You can build your home right where you want it if you want to start from scratch. You'll want to make sure you've got the proper frontage, and that it meets zoning restrictions, as well as building covenants that meet your needs.

Every property comes with rules and restrictions. Lake or riverfront building requires setbacks not only from the water, but from the nearest wetland or flood plain. Many subdivision have building covenants that govern many factors concerning what type of home you can build. You'll want to have "perc test" results in NH, or "soil test" in ME to determine the cost of the septic system. If these have already been done, and septic design has been engineered, that gives the land more value and credibility.

There are plenty of lots available, most at extremely reasonable prices considering how much new and existing homes have gone up over the last few years.