Moving to NH

Submitted by No_Struggle_1538 t3_11gyncx in newhampshire

24 year old male thinking about moving to NH I love nature and the outdoors and really want to buy some acreage and start a small farm, any suggestions as far as areas?

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smartest_kobold t1_jaqvkri wrote

Plenty of nature and outdoors.

If you want to do profitable small time farming? Good fucking luck.

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powpowpowpowpowp t1_jaqvgnj wrote

This is a pretty broad question so be prepared for a lot of unhelpful replies. Very generally speaking, things get more affordable and more spaced out the further north you go.

Would farming be your source of income? If so, would highly suggest working on an established farm before diving in to buy (even if you have experience already). It is not a cheap endeavor and you’ll want to set yourself up for success.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaqwf9n wrote

I heard winters are pretty harsh further up north do you know if over wintering is successful? And I’ve definitely been trying to connect with some farmers in NH for advise

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CaliforniaDoughnut t1_jaqxfv1 wrote

Look up the grow season in NH. It’s not long. It’s not just snow that will slow you down, NH gets an hour less sunlight each day than GA. That makes a big difference, especially coming into the spring and fall even if you have greenhouses. There are a few functional hobby farms that pay their bills, look around google maps in the Hollis area and maybe try giving some of them a call to talk to the owner and get some perspective on the ground.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaqyfly wrote

I saw that the grow zone can range from 6a on the coast and the further north you go it shifts to 3b I’m definitely looking for a manageable sweet spot because most of the crops in familiar with can be maintained in the 4b up range. I’ll definitely look into that thanks!

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CaliforniaDoughnut t1_jar522p wrote

Ok cool. Calling some local farmers will be a great way to get out of the theoretical stage and see what it’s actually like, at this point that’s probably the best thing you can do other than doing a fact finding trip up to walk some local spots and get a better feel for the area.

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CaliforniaDoughnut t1_jar5hcw wrote

NH historically was a lot of sheep farming because it’s grow season is pretty terrible. That and potatoes upstate along the Connecticut river (lots of abandoned farms up that way if you are looking for cheaper land near Colebrook). There is a town hobby farm in Bedford that has a variety of livestock on an old sheep farm, that could be another good spot to call and get a feel. Most successful farms now have a tourism component since it’s easier to sell the idea of farming to folks than actual produce.

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Few-Ad3152 t1_jauig2n wrote

I would chat with Eccard Farms in Washington, NH; Kearsarge Food Hub in Bradford, NH; and Bardo Farms in Croydon, NH. Different styles of doing farming in my surrounding areas as well as 3 of the larger farms in my area.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar7v03 wrote

I definitely will take that into consideration, I thought of planning a trip for about a month to feel it out thank you again for you advice

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CaliforniaDoughnut t1_jarqrjd wrote

It would be a fun vacation either way. NH has been doing it’s thing for a long time so it can be pretty tough to break into especially in the ag scene. Another option instead of “buying the farm” would be to move up and work as a day laborer on one of the bigger farms to build a network and get a first hand feel for a while. Best case you love it and figure out a way to be an owner-operator. Worst case you hate it and then you haven’t sunk your egg in a basket you don’t like.

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Darwinbc t1_jar7avw wrote

it's not really 6a on the coast, 5a, 5b are the growing zone for most of southern NH

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar949m wrote

Thanks for the correction, do you know if the last frost is earlier than upstate or is it fairly the same?

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Darwinbc t1_jardilt wrote

Last frost is earlier in the south, first or second week in May on average depending on the year.

If I had to guess, I would say your best bet for farming would be near the Western Side of the state south of the Mountains, near the Connecticut River, Claremont area. Land in the sea coast and surrounding areas or near the lakes/mountains is expensive

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[deleted] t1_jaqv4sz wrote

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaqw6uk wrote

My budget on the low end is 200k I’ve been pre-approved for the USDA Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan so I max out at around 600k. My goal is to operate on a small to moderate level I have my business plan shaped around 30% produce and 70% livestock (chickens, sheep, goats, maybe a few dairy cows). I know the winters are pretty harsh so I definitely would have greenhouses for over wintering plants.

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petrified_eel4615 t1_jar735p wrote

Look around Farmington, New Durham, Barnstead, Pittsfield - they are out of the way enough to not be prohibitively expensive but still far enough south to be close to the seacoast, Concord, the Lakes region & the mountains. They're mostly Zone 5.

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[deleted] t1_jate8lp wrote

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jatty1r wrote

I definitely will take that in consideration thank you

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[deleted] t1_jau2woa wrote

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jau59om wrote

No Im very grateful for your advice, I definitely am in the process of planning a trip out there for about a month to get a feel and see which area I truly love. I know there are a few more snow storms that are headed that way so I don’t want to go when I won’t be able to get the full effect. A few people gave me some resources to get in touch with local farmers so I’m definitely going to get on that right away for Monday. Again I’m grateful for you help and advice truly!

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poopdick72 t1_jaqxqoi wrote

Yeah the farm will just be a hobby but we have trees and mountains

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shervbert t1_jaqzbsw wrote

People are discounting your dreams because they don’t know how to make it work, get after it!

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar0nsr wrote

I like the brutal honesty it gives me motivation to do something great! Thank you for the encouragement

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procrastinatorsuprem t1_jar9p7d wrote

Please take note of the property tax rate in NH and the energy rates. NH has the 2nd highest electric rates in the US which I'd hitting families hard. Oil or gas heat is also very expensive. Just want you to budget accordingly.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaraihg wrote

I looked at that also I currently have a few solar panels on my current home I was informed that the daylight up there isn’t as long as it is down south but I think I can offload some of the costs at least for electricity

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shervbert t1_jarofql wrote

This is an example of someone who doesn’t understand, at least a complete farm system. Oil & gas aren’t sustainable resources for a small farmer. Why would they ever implement them into a profitable small scale farm and needed resource to function? Property tax is part of your businesses expected overhead as everyone here knows, obviously you have that factored into your overall equation. KEEP PUSHING, do you. EDIT: not trying to ruffle feathers, as you were trying to help them cover all the bases, nonetheless. Mulch love

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shervbert t1_jar0zcr wrote

That’s a great perspective, right on 🤙🏼

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taylor-reddit t1_jaqxi17 wrote

Yeah I have a question can me and my 2 dogs come with you?

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MingoRepp t1_jar6ya3 wrote

Dress for the cold, bring cash.

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Guccidom t1_jaqzxue wrote

Where are you moving from? NH is great, but god damn expensive!

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar1rba wrote

I’m currently in GA, I’ve heard property taxes and a few other things were expensive. I have a pretty solid business plan it’s all about me deciding on a location and adjusting my plan for whatever it’s lacking

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dogmom603 t1_jar66eg wrote

I believe NH has a current use statute that reduces the real estate taxes on farm land.

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petrified_eel4615 t1_jar788c wrote

You are correct - minimum of 10 acres for current use plus 1-2 acres of curtilage to qualify.

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Guccidom t1_jarcsmf wrote

Oh very good! I wish you success! Just keep in mind Farming in new england is dependant on the weather... however I supposed if you have eggs to sell youre already a millionair!

I love it here, born & raised and has a lot to offer.

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Few-Ad3152 t1_jauj4pm wrote

Also when looking the property tax codes here change by town. The town im living in has what's called a "view tax" on top of the property tax; as opposed to the town i work in where the property taxes are cheaper and no "view tax".

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Leemcardhold t1_jar1xqo wrote

Monadnock region is relatively affordable compared to rest of state and lots of outdoors and close enough to be in conn. River valley, our best farming soil.

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Mynewadventures t1_jar0az0 wrote

I moved from NH to Alabama, from the dense Seacoast to a very rural area, and all I can ask you is "WHY?!" Especially if your intent is farming?

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar2qsg wrote

I’m currently above you in GA I grew up in FL the south has given me all it can offer, I love animals and working the land it’s something I’ve been doing all my life a big farm isn’t my goal something small to moderate would suffice. As far as the location I have family in Mass they tell me about the scenery and the adventures they’ve been on there it sounds right up my alley, weather aside I think any obstacle can be overcome if you want something bad enough

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Mynewadventures t1_jar8w11 wrote

Oh, I get it, I just think farming is so much easier in the South, and land is cheaper, growing season is twice longer...etc. And I personally think Alabama is fucking beautiful.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jara0sf wrote

I will say you’re the first person I’ve ever met that’s said that about Alabama lol but I definitely see the challenges I may face choosing NH I think it’ll make the journey a little more interesting.

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Mynewadventures t1_jarfnqg wrote

Oh, you'll have a good time and meet a lot of good people.

As far as me digging Alabama: I grew up in the woods and country in New Hampshire and needed that kind of rural again. I am older, calmer, and less interested in other people's opinions than when I was younger and I don't get angry at the World's injustices as much. I've always been pretty charismatic, so being an atheist liberal down here seems to get accepted pretty well.

I have my 40 acres to retreat to everyday...

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CleanCeption t1_jar3juu wrote

Tyngsboro is nice and has lots of land.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar3zw1 wrote

I will look into it thanks for you suggestion!

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CleanCeption t1_jar4nhl wrote

I was joking, that is in Northern Mass.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar4rx4 wrote

Lol definitely would’ve fooled me 😭

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akmjolnir t1_jar6jod wrote

Be prepared for a mix of abrasive and snarky comments from folks who (for some reason) hate it when people move to NH, even though most of them aren't native to the state.

I welcome anyone who can improve the population, and displace the complainers.

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tadamhicks t1_jar7dv6 wrote

I’m up in the MWV area and I’ve seen a few people nearby come and do the same thing. Tamworth area seems moderately popular for a few of these folks. Check out Zero Mile Farm…I bet they’d be glad to share some insight with you.

Property taxes folks say are high, but they are localized…meaning that each township will decide what to set them at for you, individually, based on your property. Property with a view, for example, is taxed higher. Ag may be lower. Some townships are lower across the board.

We don’t produce for income, just hobby for fun, but I will add that the soil here needs more amending than it might in Vermont from what I’ve read. If you’re planning on livestock that’ll get you there, though.

We sold our wethers to a big farm up North of Littleton. I think there’s a great ag community over there, too. I can’t say anything about the more Southerly parts of the state.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar9g0y wrote

I will definitely check it out, if you don’t mind me asking did you start off with raw land or a pre-established property?

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tadamhicks t1_jar9qho wrote

We don’t even have ag zoned property. We bought an old farmstead with a barn an acreage. Previous owners had kept horses so there is great fencing. We might do horses one day, but like I said it’s just a hobby for us. We have kids and I’ve a full time, corporate job.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jarb1re wrote

Definitely seems ideal with pre existing structures, thanks again for you advice I appreciate it truly

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overdoing_it t1_jar7xd0 wrote

Farms go up for sale occasionally around me, northeast of Concord / southern lakes region. The only one I see listed right now is some land.

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Clock-Full t1_jau3hmg wrote

Western NH. Forget Southeastern NH and anywhere near the 93 corridor.

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natethegreek t1_jaqw2xa wrote

Where you moving from? Planning on getting a job until you can get the farm up and running? I think trying to find a niche is your best bet, check out aquaponics

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaqwxmz wrote

Currently in GA, I definitely was thinking about acquiring work I have a nice nest egg but I don’t like to be idle. I’ve had farm experience basically all my life from livestock to produce, my business plan is multi functional with livestock carrying the bulk of the weight as far as production

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natethegreek t1_jaqy12t wrote

Makes sense to me, the only thing I would be careful about is growing in New England and growing in GA are completely different things. Check out Belknap county, this is called the "lakes region" cheapish property. 30 mins from Concord, 45 to Manchester and 1.5 hours to Boston. There are lots of restaurants that do farm to table dinning up here in the summer so with a little leg work you can get much more money for your production.

DM me if you have any other questions and GOOD LUCK!

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jaqytxy wrote

I definitely limited my crop selection when I chose NH I’ve been talking with a few friends about work arounds as far as weather so far it’s been greenhouses. I definitely like the farm to table idea and will most definitely look in that area. Thanks for your advice!

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PM_Georgia_Okeefe t1_jaqzgkn wrote

You should be able to find 10 affordable acres just on the outskirts of Manchester.

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Doug_Shoe t1_jaqzq7b wrote

The most important thing is your price range. You didn't say in your post. I read the comments.

No_Struggle_1538 OP 26 min. ago "My budget on the low end is 200k I’ve been pre-approved for the USDA Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan so I max out at around 600k. My goal is to operate on a small to moderate level I have my business plan shaped around 30% produce and 70% livestock (chickens, sheep, goats, maybe a few dairy cows). I know the winters are pretty harsh so I definitely would have greenhouses for over wintering plants."

You can actually buy a farm far north NH for not much over 200k. Some have sold recently. Go on the real estate websites. You can see what is currently listed, but also what has sold recently. Then you get an idea of what is realistic where.

Disclaimer I'm not a real estate guy expert or guru. However, I'm under the impression from living here is that real estate prices are relatively near all time highs. So I personally would not be taking out a loan, because I expect the prices to go down. If that happened then the property I just bought would be worth a lot less, but my sky high loan still has to be paid.

It's different if you sell one house and buy another. The house you sell is theoretically an inflated price, so it all evens out. Take out a loan right now? Not for me.

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No_Struggle_1538 OP t1_jar1kje wrote

I have been looking online but I get stumped because I don’t know the areas, the land prices aren’t really that bad compared to the PPA where I’m located because 10 acres would run me a pretty penny. My goal isn’t to move right away I’ve been watching the real estate climate with my mother because she’s an agent I’m aiming for the end of the year after I feel it out a bit I’m also planning some trips. I definitely will take your advice into consideration thank you!

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Bobtom42 t1_jar3ayy wrote

Keep in mind that New Hampshire Town governments have a lot more power than in GA. So you will see big differences in prices based solely on what town it happens to fall in. Things like vehicle registration, trash, schools, and road maintenance all go through the towns here and the quality of those services can vary drastically.

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Ninja0978 t1_jarmeoj wrote

U can get cheap places in berlin/gorham

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Private_Part t1_jb7phl9 wrote

If it's just for fun, you'll do fine. If you want to break even and really want the northeast then, VT is slightly better for farming.

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