Friendly, Prosperous town Downeast? (Camden, Lincoln: neighborhood, taxes, to live in)

[biggspc]

i know down east isnt exactly known for being the most prosperous part of the state, but are any of the towns more prosperous and less depressed than the others? Im attracted to the area because its apart of the coast that isnt built up and touristy, but id still like to live in a town that isnt drug ridden and dying. I wont be moving for another few years so feel free to recommend any towns you feel are beginning to revitalize.

Also, are any of these town particularly in need of a optometrist and dentist?

[Submariner]

I honestly do not think of any region of Maine as being 'prosperous'. The closest thing to 'prosperous' would be the town of Lincoln.

It is my general understanding that nearly all of Maine has a depressed economy, and has been for many decades.

Few towns in Maine are 'drug ridden', and despite the depressed economy the only towns that are really dying are those up North that are being cleansed.

"Beginning to revitalize" requires a resource that can support an industry [or higher taxes].



We moved to Maine due to what Maine offers, rather than a hope that Maine might one day offer.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I honestly do not think of any region of Maine as being 'prosperous'. The closest thing to 'prosperous' would be the town of Lincoln.

It is my general understanding that nearly all of Maine has a depressed economy, and has for many decades.

Few towns in Maine have much are 'drug ridden', and despite the depressed economy the only towns that are really dying are those up North that are being cleansed.

"Beginning to revitalize" requires a resource that can support an industry.



We moved to Maine due to what Maine offers, rather than a hope that Maine might one day offer.

Nice sentiment forest and good words to live by.....Maine is what you make it!

[Zarathu]

How can you tell that you lived in a prosperous place? I'm not sure that I know what a prosperous place is.

[OutDoorNut]

Originally Posted by biggspc

i know down east isnt exactly known for being the most prosperous part of the state, but are any of the towns more prosperous and less depressed than the others? Im attracted to the area because its apart of the coast that isnt built up and touristy, but id still like to live in a town that isnt drug ridden and dying. I wont be moving for another few years so feel free to recommend any towns you feel are beginning to revitalize.

Also, are any of these town particularly in need of a optometrist and dentist?

You should clarify which part of Maine you're referring to when you say "down east," because different people and even different authorities consider different parts of Maine to be down east.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Zarathu

How can you tell that you lived in a prosperous place? I'm not sure that I know what a prosperous place is.

Usually everyone in the neighborhood drives a Mercedes or two (at the very least) and have grounds keepers and Mac Mansions. It is also determined by the number of golf courses per square mile.

[lawmom]

Lincoln is "prosperous"?? It must have changed since I was there last a few years ago.

[maureenb]

"Prosperity" is in the eye of the beholder.

Nuances to the definition of "prosperity" do exist...

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by lawmom

Lincoln is "prosperous"?? It must have changed since I was there last a few years ago.

When so many mills have been shutting down, a town that still has it's mill running is prosperous in comparison.

I am not sure about tourist areas [since I do not live in one], though I think that the tourist industry only sees a seasonal prosperity.

[flycessna]

I think it might be better to consider stability. An area that is at least not at a huge risk of getting much worse. Towns that are propped up based on one or two large employers would have me concerned. Even a place that is at rock bottom (cant get any worse) might be more stable then a town that appears to be prosperous.

As far as tourism, even though it is seasonal I think it could add a level of stability to an area. If your not directly dependent on the feast or famine industry itself it can provide a seasonal boost. I would imagine even the dentist in Camden see an uptick during the summer with emergencies.

Forest hit the nail on the head!