Lowest cost of living?

[JohnLocke]

In my question about Durham many people said that everything was really expensive there.

Which towns/cities have the lowest cost of living then? I'd like to buy my first house in a good area but I want to research everywhere throughly first though.

[Russell Kanning]

Everything gets more expensive near universities.

The farther you can get from Boston and the smaller the town ... the cheaper it will get.

[KBCraig]

The lowest cost of living will be at the far northern end of the state, but what you really have to look at is relative cost of living, taking into account salaries and earning potential in different places. That said, a small town within commuting distance of a major center will offer the best balance.

On the other hand, if you can commit to a simpler lifestyle, where you can ride your bike or take the bus to work, then Manchester might work out for you.

[Dreepa]

Also one other note... sometimes it is hard to find rentals in the 'smaller towns'.

[Fluff and Stuff]

Sharing rent with somone just about anywhere in NH may be low cost.  Check Roommates.com for more info.  Generally, the towns in the North (cept Ski areas) tend to be less expensive.  Other towns and cities in the state where housing costs tend to be on the lower side: Newport, Farmington, Milton, Hillsboro, Hill, Grafton, Franklin, Somersworth, Claremont, Cornish, Laconia, Tilton, Northwood, Middleton.

Also, consider living close enough to a major shopping area so that most prices are highly competitive.  A good thing about NH is that it has three different wholesale shopping clubs unlike most states (Sam's Club, BJs, and Costco) and a large variety of grocery stores with a variety of services.  Some major shopping areas are Tilton, Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Salem, Rochester, Lebanon, Keene.  Or, at least within 40 miles of a Super Wal-Mart (which is no much of a problem in NH).

You will find that somethings are of great value in NH.  For example, Sam Adams beer in NH is half of what I pay in TN and most drinks are less than in most states.  Gas is also better than anywhere else in New England (along with smokes, drinks, fireworks, cars).

About Durham, though. It is refreshing that the major college town in NH doesn't have a getto unlike the area around many other colleges (such as mine).  I know a girl that lived less than 1 mile from my college for around 6 months and 2 girls were rapped in the parking lot infront of her house during that time.  Stuff like that just doesn't happen in NH.