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Nestled Among Scenic Lakes and Green Forests in Rugged, Rural Central New Hampshire, Picturesque Meredith Exudes Quintessential New England Charm
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
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Situated between large Lake Winnipesaukee and small Lake Waukewan in the hills of rural central New Hampshire's Lakes Region, the idyllic village of Meredith (population 6,500) is New England at its most picturesque. It is surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes and started as an apple farming community in the mid-1700s, with many settlers coming from Salem, Massachusetts. It later became a mill town, boasting a sawmill, a gristmill and a shingle mill, and in 1849, when the railroad connected the village to Boston and Montreal, Meredith blossomed into a delightful summer resort. Summer tourists still find their way here today, coming to boat on one of eight lakes and to hike in the nearby rugged White Mountains.
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Retirees love it here, too, citing the nearly non-existent crime rate, the spectacular natural beauty, the clean air, the lake and mountain recreation, the cool climate and the crisp autumns. Of the population, 22% is age 45 to 64, and 18% is age 65 or above, and while New Englanders are often known for their reticence, Meredith is noted for its friendliness.
Meredith's overall cost-of-living is approximately 8% above the national average, and the median home price is $250,000, actually up 5% from a year ago. Restored Colonials, antique Cape Cods, 20th-century raised ranches, vintage bungalows and cozy cottages are common. On town outskirts, modest Cape Cods, some dating from the 1700s, and much newer condominiums can be found in the mid- to high-$100,000s. Inventory opens up considerably in the low-$200,000s, and homes in this price range may have water views. Many residences are much more expensive, in the $300,000s and well beyond, and are tucked away along a lakeshore or in the woods. Home sites are for sale starting at around $75,000.
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Apartments are in short supply (although Waukeewan Village, a small town home community, has rentals), and there is only one manufactured/mobile home community (Interlakes Mobile Home Park).
New Hampshire has no general state income or sales tax so property taxes are on the high side to compensate for that lost income. Tax rates are $12.54 per $1,000 of a home's assessed value, but the state also has a property tax deferral program and a property tax reduction program for households with less than $20,000 annual income (singles) or less than $40,000 annual income (married couples). The annual taxes on a $250,000 residence, without any deferrals, are approximately $3,135. TRetirement income is not taxed.
Meredith is but one of nine cute villages and towns that dot the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and Lake Winnipesaukee is but one of 273 lakes and large ponds in this region. As would be expected, outdoor recreation is a highlight of retirement here. Summers are short but green and lush and with much to do. The lake culture is robust, with public boat launches and public beaches, including Waukewan Beach, Leavitt Park and Weirs Beach, attracting tourists and residents alike. Hiking is a favorite past time for many with popular treks including those up West Rattlesnake Mountain, Red Hill and Mount Morgan. Public parks are plentiful and many have waterfront picnic areas. There is one golf course, the public 9-hole Oak Hill Golf Course, with several others in surrounding towns.
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When autumn comes, splendid in its breathtaking bounty of color, scenic drives along Route 109 from Center Sandwich to Wolfeboro and along Route 113 from Holderness to South Tamworth and along 3A and Newfound Lake Road from Bristol to Hebron, soothe the soul. Roadside apple cider stands, cozy 200-year-old B&Bs, old farmhouses, antique auctions and fall harvest markets set against hills of red, gold and ruby create a quintessential New England tableau. And since this is not a large state, it is easy to drive from the southern edge to the Canadian border in a day.
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. And nothing beats a roaring fire and a hot toddy after a day of shooshing downhill on sticks!
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State parks include White Lake State Park, Ellacoya State Park and Wellington State Beach. For the fishermen (and women), Lake Winnipesaukee is the number one spot with salmon measuring 20 inches and weighing 3 pounds. Stream trout are plentiful, and Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford, Sky Pond in New Hampton and Upper Hall Pond in Sandwich are all excellent destinations for fly fishermen.
While resisting the outdoors is difficult, a Meredith retirement is not just about hiking, boating and fishing. The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit community orchestra based in Meredith and presents a full season. The Summer Theater of Meredith Village mounts well-known Broadway shows each year and has a Christmas program, too. The Meredith Public Library is housed in a handsome Classical red brick building and has classes, a genealogy club, book groups, InterLibrary Loan, downloadable ebooks and wireless Internet access (which can be spotty). There are also ten churches (more in nearby towns), and, according to local legend, one haunted inn (the Nutmeg Inn).
Most shopping is of the specialty and antique variety, and there are delightful old fashioned country stores, art galleries and craft shops, including the Mills Falls Marketplace which has 14 shops in a renovated historic mill, and many cater to tourists. For basic supplies, the nearest WalMart is 8 miles away. Meridith's restaurant selection is fairly good, and because there are numerous other villages nearby, it is easy to slip down the road to find more shopping and places to dine.
Residents enjoy a good selection of festivals, including Meredith in Bloom to celebrate the return of warm weather each May, the Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival that brings more than 100 juried artists to town each August and the Sandwich Fair that celebrates the joys of autumn.
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The Meredith Community Center, undergoing renovation, houses the Meredith Senior Services office, and the Meredith Senior Center, in conjunction with non-profit and state agencies, sponsors the Meals on Wheels program, other nutrition programs, activities and classes and has senior companions for retirees who feel isolated from the community.
Lake Region General Hospital in Laconia is 8 miles away and has 110 beds. It meets or exceeds national averages in most specialty areas. Its Winnipesaukee Wellness Center is a great place to get fit and has nurses on staff to help with supervised exercise programs. Medicaid and Medicare patients are both accepted. Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth (13 miles) and Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro (22 miles) are small but provide further care.
On average, the area receives 16 to 18 inches of snow per month from December to March with temperatures in the 20s, teens and single digits. Summers are short, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and it rains 3 to 4 inches per month. Humidity starts out at around 80% in the mornings and tapers off to 50% by morning. The sun shines 200 days of the year. The water quality is slightly below the national average, but the air quality is well above the national average.
Of course, a Meredith retirement has some drawbacks. Traffic clogs streets during the summer when tourists come to visit, and in the winter, the snow and cold may be too much for some. Heating oil, which can be expensive, is the primary home heating source. Major shopping usually needs to happen in Laconia (population 17,000 - 8 miles away) or Manchester (population 110,000 - 45 miles away). There is no public transportation except for a summer trolley. The area is not ethnically diverse. And while Meredith is at the junction of Routes 25 and 3, two well-maintained roads that circle the Lakes Region, and just 11 miles from I-93, it is still somewhat inaccessible.
Despite these downsides, Meredith is a charmer. With its picture perfect New England setting, abundant recreation, low crime rate and welcoming residents, baby boomers and others here know they have found a great retirement spot.
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