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Living in Maine
I have read in the BDN online that many people leave Maine because of taxes, politics, jobs, etc... But why do people stay or why would someone want to move there? I have been drawn to Maine for some strange reason and I have never even been there before. Actually I am in Ca. and I have lived in Ca. my whole life. But now I have become interested in moving there within the next few years. I have researched a great deal about Maine, but now I think I would like to hear from some people in the community and with this new medium I just might get some useful info. So my question is... What are some good things and what are some bad things about living in Maine and would you recommend such a move? Thanks in advance for all replies.
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Moving to Maine, depends on what your looking for
I can understand the confusion that the publicity about Maine can cause for certain people. Maine is a confusing state to understand. I am a true native, born and brought up here. My home town is a very conservative small town. My values are more liberal and politically dichotomous from my home town surroundings. I'm now in a bigger town, and like the autonomous nature of being "alone" in a bigger town. Many parts of Maine are pockets of small neighborhood attitudes to the more "live and let live" atmosphere. As the others have said, depends on what your looking for. Historically speaking, Maine was considered a very hard working state with a very strong work ethic, but with the changing economy and the overall effect of changing from an industrial state to a tourism state, the people are losing what the value most, their dignity and self-respect. We are truly trying to scramble to find a piece of the state that we can call our own. The geography is such that anything below Augusta is considered North Boston, with good reason, that is where the big businesses are and the money. They say in Bangor, that the median income is $200,000 a year, that is a very far stretch. The middle-class is drying up and the gap between minimum wage work and high class is widening expotentially every day. I don't know what California is like so I can't compare the lifestyle to Maine, but if your looking for piece of mind, look at the Mountains, Coast. But be prepared to pay high prices for the real estate. Maine isn't for Mainers anymore. If your looking for a fresh start, look towards the middle of Maine, that is where you will find the acreage that reminds one of olden times. If you want old world culture, look towards Washington and Aroostook County, they have the old french and small town atmosphere. But anywhere you go, be prepared to run into poverty and hunger. Maine is trying so hard to adapt to the changing times, but with conservative having their ideas and the more open-minded and educated people have their ideas, it's hard to come into a new world that everyone can benefit from. So, welcome to the tug of war and hope that Maine is what you want it to be. Remember, if your being tugged here, it is for a reason and Maine is known for it's powerful, good energy.
Moving back to maine
I am originally from Massachusetts. We moved from a suburb of Boston to a very small town in Maine. We were 10 miles from the nearest town. As a child of 9 I did not understand why my parents moved here. I do now.
When I graduated high school at 17, I moved back to Massachusetts to seek a "more exciting" life. I lived in the city for 18 years. I had a baby boy. It was when he got to be school aged, I realized that the city was no place for us. We moved back to Maine. We now live in the center of Maine, have a beautiful home in the "middle of nowhere" and I can let my children out to play and not worry, too much, about the dangers of life. Yes, they are here, but not as prominent as the cities. My kids live a simple and fun life. The school systems here are great.
My husband travels 150 miles one way to work. But his job is a well paying job, so it is worth it. We have a little piece of heaven here and I would chose no other place to live. Even though Mainers feel that our taxes are high? (depending on where you live) For me personally I feel I don't pay that much for my piece of heaven, my good schools and my quaint little town. I have one neighbor, and I see them once a year! If that! As I go on and on about the true benefits of maine, I cannot say enough about what a wonderful place this is. If you are looking for a place with a Walmart down the street, or a shopping mall, you are looking in the wrong place. We have to drive 1 hour to get to those places. We don't go on fancy vacations, but we have made our home a fun place to be and don't want to leave it. We have a pool, a hot tub and enjoy our time off. We take the kids for ice creams, go to the coast once a year. So, it is like having a vacation at our home. So, with all that being said, I recommend Maine if you have children, or a retired and have a good source of income or are willing to travel for your work or you just want a simplier way of life.
The joys and downfalls of living in Maine
Hello Serendipitous,
I have lived in Maine my whole life and love the people and the atmosphere. As a mom of 3 kids I can't imagine raising our kids anywhere else. I live in central Maine where alot of the communities are smaller and very family friendly.
As far as jobs go, well Maine doesn't have much to offer unfortunatly. In order for my family to live here, my husband has to take work out of state and travel. But that is the price that one must pay to live here.
Overall Maine has alot to offer as far as outdoor activities, friendliness, and scenery. But if you are looking to make a living here you might want to think twice.
Hope this helps :)
Pros and Cons
Greeting Serendipitous -
I too am not a mainer, nor will I ever be. I am a land lubber that made the plunge in 1999. Since then I have learned a lot about Maine and have dispelled a lot of myths in the process. While Maine is known for the Lobster, blueberries, Pine trees, clean air, skiing, snowmobiling, etc... most Mainer's shop the Hannaford specials religiously and work very hard to afford a special night at Muddy Rudder for lobster. Most Mainer's live paycheck-to-paycheck and you can hear the timeclock ticking behind the intoxicating landscapes that draw tourists every year. People enjoy the laid back lifestyle and the access to fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, but sacrifice things that a city dweller might not. The job listings are painful at best. Being the highest taxed state, there is not any reciprocation for this. Most jobs people find are retail based and start b/w $7.50~$10/hr. If one has a degree or trade, there are scattered opportunities. The real sweet spot is in the healthcare industry. Nurses, radiographers, CNA's, etc... usually find work quickly.
Not to ramble... But just some things to think about.
I also do not want to come across that I hate Maine. I'm still here after 8 years. There just isn't an easy way to compromise big business with quaint milieus that Maine fosters.
If you make the move, enjoy Maine. Enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy the endless snowmobile trails. Enjoy the rivers. Enjoy the communities and take part in them.
-Odi et amo