WATERVILLE VALLEY, N.H., Feb. 24, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- When Jim and Lesley Drew decided to buy property in a resort community, they didn't think twice about where -- the mountain town of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Jim is a serious cross-country skier who had long enjoyed the 44 miles of groomed trails there. Waterville is surrounded by four mountains with 4000-foot peaks. It is encircled by the White Mountain National Forest. A feeling of protection, safety, and peace descends as you enter Waterville from its only access road, 12 miles off of I-93 and two hours from Boston.
"Waterville Valley is just a very comfortable place," said Lesley, whose primary home is near Boston. "It's very family-oriented -- not as bustling as some of the more commercial ski areas and resorts can be."
The Valley has been a refuge since the late 1800s, when city dwellers came for summers of mountain air, tennis, golf, fly-fishing and seclusion. By the 1930s, winter sports began attracting visitors, with the rising popularity of downhill skiing.
In the mid-1960s, Olympic skier Tom Corcoran scoured New England for a mountain he could develop into a year-round ski resort. When he saw Waterville Valley -- which had a couple of rope tows and trails, an inn, and 500 acres for sale -- Corcoran knew it was the place. The national forest surrounding it, and Corcoran's purchase of nearly all the town land, could prevent commercialization and haphazard growth which has marred so many ski resorts. For nearly 40 years, Waterville Valley has grown steadily under Corcoran's plan and it remains free from fast food, chain stores, and sprawl.
Waterville Valley has only 230 year-round residents. Its municipal services accommodate the influx of seasonal residents and future growth. Homes are served by town water and sewer, solid waste pickup, 24-hour police, fire and ambulance crews, a recreation department, and a K-8 school.
It's not uncommon for Waterville parents to leave their child at the town's ice rink or recreation center while they play a few sets of tennis. The town's shuttle bus circles constantly and safely transports children. "It's not easy for a kid to get into trouble here," said founder Corcoran.
Waterville Valley has about 1,000 condominiums, 100 single-family homes, and 120 hotel rooms. One-acre home sites number just 19 and are located on a mountainside called Cascade Ridge. They are expected to sell quickly. Another small section of half-acre sites is nearly sold out.
Property ownership in Waterville Valley has proven a great investment. With home values appreciating steadily and record low mortgage rates, the market for second homes is strong, especially in desirable locations like this mountain community.
Financial consultant Mark Rosenthal of Newton, Massachusetts, knew his Forest Knoll condominium in Waterville Valley would hold value. "There's a limited amount of land here. I know I'll reclaim what I've put in-the value has already increased by almost $50,000. That's after just one year."
Still, the investment wasn't Rosenthal's primary consideration. He and his wife have 14-year-old twin daughters.
"Jennifer has cerebral palsy and has been in the Adaptive Ski program here for six years," said Rosenthal. Samantha is in the ski race program, and the adult Rosenthals are avid skiers. "The first time I went skiing with my daughter, it was great. We love coming up here. There's nothing like it."
For more info please call 888-987-8333, ext. 200, or visit, www.watervillevalleyrealty.com.