The Lakes Region as a retirement area

[Irish mist]

Over the last several years I have run into hundreds of people who have come up to retire in the Lakes Region from all over the USA & Europe. I'm curious to hear from people out there who moved here to retire, or are planning to retire here and what made you pick this area. The Lakes Region really seems to have become a popular retirement area in the last several years.

I'm in my 40s, and I still have 20 years of work to go, but I had always planned on going to Florida to retire. But I think that the quality of life is so much better here in central NH that I have lost all interest in going to Florida and purchased a new condo several years ago up here that I plan to use in retirement.

So I'm curious about what will, or has, drawn you folks to think about retiring here:)

For me it's the peace & quiet in the off-season. No crowds, no traffic:) decent cost of living. Only a 2 hour drive to Boston. Most everything I need I can get here, or in Concord. The local people in this area are mostly a very happy bunch. Lot's of smiles & an easy going feeling most times you are out & about. And though it troubles me somewhat because I don't want the area to lose its rural feel....there has been enough growth with shopping & medical services that I feel this will be a good place to hang my hat.....what about you ? :)

[secondcurve]

Irish Mist:

The biggest draw back I see is the winters. I love visiting in the winter but I wouldn't want to spend a full winter, especially if the weather we got this year becomes more frequent. I see lots of retirees in my area spend 6-months in FLA and 6-months in the Lakes Region. If your pocket book can afford splitting the year between a summer home and a winter home, I think that is the way to go. Good luck.

[Irish mist]

Irish Mist:

The biggest draw back I see is the winters. I love visiting in the winter but I wouldn't want to spend a full winter, especially if the weather we got this year becomes more frequent. I see lots of retirees in my area spend 6-months in FLA and 6-months in the Lakes Region. If your pocket book can afford splitting the year between a summer home and a winter home, I think that is the way to go. Good luck.

I find the winters comforting. I like the quiet, and the slow pace of things. Aside from middle December to about middle March I don't think the weather is that bad. Though I agree that a winter like the last one every year would be difficult :)

[Flylady]

:I find the winters comforting. I like the quiet, and the slow pace of things. Aside from middle December to about middle March I don't think the weather is that bad. Though I agree that a winter like the last one every year would be difficult :)

Why the Lakes region? Left New England at 20 and after all these years in the rat race of LA, I urned for the small town peace and tranquility, and on a lake even a better deal. I still plan to winter in CA or AZ, as once you leave that weather it is pretty hard to adjust back! The added bonus is no state income or sales tax.

[chipj29]

I still have 20 something years of work/slavery left until I retire. However, when I do retire, I want to do it right here in NH. I have no desire to move to Florida or anywhere else for that matter. Of course things might change by the time the year 2030 rolls around, but that is how I feel as of now.

My wife has expressed the desire to move to Florida (where she was born). This could be a major bone of contention in 20 years. Not gonna worry about it yet, though. ;) She knows where I stand.

[Highlander]

After doing the two home thing for 20+ years between Mass and the Lake we made the move up here this spring due to job situations in MA. Our intention was to make the move in 2 years time anyway. We originally planned to do the 6 months at the lake and 6 months in Florida routine but after spending more time up here we now are thinking spending most of the year at the lake and trying to take the month of March and head somewhere warm for a break. This way we can try different places each year plus be in NH for the best part of ski and snowmobile season. Having had family in Florida and spending a good amount of time there it is not our favorite, also the real estate market there is worse than up in the northeast and the cost of maintainiong a home/condo there is very high. Good luck.

[Lakegeezer]

As of July 1, my wife and I will be living in the lakes region full time, and I can truely start working on earning the name "lakegeezer". We've been coming up since the early 80's and had a second home since 91 and it is time to consolidate. We love all of the seasons, and especially the changes that come with it. The crazies during summer weekends add to the entertainment, but 90% of the time, the lake is quiet. There are a few weeks in April, when the roads are muddy and the lake is still frozen that leave something to be desired, but that is what Florida is for.

Our decision to move was made several years ago, when Internet came down our street. I've worked out of my home for years and the only challenge to working here is the long trip to MHT airport. My wife took an early retirement package from her job and started a small business in the lakes region. We'll retire when we're ready - semi-retire at first - but we know where we will live for the next 20-30 years.

We enjoy the people in the lakes region. The trades people are down-to-earth, honest and hard-working. The others who have retired here are relaxed and fun to be around. The tourists add spice to the area - and like my sister's kids - fun to be around and a joy to see them go.

The biggest challenge for me is the lack of businesses in Moultonborough. We have to drive from Moultonboro to Laconia (40 minutes) for Lowes/Wal-Mart type stuff. Soon, there will be good grocery shopping in Meredith - but that's 20 minutes away. When I go to Concord or Manchester, I feel like I'm in retail heaven - and my wallet rattles in my pocket when I get near Boston. But - given the lack of retail stores, I end up buying less and the FedEx truck brings anything I buy over the Internet. We'll survive. Another issue that scares me is the energy costs to heat our home. Winters are cold - and I like that - but also like a warm house. We have a wood stove to huddle around. Medical facilities are also a problem. While there is a clinic in Moultonborough, lab tests or anything serious means a 45 minute drive to Wolfeboro.

There are hundreds of places to retire. We chose the lakes region because it grew on us and when it came time for a decision - nothing else made the cut. Now, we can start living our lives in one place - and a place we expect to be for a long time.

[Argie's Wife]

New Hampshire is the fifth oldest state in the country and will soon move into the fourth place position. There is high demand for affordable elderly housing - not just in the way of a nursing home (skilled nursing care) but in sub-division-style housing that's designed towards the needs of the elderly or an aging population.

Currently, Belknap County is the fastest growing county in the state. There are more sub-divisions on paper than you can count right now and more coming in all the time.

In Alton, there is a proposal that's going through the planning stages of a 52-unit elderly (age 62 and up) housing development that will be situated on only 14 acres. There's little/to no amenities to this development now and one has to wonder what the impact will be on the senior center and other town departments/budget accounts.

In a nutshell - expect there to be a shortage in the elderly housing market in the area and a strain on the resources, such as medical care, community services, etc. The elderly who can afford it, often travel to the seacoast or Boston for specialized medical care (i.e. joint replacement operations or oncology services) because they often feel they'll get better care in the "big cities". (I'm NOT saying this is necessarily true - I am saying that it DOES HAPPEN.)

Now, from my own perspective....

The Lakes Region has had a building boom over the past few years. There has been a steady rise in population. It's not as quaint and quiet as it used to be. Hubby and I are looking at staying in NH for our winters but dream of retiring in Nova Scotia (Digby) to get away from the buzz of the Lakes area.

[Irish mist]

New Hampshire is the fifth oldest state in the country and will soon move into the fourth place position. There is high demand for affordable elderly housing - not just in the way of a nursing home (skilled nursing care) but in sub-division-style housing that's designed towards the needs of the elderly or an aging population.

Currently, Belknap County is the fastest growing county in the state. There are more sub-divisions on paper than you can count right now and more coming in all the time.

In Alton, there is a proposal that's going through the planning stages of a 52-unit elderly (age 62 and up) housing development that will be situated on only 14 acres. There's little/to no amenities to this development now and one has to wonder what the impact will be on the senior center and other town departments/budget accounts.

In a nutshell - expect there to be a shortage in the elderly housing market in the area and a strain on the resources, such as medical care, community services, etc. The elderly who can afford it, often travel to the seacoast or Boston for specialized medical care (i.e. joint replacement operations or oncology services) because they often feel they'll get better care in the "big cities". (I'm NOT saying this is necessarily true - I am saying that it DOES HAPPEN.)

Now, from my own perspective....

The Lakes Region has had a building boom over the past few years. There has been a steady rise in population. It's not as quaint and quiet as it used to be. Hubby and I are looking at staying in NH for our winters but dream of retiring in Nova Scotia (Digby) to get away from the buzz of the Lakes area.

Belknap county has exploded......but there are still more people walking around Harvard Square on a Monday afternoon than there are in all of Belknap county. All this building you see is for the boomers as they are starting to retire. There's still a lot of room up here. No place is perfect, but the Lakes Region has a bright future IMO.

[hilltopper]

New Hampshire is the fifth oldest state in the country and will soon move into the fourth place position.

Sorry, I gotta ask. With all 50 states aging at the same rate, how can NH "move into the fourth place position"? Which of the top 4 are we doing away with (actually, I think NH is the 9th oldest state, correct?)?

Sorry to get off track. I (hopefully) have 33 years or so until I retire. At this point in my life I hate the heat and love the Winter and would absolutely consider staying in the area when I retire.

[meteotrade]

Sorry, I gotta ask. With all 50 states aging at the same rate, how can NH "move into the fourth place position"?

I think he/she was speaking in reference to the average age of the population, not the year the state was born... I was confused at first too.

[upthesaukee]

...if we use the signing of the US constitution and the resulting admission into the Union as the criteria.

I almost remember it ...:laugh:

[hilltopper]

I think he/she was speaking in reference to the average age of the population, not the year the state was born... I was confused at first too.

I knew I must have been misunderstanding the verbage. :D

[Slickcraft]

Winter – We ski and snowshoe with season pass at Gunstock and Loon.

Spring – Ice out, boats launched and camp on the island open.

Summer – Lots of time at camp, friends and family especially grandchildren. Riding the Harley here and up north, hiking the many trails in the Belknap Range.

Fall – The tourists fade away, all the summer activities continue with the best weather of the year. Bike rides in the mountains as the leaves turn. Close-up camp, get the skis out.

It does get a little crowded at times but then it gets quiet again. The overall tax burden is pretty reasonable.

Florida?? I used to have to travel to that hot humid flat crowded place. Never will I set foot there again.:D

[KBoater]

As an early retiree, I followed the advice of my mother who retired to Wolfeboro and then started another business there. She felt that winter in NH was harder as you get older and have problems walking on ice. This made her house bound on many days. She stilled loved NH but felt she was too old (85) to go south for the winter since she did not have an established base there.
When I retired 15 years ago, I chose to go to FL for the winter and establish a base there. I am most active in FL with many friends and do so much boating there that I do not feel the need to go out every day on Winnie. I do make trips on good days. I think I have “the best of both worlds”. Since I have lived in Wolfeboro a long time(40 years), I also have great friends here and love it is the summer.
Many of my friends in FL have 2 homes. When they retired, they sold their work home(not much to do in the Suburbs):cool:, bought in FL and kept their summer place to go to in the summer. They are from all over the country. It is interesting to realize that the lakes in the Midwest are used similar to Winnie.

[winnitru]

We count the days (1399) until our retirement to the Lakes Region. Once our second son graduates, our summer vacation becomes permanent! My husband has a business and we have raised our children in Florida (not to far from FL Boater, I think).
If it weren’t for the opportunities Florida afforded us, we would never know of the bucolic shores of Winnipesaukee. Yet if I could rearrange the universe, I would have raised the boys right here in NH. The vibe is more genuine, the population more grounded. People seem to embrace character and integrity and purpose. The change of seasons, even a change in the weather, here on the lake provides a gentle drama compared to dodging hurricanes or fleeing the oppressive humidity. Admittedly, we will likely always have a place in FL. I’m pushin’ 50 now and the knees and the back are complaining of the cold in ways unheard of heretofore!
For those of you fortunate enough to be here year round… hold the fort down we’re on our way!

[Lakesrider]

Have to laugh a bit...As the baby boomers age, and as there are so many of us, isn't every state going to become a retirement state? If you catch my thinking.
We bought a slip and a boat at Trexlers/Quayside on Moultonborough Neck, and then liked it so much we bought a house. then rented that out in hopes of having the rentals pay down the mortgage quicker so that we could retire.
Well that changed and we decided to move here. Life is just a bit slower most of the year, less stress, taxes are a bit cheaper...until next year and we become a donor town...Arghh. People are friendlier, willing to talk politics without flipping out like our friends in Mass do. So there are many reasons to retire here. Heck we even get a Hannafords now!:D

[Newbiesaukee]

Although NH does not have an income tax, there is a 5% tax on unearned income( such as interest and dividends) over a certain amount. I believe this amount is in the ballpark of $2400 per person or $4800 per couple. Although this may be neither relevant nor important to some prospective retirees, it should be taken into consideration for those it might affect.

[Ropetow]

My wife and I are both Mass----- by birth. We relocated to Rochester 4+ years ago...best move of our lives. She works in a neighboring town while I commute to MA 32 or so weeks a year, 4 days a week. Our boat lives on the Big Lake now and we will eventually. Thought about moving to Alton, but with the gas prices....we are going to wait a bit. If God were to establish residence on earth, it would be in NH...in spite of the temporary takeover of the State House by the tax-and-spend crowd.

[Argie's Wife]

Sorry, I gotta ask. With all 50 states aging at the same rate, how can NH "move into the fourth place position"? Which of the top 4 are we doing away with (actually, I think NH is the 9th oldest state, correct?)?

Sorry to get off track. I (hopefully) have 33 years or so until I retire. At this point in my life I hate the heat and love the Winter and would absolutely consider staying in the area when I retire.

If you read what I first wrote - we are the fifth OLDEST state. Not from a historical sense of old but from a demographic sense of OLD (over 65 y/o) Demographics shift with cost of living, healthcare availability, abundance of skilled nursing care facilities, longevity, etc.

[HomeWood]

I still have 20+ years until retirement, but my wife and I have dreams of retiring at what is now my grandparents house on the lake, just like they did in the 80's. Infact, it's right down the road from Lake Geezer.

Unfortunately I live a 14 hour drive from the lake, but North Carolinas police retirement is 2nd best in the country and I have 7 years in now. New Hampshires retirement is not nearly as good,50% after 20 years. I'm lookng at 80% after 30 years and I plan to have a couple years worth of sick time to retire early with at around age 48 or 49. It's possible that we will get a 25 yr retirement passed here and then I could be done at around age 44! I'd love to retire up there and join the marine patrol, at least you could trust me to know what I was doing out there.

I think Massachusetts (my home state) has a minimum age of 55, blah!

[Mr. V]

Is the health care up to snuff?

Older folks don't want to be too far from a doctor, or hospital.

How about nursing homes / adult care facilities?

[Cristen]

My parents are retired and have been living in Meredith now for about a year. I know my mother was worried about the long winters, and also "being stranded on a dirt road". Their house is out on Meredith neck on a private dirt road, therefore not plowed by the town. Last winter was one of the toughest in NH history and they made it through OK.

Anyway, they are very happy living at the lake. I hope to live there full-time someday too. :liplick:

[dpg]

taxes are a bit cheaper...until next year and we become a donor town...Arghh. :D

I know there were other threads about this, in a nutshell what does it mean? How much do things go up, any figures yet?

[dpg]

New Hampshires retirement is not nearly as good,50% after 20 years. I'm lookng at 80% after 30 years and I plan to have a couple years worth of sick time to retire early with at around age 48 or 49.

Yeah, 50% of nothing is still nothing. :rolleye1: My high school daughter on a good week makes more at the local pizza shop here in Mass than a Moultonborough officer in blue.

[Skip]

New Hampshires retirement is not nearly as good,50% after 20 years. I'm lookng at 80% after 30 years and I plan to have a couple years worth of sick time to retire early with at around age 48 or 49. It's possible that we will get a 25 yr retirement passed here and then I could be done at around age 44!

Just so we are not comparing apples & oranges here.

While it is true that if you are a fulltime officer or firefighter in NH you receive 50% at 20 years, at 30 years service you receive 75%.

Additionally, the percentage you receive is not computed on base salary, but on an average of the best three years highest salary. So, with some minor restrictions all overtime, traffic and outside details and final payout get figured towards your final pension number. That is why recently we have had a number of Group II retirees retire at annual salaries exceeding the actual base salary of the last year of service. It also explains the recent struggles in Concord to make a number of changes to the State backed retirement system.

Finally, you "vest" in the retirement system at ten years. You are eligible for full retirement at age 45 with twenty years of service (Group II only). So, an individual that entered Group II at age 18 can retire with 27 years service and around 70% of the average of his best three years take at the ripe old age of 45.

And then you can go get a part-time job at the local pizza parlor to supplement your income....or just join the NHMP! ;)

[HomeWood]

Thanks Skip. I figured you could stay longer, but didn't know the percentage and what not.

[neckdweller]

Yeah, 50% of nothing is still nothing. :rolleye1: My high school daughter on a good week makes more at the local pizza shop here in Mass than a Moultonborough officer in blue.

Maybe reducing the full time squadron down to a reasonable level and then giving some of that back in raises to the ones remaining? Nahhh - that might make some financial sense.:D

I grew up in Moultonborough and will keep a place there until I die, but I can't see retiring there year round. Being up there from April-November will be fine by me. I'll get to spend 3 of the 4 seasons there and avoid the snow/shoveling/slipping/sliding season.