How to decide whether to move to MA or NH

The states of NewHampshire and Massachusetts have similar, inviting landscapes; such as miles of ocean front property, acres of wildlife filled forests, as well as a number of snow covered mountains, however, when contemplating a move to either state, you may want to consider that; N.H. has no "sales tax", allows the sale and use of fireworks, and encourages the ownership of firearms, which is in direct conflict with it's neighbor to the south. MA, along with charging 'sales tax", has sacrificed a few freedoms in order to hire more police, provide better funding for those with "special needs", and cut down on "preventable accidents" (accidental shootings as well as fires and injuries caused by fireworks), thus maintaining a better overall quality of life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A home loan or
• first and last months rent + security deposit

1. Living in MA, one may find the unavoidable burden of a sales tax frustrating but stop and consider the benefits. MA has a better reputation than it's competition to the north when it comes to dealing with those who have "special needs". Having a "sales tax" helps to provide more funds for things such as; training teachers to better handle the needs of students in special education classes. Also, more police can be put on the streets to create a bigger deterrent for criminals as well as providing quicker response times in emergencies. Not to mention the fact that MA can put more money towards services including snow and waste removal. So if you have children, its easy to see why a "sales tax" is not such a bad idea. Everyone contributes to the overall welfare of the state, and when it comes to the welfare of the children, as far as tax payers go, "the more the merrier".
2. The taxes that MA collects, contribute significantly to the general safety of the commonwealth. So keeping things like fireworks illegal, not only coincides with the safe keeping of MA residents, but also reduces the probability of having to raise such taxes. Although you may find the legal sale and use of fireworks in NH inviting, keep in mind that MA spares no expense when it comes to "4th of July" celebrations. For example, the city of Boston puts on a world famous show every summer with the "Boston Pops" (symphony orchestra), which includes world renowned musicians. They play music which is choreographed to compliment the simultaneous pyrotechnics display that is rivaled only by other major cities such as New York. And with plenty of police on the streets you can feel safe attending such an event. Remember, Boston is only one example. There is no shortage of fireworks displays in MA despite their illegality.
3. Keeping fireworks illegal can help to reduce "preventable fires and accidents" which increases safety and contributes to reducing the cost of living in the state. So it would only make sense that MA discourage the ownership of firearms. Although anyone can apply for a weapons permit and if approved, have little trouble locating and purchasing a firearm, it is in general frowned upon. The police don't need more guns on the streets for obvious reasons. Make no mistake, the focus is on illegal weapons, and there are places to hunt and shoot in MA but the less weapons there are in the state, the less chance for accidents
4. Switching gears to the home of the White Mountains, the lack of a "sales tax in NH has for years been luring MA residents "across the border". MA has even implemented a "no tax weekend" every summer to help counter act the problem. NH and MA residents alike, save countless dollars every year in the "Live Free Or Die" state. Especially around the holidays, mainly Christmas, shoppers find the no sales tax policy in NH an irresistible attraction! Imagine however, trying to maneuver around a store during the holidays, now take into consideration the lack of a "sales tax". What you are left with is empty shelves and frustrated customers from competing states in close quarters with one another. Not having to pay a "sales tax", one can save a significant amount of money but in the end is it worth it? There are many obvious disadvantages (to not having a sales tax), to consider before making a permanent decision such as a purchasing a home.
5. Owning a home in NH can be similar to a religious experience if you love fireworks. One can legally purchase a wide assortment of "party packs", "cakes", "bottle rockets" and even many different types of sparklers for the little ones. Finding a location to buy fireworks is not difficult. There are plenty of stores to choose from for example, Atomic fireworks, and Phantom fireworks, to name a few. The legal sale and use of fireworks adds a whole new element when it comes to throwing a party. People travel from all over the country to visit friends and family with homes in NH (especially around the 4th of July), and with no "sales tax" and legal fireworks, it's easy to understand why. However, if you have children and are concerned with their safety, or if you are not particularly fond of fireworks, consider that (in NH), one of the neighbors could legally light off fireworks year round
6. In addition to fireworks being legal, NH is a state that promotes the use of firearms. With seemingly endless acres of woodland, NH is an ideal residence for those who love to hunt. With a strong belief in their "right to bear arms", natives to the state are more than likely "packing some serious heat". Some believe (especially NH residents), that encouraging the ownership of firearms can serve as a deterrent for crime. Regardless of whether this is true or not, keep in mind that the more weapons that are out there, the more likely the chance of a tragedy such as an "accidental shooting". Although accidents can occur anywhere, by promoting the ownership of weapons, it becomes common place to have a gun or guns in the home, and with parents working all day, this greatly increases the likelihood of an incident.
7. To "put it all in a nutshell", allowing the sale and use of fireworks and encouraging the use of firearms may be popular with freedom seeking individuals but if you have a family, consider that New Hampshire is probably an accident waiting to happen. Massachusetts limits the risk of "preventable accidents" by giving up a few luxuries we call freedoms, while still providing all that NH has to offer as far as recreation. All of the things that NH is known for are just as popular in MA. Despite the negative nickname of "Tax-a-choo-setts", the state is highly respected by it's natives and tourists for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, salt and freshwater fishing, boating, and camping. And remember, you can always move to the northern half of MA, where the NH border is minutes away, allowing easy access to tax free shopping year round! Oh, and let's not forget Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, as well as the New England Patriots! Who wouldn't want to live in the state that Tom Brady calls home!