even in Laconia one must drive a distance to find all of the things one needs to live properly. And the more rural you get the further away one is from stuff.
Acrossamerica is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 12:38 AM   #4
bruinsfan
Senior Member
 
bruinsfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NH
Posts: 147
Thanks: 88
Thanked 73 Times in 34 Posts
Default

Watch out for those "livn on that Walmart side of the lake!"
bruinsfan is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to bruinsfan For This Useful Post:
pondguy (05-02-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 05:31 AM   #5
Winnisquamer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Winnisquam
Posts: 408
Thanks: 72
Thanked 115 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrossamerica View Post
It generally takes a full 6 inches to get the schools closed.
Is this true? Curious is it like a rule somewhere? I feel like over the last 2-3 years the schools have gotten a lot more trigger happy on calling it a snow day.. They were cancelling school days before we even got snow this year.
Winnisquamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Old 05-02-2016, 05:59 AM   #6
GBGX2
Senior Member
 
GBGX2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Alton
Posts: 219
Thanks: 206
Thanked 187 Times in 61 Posts
Default Tax Rate Considerations

Before making any decisions, I would check this out:

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

The difference from town to town is very significant!
GBGX2 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to GBGX2 For This Useful Post:
mcdude (05-02-2016), SAMIAM (05-02-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 07:40 AM   #7
Pontoon Goon
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Stoneham Ma./ Meredith
Posts: 141
Thanks: 339
Thanked 67 Times in 27 Posts
Default

It may be putting your life on hold but maybe it would make sense to rent for a year. Researching communities, homes and church's on line is a good start but nothing will give you a true lay of the land like living in it. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Pontoon Goon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 09:45 AM   #8
Oregonrain
Senior Member
 
Oregonrain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region
Posts: 144
Thanks: 199
Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Default

So true, we plan on doing that too. Thanks.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Pontoon Goon View Post
It may be putting your life on hold but maybe it would make sense to rent for a year. Researching communities, homes and church's on line is a good start but nothing will give you a true lay of the land like living in it. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Oregonrain is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 06:11 PM   #9
greeleyhill
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 94
Thanks: 57
Thanked 22 Times in 11 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GBGX2 View Post
Before making any decisions, I would check this out:

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

The difference from town to town is very significant!
Don't be fooled by tax rates. What you pay each year is driven by two things, your tax rate and property assessment or valuation. You may live in a town with high tax rates but low valuations, or a high tax rate and low valuations. Do your homework and get both.
greeleyhill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 06:52 PM   #10
Outdoorsman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 836
Thanks: 116
Thanked 210 Times in 132 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by greeleyhill View Post
Don't be fooled by tax rates. What you pay each year is driven by two things, your tax rate and property assessment or valuation. You may live in a town with high tax rates but low valuations, or a high tax rate and low valuations. Do your homework and get both.
You do understand how property value is assessed... right?
Outdoorsman is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Outdoorsman For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (05-02-2016)
Old 05-03-2016, 07:30 PM   #11
greeleyhill
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 94
Thanks: 57
Thanked 22 Times in 11 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Outdoorsman View Post
You do understand how property value is assessed... right?
Ahh - wild guess? My property was assessed by the town at 68.9% of the market value as determined by my bank...and no....that doesn't mean I overpaid for my home. The bank does a far more thorough job of comparing like properties, after all, they are on the hook if the owner stops paying and defaults on the loan. They're not going to write a mortgage for $500k when the property is only worth $300k. The town can change valuations MUCH easier than they do the tax rate - which is a very public decision.
greeleyhill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2016, 07:43 PM   #12
Outdoorsman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 836
Thanks: 116
Thanked 210 Times in 132 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by greeleyhill View Post
Ahh - wild guess? My property was assessed by the town at 68.9% of the market value as determined by my bank...and no....that doesn't mean I overpaid for my home. The bank does a far more thorough job of comparing like properties, after all, they are on the hook if the owner stops paying and defaults on the loan. They're not going to write a mortgage for $500k when the property is only worth $300k. The town can change valuations MUCH easier than they do the tax rate - which is a very public decision.
I never suggested that you over paid for your lot. I just said you need to understand property ASSESSMENT. I stand by that statement after reading your quote above.
Outdoorsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 06:58 PM   #13
DesertDweller
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Las Vegas, NV and Moultonborough, NH
Posts: 381
Thanks: 25
Thanked 87 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Not sure I would agree with the post about assessed value either. Most of the towns around the lake keep the equalization ratio (i.e. the assessed value to market value) pretty close to 100 percent. At least that is my experience when looking at homes anyway. In terms of Laconia, their property tax rate is far and away the highest in the towns surrounding the lake. At 22.2 it is almost 2.5 times that of Moultonborough. I looked at a lot of properties in Laconia but paying almost $9,000 in property taxes for a $400,000 home scared me away.

You should also factor in some of the towns, like Laconia, you will also have a separate water/sewer bill as well. There are a lot of positives to being on public water/sewer but it does come at a cost.

I would agree with the rental concept. If you are truly looking to be on the outskirts, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro, parts of Meredith, and some other areas would be the way to go in my opinion.
DesertDweller is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to DesertDweller For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (05-02-2016), Oregonrain (05-02-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 07:06 PM   #14
GBGX2
Senior Member
 
GBGX2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Alton
Posts: 219
Thanks: 206
Thanked 187 Times in 61 Posts
Default Not fooled......

There is no question that assessment plays into the equation, but it is far more driven by tax rate......

See:http://revenue.nh.gov/mun-prop/munic...2014-local.pdf (the latest grand list totals that I could find)

Alton: $1,518,990,817.00 Tax Rate $13.85
Wolfeboro: $2,013,269,984 Tax Rate $13.01
Gilford: $1,571,339,584 Tax Rate $18.30
Laconia: $1,815,646,944 Tax Rate $22.40

Assuming you purchase comparable properties in any of the above referenced towns... your property taxes will be significantly different.

Quote:
Originally Posted by greeleyhill View Post
Don't be fooled by tax rates. What you pay each year is driven by two things, your tax rate and property assessment or valuation. You may live in a town with high tax rates but low valuations, or a high tax rate and low valuations. Do your homework and get both.
GBGX2 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to GBGX2 For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (05-02-2016), Readzo (05-13-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 07:22 PM   #15
bclaker
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Laconia
Posts: 479
Thanks: 545
Thanked 147 Times in 66 Posts
Default Ham Radio

I believe there is a ham radio repeater on Belknap Mountain in Gilford near the Gunstock Ski Area. There is a local Amateur Radio Club in the area.
bclaker is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to bclaker For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (05-02-2016)
Old 05-03-2016, 03:13 PM   #16
sum-r breeze
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH
Posts: 396
Thanks: 155
Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts
Default Some other things to think about....

Quote:
Originally Posted by GBGX2 View Post
There is no question that assessment plays into the equation, but it is far more driven by tax rate......

See:http://revenue.nh.gov/mun-prop/munic...2014-local.pdf (the latest grand list totals that I could find)

Alton: $1,518,990,817.00 Tax Rate $13.85
Wolfeboro: $2,013,269,984 Tax Rate $13.01
Gilford: $1,571,339,584 Tax Rate $18.30
Laconia: $1,815,646,944 Tax Rate $22.40

Assuming you purchase comparable properties in any of the above referenced towns... your property taxes will be significantly different.
Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING

So when someone rips Laconia in such a way they might want to consider some of what's offered in the line of services before painting with such a broad brush. We have friends at Southdown Shores who have paradise in Laconia as do the people who live at the "Meredith Bay" community that is in Laconia also.
The Akwa Vista Marina and beach bar complex has that upscale destination feel to it every time we visit. We love Laconia

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back
sum-r breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to sum-r breeze For This Useful Post:
diz (05-03-2016), greeleyhill (05-03-2016), joey2665 (05-04-2016), laketrout (05-09-2016), thinkxingu (05-03-2016)
Old 05-03-2016, 03:48 PM   #17
Billy Bob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough
Posts: 319
Thanks: 128
Thanked 167 Times in 101 Posts
Default

a very busy police department at that . and the hospital can handle any second amendment issue you bring .
Seriously you are talking apples and oranges here , total difference in lifestyle and surroundings between Laconia and say Wolfboro.
Laconia is a old textile /shoe manufacturing city that never fully recovered economically when that business moved south . Places like Wolfboro are the old summer home areas where the marriotts and Mitt hang today . you have to come and see this and decide yourself
Billy Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2016, 06:04 PM   #18
GBGX2
Senior Member
 
GBGX2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Alton
Posts: 219
Thanks: 206
Thanked 187 Times in 61 Posts
Default I think not.....

Sum-r Breeze:

To be clear, my post was not intended to “rip” Laconia…. However, it is beyond disingenuous to imply that the towns of Wolfeboro, Gilford and Alton provide fewer or less "positive" services to their residents than Laconia does.

I can assure you that ALL the folks listed below have their citizens’ best interests at heart, just as the employees at the City of Laconia do.

Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING

If folks are interested, they can find the facts as it pertains to the specific points that you brought up below.

#1. Fire Department:
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/staff/-8
http://www.alton.nh.gov/government/fire-department
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/WolfeboroNH_Fire/staff

#2. Police Department:
http://www.gilfordpd.org/towncloud/staff/-24
http://www.alton.nh.gov/site-page/al...lice-personnel
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/Wolf...lice/personnel

#3. All areas are served by several hospitals in the area… as to Wolfeboro; their hospital is in their back yard.
https://www.hugginshospital.org/
http://www.frisbiehospital.com/

#4. Water:
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/entity/-29
http://www.alton.nh.gov/government/water-works
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/WolfeboroNH_Water/index

#5. Town Hall Hours of operation: ALL full time staff
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/entity/-3
http://www.alton.nh.gov/site-page/hours-operation
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/pages/wolfeboronh_clerk/index

#6. Going to the dump is a New Hampshire tradition…. Too bad that the citizens of Laconia are missing out on such a great weekly experience! ALL offer recycling programs.

#7. …. I think ALL towns in NH enjoy hard working road crews who do a great job of providing service year round!

Broad brush strokes go both ways.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by sum-r breeze View Post
Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING

So when someone rips Laconia in such a way they might want to consider some of what's offered in the line of services before painting with such a broad brush. We have friends at Southdown Shores who have paradise in Laconia as do the people who live at the "Meredith Bay" community that is in Laconia also.
The Akwa Vista Marina and beach bar complex has that upscale destination feel to it every time we visit. We love Laconia

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back
GBGX2 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to GBGX2 For This Useful Post:
secondcurve (05-04-2016), windsail (05-23-2016)
Old 05-03-2016, 06:46 PM   #19
sum-r breeze
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Burlington Ma / Laconia NH
Posts: 396
Thanks: 155
Thanked 201 Times in 97 Posts
Default Point taken

Quote:
Originally Posted by GBGX2 View Post
Sum-r Breeze:

To be clear, my post was not intended to “rip” Laconia…. However, it is beyond disingenuous to imply that the towns of Wolfeboro, Gilford and Alton provide fewer or less "positive" services to their residents than Laconia does.

I can assure you that ALL the folks listed below have their citizens’ best interests at heart, just as the employees at the City of Laconia do.

Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING

If folks are interested, they can find the facts as it pertains to the specific points that you brought up below.

#1. Fire Department:
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/staff/-8
http://www.alton.nh.gov/government/fire-department
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/WolfeboroNH_Fire/staff

#2. Police Department:
http://www.gilfordpd.org/towncloud/staff/-24
http://www.alton.nh.gov/site-page/al...lice-personnel
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/Wolf...lice/personnel

#3. All areas are served by several hospitals in the area… as to Wolfeboro; their hospital is in their back yard.
https://www.hugginshospital.org/
http://www.frisbiehospital.com/

#4. Water:
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/entity/-29
http://www.alton.nh.gov/government/water-works
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/Pages/WolfeboroNH_Water/index

#5. Town Hall Hours of operation: ALL full time staff
http://www.gilfordnh.org/towncloud/entity/-3
http://www.alton.nh.gov/site-page/hours-operation
http://www.wolfeboronh.us/pages/wolfeboronh_clerk/index

#6. Going to the dump is a New Hampshire tradition…. Too bad that the citizens of Laconia are missing out on such a great weekly experience! ALL offer recycling programs.

#7. …. I think ALL towns in NH enjoy hard working road crews who do a great job of providing service year round!

Broad brush strokes go both ways.......
So your own fire links tell the story I was trying to get across. There are a bunch of "on call" firefighters listed in all three links you posted and I know some of the guys (very dedicated) but it's not the same as full time in the station firefighters. I never implied the other towns had any lesser quality services but was more explaining why WE bought in town.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back
sum-r breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to sum-r breeze For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (05-03-2016)
Old 05-04-2016, 02:14 AM   #20
wifi
Senior Member
 
wifi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lakes Region
Posts: 1,321
Thanks: 282
Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GBGX2 View Post

#6. Going to the dump is a New Hampshire tradition….
BTW, most towns have rebranded "the dump" as a transfer station, have to be PC these days.
wifi is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to wifi For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (05-04-2016), secondcurve (05-04-2016)
Old 05-04-2016, 05:38 AM   #21
secondcurve
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,118
Thanks: 1,329
Thanked 559 Times in 288 Posts
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by wifi View Post
BTW, most towns have rebranded "the dump" as a transfer station, have to be PC these days.
True, but Donald will be fixing that PC stuff in Nivember
secondcurve is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to secondcurve For This Useful Post:
AC2717 (05-04-2016)
Old 05-04-2016, 08:35 AM   #22
SAMIAM
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 2,905
Thanks: 337
Thanked 1,680 Times in 589 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wifi View Post
BTW, most towns have rebranded "the dump" as a transfer station, have to be PC these days.
Even "transfer station" isn't as PC as it should be.
In Moultonborough we have a Resource Reclamation Center
SAMIAM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2016, 06:45 PM   #23
Outdoorsman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 836
Thanks: 116
Thanked 210 Times in 132 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sum-r breeze View Post
Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING

So when someone rips Laconia in such a way they might want to consider some of what's offered in the line of services before painting with such a broad brush. We have friends at Southdown Shores who have paradise in Laconia as do the people who live at the "Meredith Bay" community that is in Laconia also.
The Akwa Vista Marina and beach bar complex has that upscale destination feel to it every time we visit. We love Laconia

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back
All that was pointed out was the substantial difference in tax rates between towns around the lake. Laconia is ~$9.39 per $1000 higher than Wolfboro... (translates to about ~75% higher).

To get back to the OP's question, you did point out a nice area of Laconia, Southdown Shores. It fits the "outskirts" part of the question but unfortunately that is an association (?) so they would not be allowed an antenna for a ham radio??
Outdoorsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2016, 09:24 PM   #24
TiltonBB
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Gilford, NH and Florida
Posts: 3,018
Thanks: 702
Thanked 2,203 Times in 937 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sum-r breeze View Post
Some of the positive things you pay for with your Laconia taxes are
#1 FULL TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT
#2 FULLY STAFFED POLICE DEPARTMENT
#3 LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL RIGHT IN TOWN
#4 LACONIA WATER AND SEWER SERVICE
#5 FULL TIME STAFF AT LACONIA CITY HALL
#6 WEEKLY TRASH PICK UP WITH RECYCLING-NO NEED TO GO TO THE DUMP
#7 GREAT CITY WIDE SNOW PLOWING
With all due respect and acknowledging that everyone is entitled to their own opinion: I own properties in both Gilford and Laconia and I am much more satisfied with Gilford and the employees of the town of Gilford when comparing it to Laconia.

1. I really don't care whether the fire department is full time or part time. I was a call firefighter for 25 years in a town that did 1,200 runs per year and the difference is that we were there to do the job, not because there was a job. A totally different attitude.

2. The police department is made up of individuals and their dedication is predicated upon the management and the personnel. That can change over time.

3. There are mixed reviews about LRGH and many parts of Gilford and Belmont have better, faster access than If someone was actually in Laconia.

4. I have lake water and town sewer in Gilford and it is much less expensive than my Laconia bills. If Gilford offered town water I wouldn't take it because of the additional cost. I would put in a well if I didn't have access to the lake.

5. Gilford town hall has a full time staff and they are the best I have ever dealt with. The Laconia City Hall is staffed with people, many of whom who think they are doing you a favor to be there. The Gilford Town Hall is staffed with people who are pleased to help in any way they can. A huge difference in attitude and effort there.

6. The minimal amount I pay for trash pickup is more than offset by the substantial savings in real estate taxes.

7. .................I hear the snow plowing is good but I am pleased to be elsewhere when it snows!

Again, everyone has their own experiences and opinions and they may be different.

Last edited by TiltonBB; 05-04-2016 at 09:49 AM.
TiltonBB is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to TiltonBB For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (05-04-2016), ishoot308 (05-04-2016), Oregonrain (05-04-2016), secondcurve (05-04-2016)
Old 05-04-2016, 09:58 AM   #25
ishoot308
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 6,287
Thanks: 2,402
Thanked 5,299 Times in 2,064 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TiltonBB View Post
5. Gilford town hall has a full time staff and they are the best I have ever dealt with. The Laconia City Hall is staffed with people, many of whom who think they are doing you a favor to be there. The Gilford Town Hall is staffed with people who are pleased to help in any way they can. A huge difference in attitude and effort there.
Couldn't agree more with this! The Gilford town hall people are a real pleasure to work with! They go out of their way to help folks out!

Dan
__________________
It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!
ishoot308 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ishoot308 For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (05-04-2016), TiltonBB (05-04-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 09:08 AM   #26
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,503
Thanks: 221
Thanked 816 Times in 489 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrossamerica View Post
It generally takes a full 6 inches to get the schools closed. We just had a 2 incher three days ago. Plan on winter with the possibility of snow from November 1 to May 1 and having the heat on in the house from the end of August until the end of June. It is a fun place to live. Also no matter where you live with rare exception plan on driving an hour to get to the next place you wish to visit. Even in Laconia one must drive a distance to find all of the things one needs to live properly. And the more rural you get the further away one is from stuff.
What part of the country do you live in?

Our heat usually doesn't go on until late October/November. August is still one of the warmer months of the year! June? Cant recall the last time I ran my heat in June.

This late in the season the schools are usually reluctant to add on more snow days unless absolutely necessary as they have typically used up their allotment and would only be tacking on added days to their calendar. On the seacoast we usually see cancellations if there is 3-4 inches with the threat of more, although slush/ice days can me called for a lot less.
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 09:47 AM   #27
Oregonrain
Senior Member
 
Oregonrain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region
Posts: 144
Thanks: 199
Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Default

I'm currently living in the Willamette Valley in Oregon where we get more rain than anything. We say of our rain what you say of your snow.




Quote:
Originally Posted by codeman671 View Post
What part of the country do you live in?

Our heat usually doesn't go on until late October/November. August is still one of the warmer months of the year! June? Cant recall the last time I ran my heat in June.

This late in the season the schools are usually reluctant to add on more snow days unless absolutely necessary as they have typically used up their allotment and would only be tacking on added days to their calendar. On the seacoast we usually see cancellations if there is 3-4 inches with the threat of more, although slush/ice days can me called for a lot less.
Oregonrain is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 10:07 AM   #28
Woodsy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Weirs Beach
Posts: 1,966
Thanks: 80
Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts
Default

I would rent for year.....

I think renting for a year is great advice... you will figure out fairly quickly where you want to be in the area.

Until you get here, its all conjecture as to what you prefer.


Woodsy
__________________
The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.
Woodsy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 12:18 PM   #29
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,503
Thanks: 221
Thanked 816 Times in 489 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregonrain View Post
I'm currently living in the Willamette Valley in Oregon where we get more rain than anything. We say of our rain what you say of your snow.
I was actually picking on Acrossamerica
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 02:06 PM   #30
Descant
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,384
Thanks: 1,355
Thanked 1,629 Times in 1,061 Posts
Default Good vs Less good neighborhoods

This is all NH. All of NH remains as one of the safest states in the country. Whether you are downtown in Laconia or Wolfeboro, "downtown" is a pretty small area. Remember that in NH "city" is a form of government, not an indicator of population or services. If you want to install ham radio antennas, and need space for guy wires, you probably won't be in a close-in neighborhood, more like an acre+ lots or more. While there may not be a homeowners association, some subdivisions have formal covenants that some things are restricted. In my neighborhood, mostly one acre lots, covenants deal with minimum house size, and maximum garage size. No horses or cows. My neighbor had a pretty tall ham tower. Probably easier to look for a site on a hill instead of the valley we're in. In any event, I suspect you will find many more criteria for home selection than good or bad neighborhood, at least by the more typical image of neighborhood. And if you want to walk around at night, get a nice flashlight. Lots of areas in NH don't have street lights.
Descant is online now   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (05-02-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 03:58 PM   #31
Acrossamerica
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 239
Thanks: 0
Thanked 133 Times in 66 Posts
Default

You have not mentioned two other vital aspects of a move to NH. If you are not already retired or have a decent trust fund (NH has lots of these folks) then jobs are not plentiful in other than the lower wage categories.

Secondly, though politics is not a subject appreciated on this forum, coming from liberal Oregon you if you are of that bent may find the western side of NH more to your liking. Although the lakes region does attack many from Mass and CT with thier ideas on how the rest of us should live our lives.

Your idea of renting for a year is an excellent idea. Nothing worse than finding out that it was not a good fit after buying and finding out exiting usually takes a year or more to find a buyer.
Acrossamerica is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 07:44 PM   #32
Oregonrain
Senior Member
 
Oregonrain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region
Posts: 144
Thanks: 199
Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Default

We are the opposite of liberal. We're very conservative and don't generally get involved in politics.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrossamerica View Post
You have not mentioned two other vital aspects of a move to NH. If you are not already retired or have a decent trust fund (NH has lots of these folks) then jobs are not plentiful in other than the lower wage categories.

Secondly, though politics is not a subject appreciated on this forum, coming from liberal Oregon you if you are of that bent may find the western side of NH more to your liking. Although the lakes region does attack many from Mass and CT with thier ideas on how the rest of us should live our lives.

Your idea of renting for a year is an excellent idea. Nothing worse than finding out that it was not a good fit after buying and finding out exiting usually takes a year or more to find a buyer.
Oregonrain is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Oregonrain For This Useful Post:
beantownbaby (05-06-2016)
Old 05-02-2016, 10:01 PM   #33
8gv
Senior Member
 
8gv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,108
Thanks: 64
Thanked 747 Times in 481 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregonrain View Post
We are the opposite of liberal. We're very conservative and don't generally get involved in politics.
Well then, hurry the hell up! We need you.
8gv is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
beantownbaby (05-06-2016), bruinsfan (05-03-2016), Oregonrain (05-03-2016)
Old 05-03-2016, 08:37 AM   #34
MeredithMan
Senior Member
 
MeredithMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH
Posts: 956
Thanks: 263
Thanked 816 Times in 334 Posts
Default Not following....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrossamerica View Post

Although the lakes region does attack many from Mass and CT with thier ideas on how the rest of us should live our lives.

.
Not following your point....is "attack" meant to be "attract", or are you suggesting that people from MA and CT are "attacked" by people in the lakes region? Also, I'm a MA native. Lived in CT for 7 yrs, and now live back in MA. I can't speak for other MA or CT people, but I've never told anyone, anywhere, how to live their life. I do not follow your point.
MeredithMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2016, 01:14 PM   #35
Winnisquamer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Winnisquam
Posts: 408
Thanks: 72
Thanked 115 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MeredithMan View Post
Not following your point....is "attack" meant to be "attract", or are you suggesting that people from MA and CT are "attacked" by people in the lakes region? Also, I'm a MA native. Lived in CT for 7 yrs, and now live back in MA. I can't speak for other MA or CT people, but I've never told anyone, anywhere, how to live their life. I do not follow your point.

I'll take a stab here and say I think his point is NH is becoming a lot more of a "Massachusetts" like state.


I for one will say NH is no longer "Live Free or Die"
Winnisquamer is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Winnisquamer For This Useful Post:
Seaplane Pilot (05-03-2016)
Old 05-06-2016, 09:33 PM   #36
Tundra
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Thanks: 9
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

"Although the lakes region does attack many from Mass and CT with thier ideas on how the rest of us should live our lives."


We see what you have done to to your home states; that you fled to NH. We're just trying to prevent you from doing the something here, so we don't have to flee too. It's not just MA and CT either, don't forget NY too
Tundra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2016, 05:46 AM   #37
thinkxingu
Senior Member
 
thinkxingu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,292
Thanks: 1,174
Thanked 2,080 Times in 1,291 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tundra View Post
"We see what you have done to to your home states; that you fled to NH. We're just trying to prevent you from doing the something here, so we don't have to flee too. It's not just MA and CT either, don't forget NY too
I reject this completely--I grew up and work in MA and come to NH purely because MA doesn't have the White Mountains or Winnipesaukee. Were I closer to the Berkshires, Poconos, etc. I would go there.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk
thinkxingu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2016, 06:42 AM   #38
Billy Bob
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough
Posts: 319
Thanks: 128
Thanked 167 Times in 101 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by thinkxingu View Post
I reject this completely--I grew up and work in MA and come to NH purely because MA doesn't have the White Mountains or Winnipesaukee. Were I closer to the Berkshires, Poconos, etc. I would go there.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk
Agree completely , we go for the lake and mountains but the taxes , roads , government , drug issues , health care , refusal to maintain what you have , are all messed up . Would never think of moving back full time
Great place to visit . Bad place to live
Billy Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 03:52 PM   #39
pm203
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 225
Thanks: 41
Thanked 86 Times in 46 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tundra View Post
"Although the lakes region does attack many from Mass and CT with thier ideas on how the rest of us should live our lives."


We see what you have done to to your home states; that you fled to NH. We're just trying to prevent you from doing the something here, so we don't have to flee too. It's not just MA and CT either, don't forget NY too
Can you imagine the devastation to Laconia or most NH lake front communities without the inflow of Ma money?
pm203 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 06:31 PM   #40
wifi
Senior Member
 
wifi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lakes Region
Posts: 1,321
Thanks: 282
Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pm203 View Post
Can you imagine the devastation to Laconia or most NH lake front communities without the inflow of Ma money?
Oh mi gaud, what about the devastation due to lack of EBT cards, on the US economy, how ridiculous and baiting
wifi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 06:40 PM   #41
Acrossamerica
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 239
Thanks: 0
Thanked 133 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pm203 View Post
Can you imagine the devastation to Laconia or most NH lake front communities without the inflow of Ma money?
Actually from my observance it is not MA money it is Mom and Dad's money in the form of trust funds. We are arm pit deep in trust fund kids of all ages.
Acrossamerica is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 07:23 PM   #42
wifi
Senior Member
 
wifi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lakes Region
Posts: 1,321
Thanks: 282
Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrossamerica View Post
Actually from my observance it is not MA money it is Mom and Dad's money in the form of trust funds. We are arm pit deep in trust fund kids of all ages.
Oh yes, the vast majority kids of these days have no idea on making money, there are some that have made it, the rest rely on inheritance or the expectation of it. We can thank those with the current tail winds of the "I deserve it" and the "someone else has something and I don't". How sick.
wifi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2016, 07:41 PM   #43
Oregonrain
Senior Member
 
Oregonrain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region
Posts: 144
Thanks: 199
Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Default

oh...lol...ok




Quote:
Originally Posted by codeman671 View Post
I was actually picking on Acrossamerica
Oregonrain is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:46 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.42982 seconds