Low property taxes means more in my pocket…right?
by Michelle on September 3, 2009
in Buying in NH
Let`s talk property taxes in New Hampshire. Or, more specifically, property taxes in Carroll and Belknap Counties. There are twenty-nine towns in those counties, with property tax rates ranging from $6.65 per $1,000 in Hart`s Location to a whopping $21.03 in the lovely town of Tamworth. I mean it when I say `the lovely town,` by the way, as I live there. Worth every penny, I tell ya!
No offense at all to Hart`s Location-ites, but besides the opportunity to be on TV every time the presidential election comes around, there is not to much going on up there other than lots and lots of privacy. Beautiful spot, just not a lot of job opportunities, you know? There are quite a few other towns that have both low rates and grocery stores… such as Moultonborough ($7.66), Tuftonboro ($7.95), Bartlett ($8.11) and Wakefield ($9.81).
Now…question of the day.
Does a low tax rate really mean lower monthly house payment? One would assume so, when the owner of a $200,000 house in Tuftonboro pays a measly $132.50 per month in taxes, while the owner of a $200,000 house in Gilmanton pays a comparatively-whopping $349.66 per month. However… that $200,000 house in Tuftonboro is a 1,300 square foot ranch on an acre and a half, a few miles from the main road. That $200,000 house in Gilmanton is a 2,000 square foot colonial on over 7 acres with an attached two car garage (both actual recent sales of about $209K). Hmmmm.
The moral of the story is….
Do not assume that you are going to get the most `bang for your buck` in a town with a low tax rate. The inverse is also true… do not assume that the best `deals` are had in the lower priced towns! Be sure to take the property taxes into consideration.
And…for your viewing pleasure… Carroll County and Belknap County Property Tax Rates:
**rates are 2008 rates. Always, always, always have your agent check for any rate changes!
