I know of a family that moved away from a suburb of Boston, Mass., for the scenic beauty, peaceful solitude and lower taxes of Sandown, N.H. The scene you see here is what they experience from their backyard every day — quite a difference from the endless commuting traffic and keeping up with the Jones elements that we often see in suburbia. They enjoy it up there as the fresh air, peace of mind and the chance to swim, boat and ice skate move to the forefront of their daily lives. They save money, the schools are very good, and 15 minutes away will bring them to a small city with every type of service you could imagine.

We spent some time up there last summer enjoying an outdoor birthday party that featured a bonfire at sundown, and a feeling in the air that forces one to relax. The area is nothing fancy and that’s a good thing: people live modestly, seem to enjoy being neighbors, and the lack of pretense is noteworthy.

Our friends have arrived in the New England that used to be, but with no absence of modern amenities. What a great decision they made!