Hi all. Nice to meet some of you at the PorcFest.
I am a city boy. I've always lived in big cities, and am dependent on urban amenities. Specifically, I like being able to walk where I need to go, which ideally includes a decent variety of take-out food, wash-and-fold laundry service, and a whole-foods-type supermarket. Is this a lost cause in New Hampshire?
Manchester has the greatest population, so presumably it's the closest thing to a "big" city. But I see Portsmouth has a citysearch.com page, and Manchester doesn't. What's up with that?
Is Amtrak of any use? It only seems there are a couple of stops in small villages.
Another factor I would also consider are where the most freestaters live. Are people making an effort to concentrate geographically?
Finally, I was thinking that if a person is planning to run for the state house, doesn't it make the sense to move to the district with the most statist rep who needs to be replaced? Is this sound logic?
-adam
You may actually find a smaller town to be more to your liking than Manchester, strangely enough. That said, I live in Manchester, and for the most part, you can walk or take the bus pretty much anywhere you want to go. There are no Whole Foods or Trader Joe's sort of places that I know of, though.
Where you move to depends largely on what you want to do when you get here and what your hot button issues are. You could certainly run for state rep if that's what you want to do, but keep in mind you have to live here two years first.
Sounds to me like you'd be happy with Manchester.
Quote from: Kat Kanning on June 27, 2007, 05:05 PM NHFT
Sounds to me like you'd be happy with Manchester.
I can't even get a Wal-Mart Supercenter here!
Quote from: error on June 27, 2007, 04:49 PM NHFT
There are no Whole Foods or Trader Joe's sort of places that I know of, though.
I understand from Dreepa that there is a TJ's just across the MA border. I've been completely spoiled by the one around the corner from my house in Atlanta, and will be making regular road trips after we move. I must have my DoubleDark coffee beans, alphabet cookies, and Tamari Wasabi Almonds.
Would gladly take a shopping list with me. Granted, by the time we're in southern NH, you are likely to have quite a long list.
Yeah, the Trader Joe's is -- inexplicably -- on the wrong side of the imaginary line.
Quote from: error on June 27, 2007, 06:31 PM NHFT
Yeah, the Trader Joe's is -- inexplicably -- on the wrong side of the imaginary line.
Probably lower rent!
I don't remember where I saw it, but I heard a Whole Foods Market is being built in Nashua. I think that would be a great place to work.
And, mappchik, I'd love to carpool with you to TJ's once I move up there. I need my Bay Blend coffee, whole wheat bread (that actually tastes good) and greek yoghurt with honey. :D
Diane
Yea, I was going to say...I don't think there are any Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in NH yet...
There's a BJ's though, but no Trader Joe's. No IHOPs in Manchester....but there is one in Portsmouth (or Dover?). I sure wish they'd build one in Manchester.
I have no idea what any of those are. Except for IHOP, I've eaten there two or three times.
Quote from: mackler on June 27, 2007, 04:01 PM NHFT
Another factor I would also consider are where the most freestaters live. Are people making an effort to concentrate geographically?
Finally, I was thinking that if a person is planning to run for the state house, doesn't it make the sense to move to the district with the most statist rep who needs to be replaced? Is this sound logic?
-adam
I think it is still 'early' in the concentrated effort but I would say a fair number live in Concord and in Manchester and Keene.
To your second question I will answer as if I was channeling Denis:::: Hell YES!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: error on June 27, 2007, 04:49 PM NHFT
You may actually find a smaller town to be more to your liking than Manchester, strangely enough. That said, I live in Manchester, and for the most part, you can walk or take the bus pretty much anywhere you want to go. There are no Whole Foods or Trader Joe's sort of places that I know of, though.
Where you move to depends largely on what you want to do when you get here and what your hot button issues are. You could certainly run for state rep if that's what you want to do, but keep in mind you have to live here two years first.
Well, let's say if my goal were to be able to walk (in less that 7 minutes) to the following:
-a deli
-a diner
-a decent cafe/coffee-shop
-mexican food
-chinese food
-indian food
-sushi
with more other dining options a plus, is there anywhere that's possible? Let's also say my goal also late-night access (so an area with lots of lunch ammenities that shuts down at 5:00 pm is not desireable).
Being a pedestrian is important to me. Strip-malls make me suicidal.
Again, I'm wondering if anyone can say why Portsmouth has a citysearch site, but Manchester doesn't. Portsmouth is a lot smaller. Is it really that much more happening?
Also, it appears that there's not even a Starbuck's in Manchester, while both Portsmouth and Keene each have at least one. What's the story with that? Is it because there's too much competetion? --or not enough consumers?
Also, is there a flexcar-type operation anywhere?
-adam
Quote from: mackler on June 28, 2007, 01:55 PM NHFT
Well, let's say if my goal were to be able to walk (in less that 7 minutes) to the following:
-a deli
-a diner
-a decent cafe/coffee-shop
-mexican food
-chinese food
-indian food
-sushi
with more other dining options a plus, is there anywhere that's possible? Let's also say my goal also late-night access (so an area with lots of lunch ammenities that shuts down at 5:00 pm is not desireable).
Downtown Manchester would do you fine for pretty much all of that.
Quote from: mackler on June 28, 2007, 01:55 PM NHFT
Also, it appears that there's not even a Starbuck's in Manchester, while both Portsmouth and Keene each have at least one. What's the story with that? Is it because there's too much competetion? --or not enough consumers?
It's at the airport. Downtown is chock full of local coffee shops.
Quote from: mackler on June 28, 2007, 01:55 PM NHFT
Also, is there a flexcar-type operation anywhere?
None that I know of. The nearest I can find is Zipcar in Boston.
I've been looking at apts in Manchester on google maps. Can anyone tell me where downtown is? Which streets? Thanks!
I drove around Manchester and focused on what looks like they're biggest business area, Elm street. I didn't care for it. It had some stores that shut down after lunch and some that were only open for dinner. Didn't seem like an economic boom. Also, there was this one depressing little indoor mall off of it that was being worked on that was kind of dead. Then I went inside and realized it has a post office and two federal offices and it made sense. It's being subsidized or it probably would be dead.
Nashua seemed much more appealing though I don't know what stores and such are available. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED Chunky's Cinema Pub where you can watch a movie for $7 and order beer and food while you're watching. I was lucky enough to just happen by that one while driving around Nashua and stopped in to watch Shrek III and get a little buzzed.
It's funny you mention TJ's. I was just talking about it today. One finally opened near me here in Atlanta. I was waiting for it. If I live in Nashua, how far is it to the MA one?
Quote from: dalebert on June 28, 2007, 04:01 PM NHFT
It's funny you mention TJ's. I was just talking about it today. One finally opened near me here in Atlanta. I was waiting for it. If I live in Nashua, how far is it to the MA one?
It's a block south of the border from Nashua.
Quote from: lowen on June 28, 2007, 03:37 PM NHFT
I've been looking at apts in Manchester on google maps. Can anyone tell me where downtown is? Which streets? Thanks!
Like dale mentioned Elm. Basically the whole way down.
@mackler... maybe it has a citysearch because the person who set it up lives there or something.. I really can't say... don't know the answer.
Many of the things you want are also available on Main Street in Concord. Don't know if there is sushi on Main street or thereabouts.
I am a city guy also. The only reason I moved out of manchester to keene was the activism. More to my style. 8) Having said that, I loved manchester. I actually had to leave rather abruptly, because I started having second thoughts about eventually moving to keene, and that was one of the reasons I joined the fsp, to do the out of the system activism. The lowest cost of living. (isn't free(er) trade a great thing) The most convieniant for shoping and good food. It is true that it doesn't have everything that many large cities have, but there are alternatives. I don't honestly know much about portsmouth, but I encourage you to try manchester if you like the populations, and city life.
Quote from: David on June 28, 2007, 05:20 PM NHFT
I am a city guy also. The only reason I moved out of manchester to keene was the activism. More to my style. 8) Having said that, I loved manchester. I actually had to leave rather abruptly, because I started having second thoughts about eventually moving to keene, and that was one of the reasons I joined the fsp, to do the out of the system activism. The lowest cost of living. (isn't free(er) trade a great thing) The most convieniant for shoping and good food. It is true that it doesn't have everything that many large cities have, but there are alternatives. I don't honestly know much about portsmouth, but I encourage you to try manchester if you like the populations, and city life.
This is great info. I've been kind of getting the feeling I won't get a suburban Detroit feel anywhere in New Hampshire, but it looks like Manchester may be close enough. I like several convenience stores, little party stores, fast food joints, quiznos, grocery stores, and more all within walking distance from my apt. I'm going to miss Meijer's though.
Nashua also has a downtown and a 'suburban feel' to it in some areas.
Quote from: dalebert on June 28, 2007, 04:01 PM NHFT
It's funny you mention TJ's. I was just talking about it today. One finally opened near me here in Atlanta. I was waiting for it. If I live in Nashua, how far is it to the MA one?
Wait a minute! You're in Atlanta?!
Quote from: lowen on June 28, 2007, 03:37 PM NHFT
I've been looking at apts in Manchester on google maps. Can anyone tell me where downtown is? Which streets? Thanks!
Elm St is equal to the "main street" -- north of Bridge Street/east of Elm. (Zip 03104) is a good bet for a nice apartment within walking distance to bars/restaurants and downtown.
I would say "downtown" is from the blocks within the boundary of Webster Street to the North, Commercial Street to the West, Maple Street to the East and Valley Street to the South.
Someone asked about a whole foods type market. "A Market" is on Loring Street. http://www.amarketnaturalfoods.com It is not downtown but is located on the retail strip "So. Willow Street".
I am glad to answer any other Manchester related questions as I have lived in ManchVegas my entire life.
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Quote from: mappchik on June 28, 2007, 08:21 PM NHFT
Wait a minute! You're in Atlanta?!
Not for long, but heck yeah. Let's hang out! Don't know any Libertarians here though I did meet one at Porcfest that I gotta hook up with soon also.
Quote from: Rosie the Riveter on June 28, 2007, 08:36 PM NHFT
Quote from: lowen on June 28, 2007, 03:37 PM NHFT
I've been looking at apts in Manchester on google maps. Can anyone tell me where downtown is? Which streets? Thanks!
Elm St is equal to the "main street" -- north of Bridge Street/east of Elm. (Zip 03104) is a good bet for a nice apartment within walking distance to bars/restaurants and downtown.
I would say "downtown" is from the blocks within the boundary of Webster Street to the North, Commercial Street to the West, Maple Street to the East and Valley Street to the South.
Someone asked about a whole foods type market. "A Market" is on Loring Street. http://www.amarketnaturalfoods.com It is not downtown but is located on the retail strip "So. Willow Street".
I am glad to answer any other Manchester related questions as I have lived in ManchVegas my entire life.
Not yet
Quote from: Dreepa on June 28, 2007, 08:09 PM NHFT
Nashua also has a downtown and a 'suburban feel' to it in some areas.
I have visited Nashua a couple of times. Parts of it did have a 'big city' feel. I had forgotten that. :-\ I believe concord is the third largest city, and it does not leave the impression of an actual large city.
Yeah, Concord feels more like a big town than a small city. At least until you go up Loudon Road.
Speaking of urban New Hampshire, here's an article on point:
http://www.hippopress.com/070628/cover.html
Keene has all the amenities, and is very bike/walk friendly.
Quote-a deli
-a diner
-a decent cafe/coffee-shop
-mexican food
-chinese food
-indian food
-sushi
All of the above is available in Keene, except the Indian food which is available in North Swanzey (which is pretty much south Keene).
Quote from: mackler on June 27, 2007, 04:01 PM NHFT
Finally, I was thinking that if a person is planning to run for the state house, doesn't it make the sense to move to the district with the most statist rep who needs to be replaced? Is this sound logic?
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
Quote from: mackler on June 28, 2007, 01:55 PM NHFT
Well, let's say if my goal were to be able to walk (in less that 7 minutes) to the following:
-a deli
-a diner
-a decent cafe/coffee-shop
-mexican food
-chinese food
-indian food
-sushi
I have never lived in this sort of situation.
I will be leaving Tucson on Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. I have no idea how long it's going to take me to get up there. I'm going to drive until I'm tired, eat, sleep until I'm not tired, then drive some more.
I expect I should make it to New Hampshire by the weekend. The two main places I want to explore are Nashua and Keene. (Maybe further north if I just can't afford it in the southern part of the state.) So...I guess I should take a deep breath and put this "out there" now. Is there anyone who would be willing to let me crash on their couch for a night or two in either place?
I want to save all the currently available funds I can to put down on a starter place to live. I just need a landing/launching place. Someplace I can take a shower and sleep, basically. I won't bug you. I don't expect to be fed, entertained or tour-guided. I am tidy and quiet. I don't use up the hot water. I don't burp out loud.
If you wouldn't mind a very short term guest, please message me here.
Also, can anyone give me a guesstimate of what the general move-in costs are? Average deposits? First, last mo rent? Will they even rent to you if you are not yet employed?
Thanks,
Diane in AZ
Rents are expensive. Usually, they want a security deposit equal to the first month's rent. So if it says they want $800 for a two bedroom, then you'll need to come up with $1600 to move in. Plus utilities to get the lights turned on. Most people probably won't rent to you without a job.
You might have more success renting a room, or finding a roommate. Many of us have gone that route when we first moved here. if you go to keenesentinel.com and check the classifieds, people advertise for roommates and rooms all the time. This is an especially good time to come, because the college kids are gone, so there are more opportunities.
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 03, 2007, 11:06 PM NHFT
Quote from: mackler on June 27, 2007, 04:01 PM NHFT
Finally, I was thinking that if a person is planning to run for the state house, doesn't it make the sense to move to the district with the most statist rep who needs to be replaced? Is this sound logic?
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
i'm detecting a subtle lack of objectivity.
Afraid of a challenge
Quote from: mackler on July 05, 2007, 02:45 AM NHFT
Quote from: FTL_Ian on July 03, 2007, 11:06 PM NHFT
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
i'm detecting a subtle lack of objectivity.
There are lot of socialists, awful representatives, and high taxes in Keene. It is a college town. Not sure how this is unobjective. :-\
Quote from: mackler on July 05, 2007, 02:45 AM NHFT
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
i'm detecting a subtle lack of objectivity.
[/quote]Couldn't he be completely correct?
What would an objective answer sound like?
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 05, 2007, 07:50 AM NHFT
Quote from: mackler on July 05, 2007, 02:45 AM NHFT
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
i'm detecting a subtle lack of objectivity.
Couldn't he be completely correct?
What would an objective answer sound like?
I was referring more to the claim of Keene's urban amenities. Could little Keene really be the best place for that? I suppose it's possible, but the lack of acknowledgment of any other cities makes me suspicious.
I don't live in Keene.
I really do like the Keene 'downtown' area. It has lots of places you may want to shop. Keene does seem to have many of the stores that people ask about.
If you want the 'negatives' (not saying that these are but some do.. some might say that they are positives):
Lack of jobs
'Far away' from center of NH
Quote from: mackler on July 07, 2007, 05:02 PM NHFT
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 05, 2007, 07:50 AM NHFT
Quote from: mackler on July 05, 2007, 02:45 AM NHFT
We have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene. This is where the action is. 8)
i'm detecting a subtle lack of objectivity.
Couldn't he be completely correct?
What would an objective answer sound like?
I was referring more to the claim of Keene's urban amenities.
I don't see any claims of urban amenities.
Keene is not urban ..... unless you take into consideration the complete Keene Metro Area which has about a 150 mile radius :)
Keene is a very small city with plenty of amenities. The more I see of New Hampshire, the more I am convinced that Keene is the best place to be. 8)
Is it right for you? I think it's worth looking at, but I doubt you'll consider it urban...
QuoteWell, let's say if my goal were to be able to walk (in less that 7 minutes) to the following:
-a deli
-a diner
-a decent cafe/coffee-shop
-mexican food
-chinese food
-indian food
-sushi
If you move to the right area of Manchester (near downtown) you can have that. I'm quite close to Indian, Chinese, diners, delis, Suchi, cafes, etc. It might be a 10 minute walk at times, but it's all quite close by.
QuoteWe have some of the worst reps and some of the best activists all in Keene
And if some of those activists would vote, they might have good reps, too! Imagine: all this and yours could be more....in Keene!
Quote from: Rochelle on July 08, 2007, 06:20 AM NHFT
And if some of those activists would vote, they might have good reps, too! Imagine: all this and yours could be more....in Keene!
I voted once in Keene .... they didn't listen to us. I learned my lesson.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 08, 2007, 06:25 AM NHFT
Quote from: Rochelle on July 08, 2007, 06:20 AM NHFT
And if some of those activists would vote, they might have good reps, too! Imagine: all this and yours could be more....in Keene!
I voted once in Keene .... they didn't listen to us. I learned my lesson.
Eh. They do what they want, whether you vote or not, and whether you vote for
them or not.
Quote from: mackler on June 28, 2007, 01:55 PM NHFT-a deli
If you mean a deli - like where you can walk in and by sliced meats and/or get a good sandwich....I don't know if that exists in NH. You have delis and bakeries in the grocery stores and NH natives seem to be OK with just that.
Quote from: mackler on July 01, 2007, 04:26 PM NHFT
Speaking of urban New Hampshire, here's an article on point:
http://www.hippopress.com/070628/cover.html
There were things in that article that weren't completely accurate though....don't recall exactly what now.
Quote from: Russell Kanning on July 08, 2007, 06:25 AM NHFT
Quote from: Rochelle on July 08, 2007, 06:20 AM NHFT
And if some of those activists would vote, they might have good reps, too! Imagine: all this and yours could be more....in Keene!
I voted once in Keene .... they didn't listen to us. I learned my lesson.
Maybe you didn't do it right. You're supposed walk out of the voting booth holding up your ink-stained finger proclaiming "I'm free!"
Quotelike where you can walk in and by sliced meats and/or get a good sandwich
Hmmm, actually I'm not sure. I've just seen signs that say "deli," so I assume that it's deli. I haven't actually been in one :)
But hey...I have eaten the chinese food, the sushi and Indian food!
Manchester or Nashua sounds like what you're looking for. You should probably consider Keene, Concord, and Portsmouth too . . . i'm just not too familiar with them. I live on Bridge St. in Manchester and within 0-1.5 miles, I have:
a good deli (Jerome's)
great breakfast food (Julien's, Bridge St. Cafe, Red Arrow Diner, the Derryfield)
normal grocery stores (Hannaford's, Stop 'N Shop)
sushi (Thousand Crane)
amazing Korean food (The Korean Place)
Nepalese food (Cafe Momo's)
several independent coffee shops
Dunkin D's (forget Starbucks - Dunkin' Donuts is what the East Coast seems to love)
decent pizza (Alley Cat)
some good and some sketchy Chinese joints
mediocre Mexican (Margarita's)
great Brazilian steakhouse (Gaucho's)
laundromat
lots of bars and other restaurants
within 1.5-3.0 miles:
awesome Mexican food (La Carreta's)
an organic-type grocery
an Asian grocery
really good Indian food
city pool (free for Manch residents)
That being said, Portsmouth might be a cool city to live in too. Portsmouth and Nashua's rents are going to be more than Manch and, I'm assuming, Keene. Depending on what your plans are, Portsmouth might be to your liking. My girlfriend and I go there all the time . . . tons of restaurants, bars, shops, etc.
Quote from: alohamonkey on July 30, 2007, 03:35 PM NHFT
awesome Mexican food (La Carreta's)
Went there for the first time last week. Why didn't anyone tell me about this place?
I was totally wanting Mexican. LA was good for something.
Anyone know of a good Vietnmese place in Manchester?
After much research (with more to come), I present the following report.
Preliminary StatementFirstly, trying to decide what city to live in based on what it looks like from Google Earth is inherently limiting. I admit that the best thing to do would be to live in various places in NH, and then to make a decision. Furthermore, I am biased, both by preference and by necessity. My preferences should be patent, and I am necessarily limited in considering national chains with which I am familiar, rather than local NH businesses even though the latter may be more to my liking. That said, to the extent that one can do research by internet, here's what I found. Take it or leave it as you please.
For this study, I considered (1) Manchester, because it's the biggest, (2) Keene, because it emanates the most powerful porcupine vibrations, (3) Porcsmouth, because it is the only city in NH that has a citysearch.com page, and (4) Concord, because it's the headquarters of you-know-who. I did not consider Nashua, because I consider it to be for people in denial who would really rather be in Massachusetts. Moving there would be half-assed. I'm open to arguments favoring Nashua, since it is the second largest city in New Hampshire (and it has a headshop (http://www.headlinesnh.com/nashua-headlines-store.htm)).
FindingsIn GeneralThe population in 2000 of the tri-county area of Rockingham, Merrimack, and Hillsborough was 794,425. The tri-county area is 2,642 square miles.
In none of the cities I considered is there any of the following:
- Ikea (but there is a Jordan's in Nashua (http://www.jordans.com/about/find_store_detail.asp?type=nashua))
- Denny's (http://web.sa.mapquest.com/dennys/?tempset=search)
- Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/)
Manchester (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03101&ie=UTF8&z=11&iwloc=addr&om=1)Manchester is the largest city in the state, but it's still not that big by city standards. The population is about 109,691. In comparison, Hartford, CT is 124,397. Santa Barbara, CA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Barbara%2C_California) 92,325, Seattle 573,911, Eugene, OR 144,515, Boise, ID 193,161, Fort Collins, CO 128,026, Sarasota, FL 55,000.
One thing Manchester has going for it, is it centrally located between Concord, Porcsmouth, Keene, and Nashua. There is an area called "downtown."
From Google Earth, it looks like the desirable area goes along Elm from maybe about Bridge Street on the north to Market/Hanover street on the South. As far as chains go, there's a Subway on elm. Inexplicably, there is no Starbucks in Manchester!! WTF? (As an aside, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have nothing in common, besides that they both serve drip coffee. Anyway, we're boycotting Dunkin Donuts.)
Locally speaking, there's a coffee place called "Ahh-some coffee." I have no idea if they suck or not. The Red Arrow diner is apparently fantastic. Bean-and Bagel apparently has bagels, and Yoga Balance is on Bridge street. Manchester has a Gold's Gym (http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=282).
For natural foods, there's a place called A Market (http://www.amarketnaturalfoods.com). This is not downtown, however. It's on South Willow stcroot, in what looks like a stripmall, suggesting that there may be a choice between eating natural and burning fossil fuels.
Convenient to downtown is UNH Manchester. Library membership is $60/year (if you're not already a student), which gets you access to other UNH libraries, plus discount access to local museums including the MFA in Boston.
Southern New Hampshire University is about three miles north of downtown Manchester, and is private. The library is open to the public, but you have to be affiliated with the school to borrow. The library is a government document depository.
Manchester is the only city in this survey with an international airport.
Keene (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03431&ie=UTF8&z=10&iwloc=addr&om=1)The city of Keene is famous, of course, not only because it is ground zero of the Porcupine Movement, but also for the [urlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_Fest]Annual Pumpkin Festival[/url]. Porcupines seem to have a dominant media presence in Keene, including a newspaper (http://www.keenefreepress.com), a radio program (http://freetalklive.com/), and they seem to be infiltrating the local cable access (http://freemindstv.com/).
In terms of amenities, Keene has a UPS Store, a Starbucks (not downtown), a Borders Books, a Friendly's, a Subway. There's a place called Lindy's Diner. Anyone have knowledge of Lindy's?
Although the population is small, about 20K, it looks like one could walk across town in less than ten minutes.
The =http://www.keene.edu/library/Mason Library (http://=http://www.keene.edu/library/Mason%20Library)at Keene State College honors Keene Public Library cards.
A downside is that Keene is kind of far away from the other target areas. If you're a crow, it's about forty miles to Manchester.
Porcsmouth (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03101&ie=UTF8&z=13&iwloc=addr&om=1)The population of Porcsmouth is about 20K, roughly equal to that of Keene. It's the only city on the New Hampshire seacoast. It's about 30 miles from Manchester.
Notably for the carless, Porcsmouth has the COAST Bus Service (http://www.coastbus.org/), a private operation (presumably operating with a government license). From downtown Porcsmouth, $1 (http://www.coastbus.org/fares.html) will get one to a number of useful locations, including UNH, the Amtrak station in Dover, and the Pease Airport (http://www.peasedev.org/pease/airport.asp). A route that doesn't quite go through downtown (http://www.coastbus.org/r7map.html) serves Exeter where there is also an Amtrak station. During the summer there is also the "Trolley" line (http://www.coastbus.org/trolley.html), which I do not believe involves any actual trolleys.
The carless will also want to know that Porcsmouth has an Enterprise Rentacar.
Downtown, there is a Starbucks (http://www.starbucks.com/retail/locator/MapResults.aspx?a=1&StoreKey=2912), a Subway.
Porcsmouth features a Gold's Gym (http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=378) somewhat on the outskirts of town. Just to the north, in Newington, is an IHOP (http://2028%20woodbury%20ave,%20portsmouth,%20nh%2003801).
There's a place called Victoria's Juice. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's a juicebar. Anybody have more info on this?
Also notable, Porcsmouth has a rich history since it was one of the first settlements and was home to a number of famous historical characters.
Concord (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03301&ie=UTF8&z=11&iwloc=addr&om=1)The main thing Concord has going for it (for porcupine purposes) is that it's the headquarters of
The State (http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/). It also seems to be the only place in New Hampshire with law libraries, the public one (http://www.courts.state.nh.us/lawlibrary/), and the the one at Franklin Pierce (http://www.library.piercelaw.edu/). I don't know which one is better. Access to the Franklin Pierce government documents is free to the public, and attorneys can join the library for $240/year (http://www.library.piercelaw.edu/LWP-New/Services/Members/fees.cfm), which includes (in-library) access to WestLaw.
Population-wise, at about 40K Concord is about twice as large as Keene or Porcsmouth.
In other areas of interest, Concord features a UPS Store, a Starbucks, a Subway, a Gold's Gym (http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=1005) a Border's Books, a Waldenbooks, and a Kinko's (http://fedex.kinkos.com/locations/locator_drive.php?IC_O=42.990282975759946%3A-71.464617625491087%3A32%3A03101&GAD1_O=&GAD2_O=&GAD3_O=03101&GAD4_O=USA&IC_D=43.209262%3A-71.531807%3ACoffeeShopIcon%3A&GAD1_D=&GAD2_D=10+Fort+Eddy+Rd&GAD3_D=&GAD4_D=USA).
Concluding StatementTrying to pick one place to be is tough. My tendency would be to just choose the city with the most people, or the city with the most porcupines. That would be Manchester or Keene, but the fact that the law libraries are in Concord makes the choice not so easy.
After much pondering I am starting to think that perhaps it is not useful to ever think of the choice as "which city." Perhaps it is more useful to consider the whole region , and to think of each city as a neighborhood. Consider, for example that the distance from Manchester to Concord (http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Manchester,+NH&geocode=&daddr=concord,+nh&f=d&hl=en&sll=42.99117,-71.46313&sspn=0.354591,0.32341&ie=UTF8&ll=43.09998,-71.49971&spn=0.353962,0.32341&z=11&om=1) is about the distance from downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach (http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Venice,+CA&geocode=&saddr=los+angeles,+ca&f=d&hl=en&sll=33.98756,-118.47212&sspn=0.100488,0.080853&ie=UTF8&z=11&om=1), which are both in the same city. The distance from Sylmar to San Pedro (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=sylmar,+ca&daddr=san+pedro,+ca&sll=34.040143,-118.33786&sspn=0.974097,0.942078&ie=UTF8&ll=34.027624,-118.380432&spn=0.974241,0.942078&z=10&om=1), both in the city of Los Angeles, is greater than the distance from Manchester to Porcsmouth (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=manchester,+nh&daddr=portsmouth,+nh&sll=43.061965,-71.872285&sspn=0.858866,0.942078&ie=UTF8&ll=43.017701,-71.117249&spn=0.859485,0.942078&z=10&om=1).
More thought as i think more.
Whole Foods is coming to Nashua in 2008. Ikea and Jordans are two different beasts. Denny's? Seriously?
I live next to Nashua in Hudson. I am 11.9 miles from my driveway to the terminal of Manchester International by taxicab via back roads. As far as national chains, I don't mind buying boxes from them, but eating? Come to NH and let us break you of your chains.
Hudson has some very good reps on the NHLA report card...and two exceptions. Nothing even approaching the semblance of a downtown.
Quote from: mackler on August 13, 2007, 02:00 AM NHFT
In none of the cities I considered is there any of the following:
- Ikea (but there is a Jordan's in Nashua (http://www.jordans.com/about/find_store_detail.asp?type=nashua))
- Denny's (http://web.sa.mapquest.com/dennys/?tempset=search)
- Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/)
For natural foods, there's a place called A Market (http://www.amarketnaturalfoods.com). This is not downtown, however. It's on South Willow stcroot, in what looks like a stripmall, suggesting that there may be a choice between eating natural and burning fossil fuels.
The population of Porcsmouth is about 20K, roughly equal to that of Keene.
I would stop looking for west coast chain stores here and just assume you can buy stuff you like here in NH.
Portsmouth is much bigger than Keene I am sure.
For people from places like SoCal .... all of NH is one city. :) If you lived in Manchester, you would not miss out on a thing ... accept the back woods .. which you obviously do not want to live in.
If you want to eat natural foods and not burn fossil fuels ... do not live "downtown" in a big city. Live on a farm.
Lindy's in Keene is an interesting place. The first day I ever spent in Keene, I bumped into it and had breakfast there. I wasin Keene because the American Candidate program was in town. IIRC 9 candidates came thru town each with their entourage of camera, microphone and "please sign this release form" people. I was there to help Jim Maynard person some tables for the FSP, LPNH and a third org that escapes me. I spent the day flashing my FSP shirt in front of cameras.
Lindy's is famous for being visited by political candidates. I think most prez candidates have been there since Kennedy.
The place is tiny, and, usually packed with customers, so, there was no room when the entourages showed up.
I still eat there when I am in Keene. Foods good, cheap and the help are friendly.
Quote from: GraniteForge on August 13, 2007, 09:31 AM NHFT
Quote from: mackler on August 13, 2007, 02:00 AM NHFT
For natural foods, there's a place called A Market (http://www.amarketnaturalfoods.com). This is not downtown, however. It's on South Willow stcroot, in what looks like a stripmall, suggesting that there may be a choice between eating natural and burning fossil fuels.
A Market is a freestanding building, on what used to be a street that until fairly recently dead-ended in woods. The strip mall and shopping center behind it, and the auto repair shop and gas station in front of it, were built later. A Market is still a worthwhile destination, regardless of the new neighbors.
I just went to A Market for my first time last week. I was pretty impressed. Fresh veggies, good meat, organic everything . . . some items were a little pricy but others were very comparable to Stop N Shop and Hannaford's. Just cooked up some portabellas from there last night and they were fantastic. And I just went to Trader Joe's for my first time yesterday. It's in Southern Nashua (maybe Mass??) and it only took about 35 minutes from my house. It was my first visit there as well and I will most likely be a repeat customer.
All of the places that you suggested living in are very accessible. From Manch, it is:
15-20 minutes to Concord
30 minutes to Portsmouth
1-1.5 hr to Keene
I love living here . . . everything is close. In Ohio, I would drive 3-4 hours each way to go to a concert and still never leave Ohio. I can travel across 3-4 states here in the same amount of time.
Quote from: mackler on August 13, 2007, 02:00 AM NHFT
Keene (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=03431&ie=UTF8&z=10&iwloc=addr&om=1)
The city of Keene is famous, of course, not only because it is ground zero of the Porcupine Movement, but also for the [urlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin_Fest]Annual Pumpkin Festival[/url]. Porcupines seem to have a dominant media presence in Keene, including a newspaper (http://www.keenefreepress.com), a radio program (http://freetalklive.com/), and they seem to be infiltrating the local cable access (http://freemindstv.com/).
In terms of amenities, Keene has a UPS Store, a Starbucks (not downtown), a Borders Books, a Friendly's, a Subway. There's a place called Lindy's Diner. Anyone have knowledge of Lindy's?
Once when I was in Lindy's one of the waitresses shouted out to the customers when a local parking bureaucrat was poking around outside. Talk about a staff that cares about its customers!
You should know that the Starbucks is .6 miles away from the UPS store which is located in the heart of downtown Keene. Does that put the Starbucks in downtown? I'm not sure, but it's damn close. Also, there is another Starbucks in Keene located inside the Target. Plus, right across from the stand-alone Starbucks is a Panera Bread which offers free WiFi and also has coffee drinks. In addition, you'll find *several* local options for coffee.
To fill in a few gaps on the nationally known amenities, Keene also has Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Circuit City, Dick's Sporting Goods, Staples, Sears Essentials, JCPenney, Bed Bath and Beyond, Blockbuster, KB Toys, Petco, and more.
In addition to several locally owned stores, you will find regional chains here like Aubuchon's Hardware, and Eastern Mountain Sports.
Keene also has the usual national suspects for fast food like McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King (All three of which are located right next door to each other, and occasionally Wendy's will make fun of McDonald's on their marquee!), Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Taco Bell, KFC, Subway...
You'll also find sit-down national chains like Chilli's, Olive Garden, and Longhorn Steakhouse. Not to mention regional chains like Friendly's (2 on the same street!).
Of course there's a variety of locally owned restaurants as well as a large selection of Chinese takeout. (I recommend King's Garden on Main Street.) 8)
QuoteAlthough the population is small, about 20K, it looks like one could walk across town in less than ten minutes.
You could definitely bike it in 10 minutes...you may also want to know that there are handy bike trails running throughout the city!
A few other thoughts:
Portsmouth's downtown is just dreadful in comparison to Keene. Parallel parking is everywhere and as a result the place seems very claustrophobic. Keene claims to have the widest Main Street in all of America, and it is very luxurious! Easy parking directly on Main Street, and parking garages available as well.
While Keene does not have a Gold's Gym, it does have a YMCA as well as a female-only gym and a 24-hour men's gym.
There is a locally owned natural/organic store called Blueberry Fields, and you'll find a *large* natural/organic selection in each major grocery store in town. Grocery stores include the awesome Price Chopper (24 hour!), Shaws, and Hannaford's.
I hope that helps!
I'm guessing most of you are much younger than me. You may move many times in your lifetime. If an area has an initial appeal to you move there. You don't have to stay there the rest of your life. You just have to stay in NH the rest of your life.
But how many different places inside of NH?
Mackler.. I must say that that is good research!
+1
Concord also has a 'thriving downtown'.
Don't forget the Dunkin Donuts on every block!
Well.....you're just describing New England with that
Quote from: Beavis on August 13, 2007, 08:52 PM NHFT
Don't forget the Dunkin Donuts on every block!
He didn't:
Quote from: mackler on August 13, 2007, 02:00 AM NHFT
(As an aside, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have nothing in common, besides that they both serve drip coffee. Anyway, we're boycotting Dunkin Donuts.)
Quote from: FTL_Ian on August 13, 2007, 12:11 PM NHFT
<snip>
I hope that helps!
Dang! That puts things in perspective. Organic food, Home Depot, BB&B, all in little Keene? I never would have thought. My hometown of Newton, MA is four times the size and has none of that. Anyone rooting for Manchester, now would be the time to speak up.
Seems like the only drawback to Keene is it's distance. Is it really a hour and a frigging half to get to Manchester? That part blows.
Here's the next unaddressed issue: how much regular porcupine activity is there in Keene and Manchester? I gather there's a weekly on Tuesday's in Manchester that's well attended. What else?
See for yourself:
http://calendar.freekeene.com/
Sometimes you'll find that Keene residents will carpool to Manchester and Concord, though if you do plan on spending a lot of time in those places the drive will be a hassle. Though it is a very pretty trip!
Quote from: mackler on August 14, 2007, 12:18 AM NHFT
Seems like the only drawback to Keene is it's distance. Is it really a hour and a frigging half to get to Manchester? That part blows.
While it doesn't look so far on a map, look at the geography: the rivers and mountain ranges (and major roads!) run north and south in NH. Going north or south is quick and easy, but east and west is more problematic.
As the old saying goes, "Yuh can't get theah from heah."
Trying to convince a city boy to move to Keene..... ;D
Quote from: mackler on August 14, 2007, 12:18 AM NHFT
My hometown of Newton, MA is four times the size and has none of that.
I grew up there.
Quote from: Dreepa on August 14, 2007, 10:15 PM NHFT
Quote from: mackler on August 14, 2007, 12:18 AM NHFT
My hometown of Newton, MA is four times the size and has none of that.
I grew up there.
I live on the Brighton/Chestnut Hill/Newton border now.
Newton seemed more like a suburb than a town. Just my impression.
How do you define the difference?
Quote from: Beavis on August 15, 2007, 12:07 AM NHFT
Newton seemed more like a suburb than a town. Just my impression.
I always felt that it was a suburb.
It does have about 90K people though.... The 'villages' do feel like villages though.