Possible move to Maine with young kids, Scottish husband. (Portland: how much, home)

[as111]

Forgot to mention in my last post:

If you're thinking about which high schools you want to send your kids to, the best ones in the area (from word of mouth) are John Bapst in Bangor and Hampden Academy in Hampden. John Bapst was originally a christian school but was changed to a non-religious high school in the 80s. Hampden Academy (I believe and I might be wrong) is actually a public school. Hampden is one of the more affluent suburbs of Bangor and the town has more tax revenue to invest in it school system. In Maine, parents who live in towns without public high schools can choose to send their kids to any school of their picking within reasonable distance at the cost of the town. So if you were to buy a home in a place like Glenburn, you'd be able to send your kids to a private school for free.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by as111

... In your post, you didn't mention if you were born and raised in Alabama or if you're just living there now. If you've never lived in the north before, just be aware that there is a stigma against southern people in some of the more liberal areas. A lot of northerners tend to perceive people with southern accents as less intelligent and will sometimes automatically assume that you're racist and conservative. Some people I've spoken to who have moved here from the south have also commented on our cultural differences towards strangers. In general, I guess we tend to be a bit colder and disinterested in others until we get to know them. That all being said, Mainers in general are nice people when you get to know us.

Mainers in liberal areas are biased against Southerners?

Learn something new every day I guess.

[as111]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Mainers in liberal areas are biased against Southerners?

Learn something new every day I guess.

I can't tell if that's sarcasm or not but from what I've seen, yes.

[Submariner]

I guess I am glad I am not from the South then.

I have lived in the south a few times, but I never picked up the dialect. I know a few people who migrated here from the South.

Maybe I am just lucky to have came from California instead.

[as111]

Perhaps. I'm just speaking in generalizations, of course I'm not implying that everyone is like that.

[ShannoMill]

I am a Navy brat. I am a dual citizen in the U.K. from my Mom being Scottish but Dad being American. I grew up in Guam, Japan, Scotland, and Pensacola, Florida so I have been told I sound Canadian or Northern. No Southern accent so I will count myself lucky I guess lol. Being in the South is great if you fit the bill, which neither of us do. I have been called a Yankee many times even though I moved here when I was a teenager and went to high school here. I like the weather here and it is not all bad but our political views and lack of religious views make us stand out. I am an Atheist and my husband is Protestant but not practicing. Our oldest, who is 4, goes to a Baptist daycare. I have no problem with her learning about God or religion I just don't believe. Pretty open minded about it all but that is looked down on here in the Bible belt. Religion wise how does central Maine stand? Lots of shove down your throat types or keep to yourselves about it? I haven't checked this in awhile as planning a 5th birthday but any tid bits you can offer are great and only reinforce why we need to move even more. I want to stress again how much I appreciate the time you guys have taken to respond. All the best, Shannon

[ShannoMill]

Oh one more thing to add to the topic, I am in the process of getting more certifications career wise. Any property and casualty insurance or claims adjusters on here or know the job prospects for them in the area? Will need to get certified in Maine after the move but just wondering if there is a potential I will be hired quickly or stuck being a receptionist somewhere till something comes up? Thanks again.

[as111]

Originally Posted by ShannoMill

I am a Navy brat. I am a dual citizen in the U.K. from my Mom being Scottish but Dad being American. I grew up in Guam, Japan, Scotland, and Pensacola, Florida so I have been told I sound Canadian or Northern. No Southern accent so I will count myself lucky I guess lol. Being in the South is great if you fit the bill, which neither of us do. I have been called a Yankee many times even though I moved here when I was a teenager and went to high school here. I like the weather here and it is not all bad but our political views and lack of religious views make us stand out. I am an Atheist and my husband is Protestant but not practicing. Our oldest, who is 4, goes to a Baptist daycare. I have no problem with her learning about God or religion I just don't believe. Pretty open minded about it all but that is looked down on here in the Bible belt. Religion wise how does central Maine stand? Lots of shove down your throat types or keep to yourselves about it? I haven't checked this in awhile as planning a 5th birthday but any tid bits you can offer are great and only reinforce why we need to move even more. I want to stress again how much I appreciate the time you guys have taken to respond. All the best, Shannon

Got faith? Maine the least-religious state in the nation — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine

The northern half of the state is more religious than the southern half but generally speaking, it's a 'live and let live' attitude. You'll find a small minority of people who do try to shove it down your throat but it's often frowned upon in the communities I've lived in. For those who are religious, northern Maine is predominantly Christian and the more south you go, the more religions you run into. You'll find pockets of certain religions scattered throughout like you would any state (Amish communities in Aroostook County, Jewish and Islamic communities in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, etc.).

Unlike the south, religion also doesn't have a big part of our politics. We legalized gay marriage and recreational marijuana by popular vote and drinking beer on Sundays is pretty common.

[ShannoMill]

Perfect. That ticks off religion and politics then. We are both Socialists but not the same as you would find in say Vermont. Think Scandinavian socialist. Scotland has the NHS and free tuition. I tell you nothing beats leaving your wallet home when you go for a doctors visit. It sounds like we fit the bill already. That is good. It is so hard to live in a place you are nit accepted by the community. My younger brother is gay and has yet to come out to certain extended family because of how they may react. He is itching to move away as well. Tried to talk him into Maine but he is thinking Atlanta as larger gay community and more city life for him. We are pretty left leaning but we never push that on anyone else. I voted Hillary in 2016 but was rooting for Bernie until the bitter end.

[bastion79]

Originally Posted by as111

As someone who lives in the area, I wouldn't necessarily recommend Bangor itself for your family. It's definitely more safe than what you're used to but the surrounding towns (Hermon, Hampden, Orono, Brewer, etc.) are probably a little better than Bangor, especially if you're looking at school systems. <snip>

Didn't Stephen King once describe Hermon as the "armpit of the world"? I always wondered what it was about that place that compelled him to give it that label. Granted, I've only visited the place virtually through Google Street View, but it looks like a placid little community. In fact, I wish I could swap my native Brooklyn for that so-called armpit right now.