[readme]

Hey guys,

The ABI Hub is an awesome coworking space and startup incubator in Manchester, NH. http://abihub.org/

I've been going there for a few months and moved to NH at the beginning of the year. It has been awesome.

There is a technology scene ready to bloom in Manchester. Also, the cost of living is about 50% of Boston's.

For those who aren't from around here, NH doesn't have unfair taxes :)

[asmithmd1]

NH has no sales tax and no state income tax. Of course you have much fewer "services" than MA. For example MA has a 19 member Commission on the Status of Women - which of course needs an executive director. And the executive director needs an assistant.

[mindslight]

But don't forget that reduced services include things like town water (you'll need a well with a radon filtration system), a reliable electric grid (you'll need a generator), and timely snow removal (you'll want a vehicle that uses thrice the fuel).

And the crux of the matter - as NH does absolutely nothing against federal taxes, you'll still be paying the majority of your present transaction costs.

[asmithmd1]

You want to talk about town water? Boston and surrounding towns get water from the Quabbin reservoir. Due to above average rainfall this year it is filled to 95% capacity. If not one more drop of rain were added to the reservoir it would take 5 years to drain it at current use rate. So I was shocked when the MA DEP forced our town to restrict outdoor watering. Someone in a make work job decided our towns use was above a standard set for western towns and there is no debate. Restrict water use or be fined.

[mindslight]

Why were you shocked - had you just moved to MA?

One town I was in won't pick up your garbage unless your recycling bin is out as well. No concept that someone could produce so little trash and would rather the quarter-full recycling sit the rare occasion they put out a trash bag. And of course it precludes taking the emptied bin in before the second truck comes around. And FSM help you if the guy decides to search in your bag and declares your trash demolition or construction material.

They of course had color coded water restrictions posted everywhere busybodies frequented - elementary schools etc. And I can't not mention the legislature-dictated seat belt law.

But my quarrel is that the nanny state is a symptom of how broken and autonomous our "representational" system is. One shouldn't have to give up civilization to get away from the busybodies, and escaping to NH is just a pressure relief valve. While the people doing it feel freer, this couldn't be further from reality - the ridiculousness has only become distant because other people are more distant. All types of militarized law enforcement may still freely kill them or their dogs while pretending to be heroes. Their communications are still stored indefinitely and mined for thoughtcrime. They're still prohibited from ingesting whatever chemicals they'd like. And they're still working over a quarter of the year to support these hostilities against them. But since they have an illusion of freedom they're likely to stop criticizing the entirety of the nanny state, focus on aspects they identify with, and flip to supporting it.

[SamReidHughes]

NH has water (right?), an electric grid (no idea whether it's reliable, all I know for sure is that they have a nuclear power plant) and based on what I was told, the best snow removal in the country.

[pc86]

Since when do we let facts get in the way of snark?

[mindslight]

No facts were harmed in the making of this snark.

Sure, not everywhere in NH is like that. But one can't spread libertarianism by proposing to dismantle the fire department.

[hga]

It'll depend on the location, plenty of it is rural. But plenty of it is built up and e.g. Manchester has a water works: http://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/WaterWorks.aspx

(What do you expect from a town incorporated in 1751 with 110K residents?)

[readme]

As an NH resident, I can confirm this. Also, vanity plates are inexpensive here.

[readme]

I didn't know I'd need all those things for my water, but it's probably because I'm a renter. My rent is a paltry $685 per month (in Manchester) for a decent two bedroom. Compare to boston ($1500/mo)

The landlord removes my snow on time for free...

Never had an issue with the electricity.

But for a homeowner, yeah. I agree. Plus higher property tax.

[8ig8]

> NH doesn't have unfair taxes

As a result, NH has blessed us with drive up liquor stores right on the interstate. ;)