Targeting place to live in Adirondacks or New Hampshire

I'm trying to determine the best town to live in that would suit my
recreational needs while at the same time provide a good setting for my
retail business. I really like mountains for hiking and lakes for
fishing, so that's why the Adirondacks appeal to me. I especially like
Saratoga Springs since it is close to the Adirondacks, yet is a vibrant
small city where I think my shop would do well. I recently visited
Burlington, VT and was impressed with that town as well. Would you say
that the hiking opportunities in Vermont are comparable to those in the
Adirondacks? Cost is also a consideration, and Burlington may be a
cheaper place to live than Saratoga Springs, though I'm not certain of
that. During my recent trip, I also traveled through the White
Mountains of New Hamshire and was very impressed. Are there New
Hampshire towns in the 20,000 - 40,000 population range that are near
the Lakes region and/or the White Mountains? Would you say that the
Lakes Region of New Hampshire is as good for fishing as the Adirondacks
region? I'm also researching Lewiston/Auburn, Maine. Any advice you
can provide would be greatly appreciated.