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| Snuggled along the edges of
Lake Winnipesaukee in rural central New Hampshire, at the
southern edge of the White Mountains, is the picturesque village of
Meredith (population 5,500). This is the Lakes
Region, and Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire's
largest body of water. Meredith is but one of
several quaint villages and towns that dot the lake, and Lake
Winnipesaukee is but one of 273 lakes and ponds in this
region. This is quintessential New England, and
Meredith attracts tourists, families and retirees.
Founded in 1768, today 22% of the population is age 45
to 64, and 18% is 65 or above. |
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| Meredith's overall cost-of-living is
roughly 12% above the national average, and housing
is about 20% above the national average.
The median home price is $375,000. Prices are
high because this is a quaint, touristy spot nestled
in splendid scenery, the kind of place where people
want to live. Still, town homes with 1,400
square feet, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths are available
for $195,000 (and others, on the lake, sell for
$350,000), and modest homes (750 sq. ft.) with some
acreage nestled in the woods outside of town can be
had for less than $200,000. $350,000 will
fetch a 2,500 sq. ft., 3 to 4 bedroom, 3 bath home
with a pitched roof and dormer windows outside of
town. In town, such a dwelling sells for
$400,000 and much more. |
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Many homes in this area are large, 2,500
to 3,500 sq. ft., have water views or direct water access
and were built in the 1800s (some date from the
1700s). Architectural styles include Colonial,
Cape Cod and traditional. We were unable to find
apartments for rent in Meredith, and there is only one
manufactured/mobile home community (Interlakes Mobile Home
Park). Find foreclosures here
(advertisement). New Hampshire has no state income tax, but high
property taxes make up for that lost income.
Tax rates are $10.27 per $1,000 of a home's assessed
value. The annual taxes on a $375,000
residence would be $3,851. |
This is a rugged but beautiful state. Winters
can get cold and bring lots of snow, but for anyone who
loves winter outdoor recreation, this is a wonderful area
for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, ice
sailing and just enjoying the tranquility of
winter. For downhill skiers, Gunstock Ski Area
provides 45 trails and is the place for day and night
skiing, with panoramic vistas of the
lakes and the White Mountains. On average, the
area receives 16 to 18 inches of snow per month from
December to March with temperatures in the 20s, teens,
single digits. Invigorating!
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Summers
are green and lush (but not too long) and with much to
do. The lake culture is in full swing as there are numerous public boat launches and
public beaches, including Waukewan Town Beach, Leavitt
Park and Weirs Beach, each with a sandy beach. State
parks include White Lake State Park,
Ellacoya State Park and Wellington State Beach. For the fisherman, Lake
Winnipesaukee is the number one spot with salmon measuring
20 inches and weighing 3 pounds. Trout are plentiful in
numerous streams, and Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Sky Pond
in New Hampton and Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich are all
excellent destinations for fly fishermen.
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Hiking
is a favorite past time for many; popular treks include
those up West Rattlesnake Mountain, Red Hill and Mount
Morgan. There is one golf course in Meredith, the
public 9-hole Oak Hill Golf Course, with several others in
surrounding towns. Summer weather makes it hard to
stay indoors; temperatures average in the 70s and 80s, and
average monthly precipitation is 3 to 4 inches.
Average
afternoon humidity ranges between 50% and 60%. |
Meredith
New Hampshire, Continued...
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