Why is this forum so active? (Portland, South Portland: for rent, big home, safe area)

[Coaster]

I think Cullen's reasons come close to answering that question. To my mind, we love to talk about this state because Maine has such a strong identity. We all can find our own piece of the image -- even lttt -- that meets our needs. I have never seen any other state where the residents identify so strongly with it.

[moughie]

Originally Posted by Zymer

The mystery I see, is how do we support a growing need on a declining revenue base?

And may I add, an aging population.

Really good question, zymer. So far it has been accomplished by raising property taxes, it seems.


Originally Posted by cullen90

Maine IS more romantized than other places I would say.

I would definitely agree with cullen that Maine is more romanticized than many other places by people from away who wish to move to Maine. Just read the posts and you will find that statement reflects the overwhelming sentiment of all those wishing to move to Maine or considering moving to Maine.

[Seekeraftertruth]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I have never seen any other state where the residents identify so strongly with it.

Texas, New Hampshire, Montana, Kentucky, for starters? In my experience, the more rural the state, the greater the attachment by the locals.

Hancock County seems to be highly floodprone. Are there other areas to avoid?

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Maine is like the places we remember as kids. When you hear, "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go" you picture Maine. I could live anywhere I want and I live in Maine. From my back yard it's 42 miles through the woods to the next paved road. Most of my neighbors are moose and deer. The work required to live here is very enjoyable to me.

[raygabs]

"I'm kinda a liberal but I do not want to live anywhere NEAR portland. I hope that makes me acceptable. I really don't like to label people so ... I hope I'll fit in."

--- I'm new to this posting thing so I don't know how to copy the quote in the box thing..... somebody enlighten me.
Anyway, I have to comment on the liberal issue. I for one can't stand the division this country has made on "liberals" vs. "conservative". Tree hugging should be a human thing not a political thing just as pollution should be too. Whether global warming happens as a result of pollution or other natural phenomenon is not the point. Pollution=bad.Period. Hurting the ocean.Bad. I like trees ---they add to the beauty and health of our world. I am very different than say FB in that I am not sure if I could own a farm and kill my own animals. I however am very much in favor of the type of lifestyle he leads. I think it' s the mass production mentality of farming and production in general that has ruined a way of life for us all. Yes ,,it is convenient ... but it's ruined us. Just like putting your kid in front of t.v and computers all day may convenient for a busy parent...it will make them lazy. I'm sorry but this just irks me ... I love cities for what they offer ...I love the country for what it offers. I like people like Forrest ...I like people like Molly...I like most people even if they don't live exactly the way I do. There are some issues that are black and white and we confuse them way too much. Do what feels right to you live where it feels right...don't worry about a line. Maine seems to for the most part...live a little simpler than most places I've been to ...for us coming to live there because we want that ...we will create that for ourselves-there seems to be a space to still do that in this gorgeous state. I hope I haven't offended anyone-ranting and raving. Thanks for listening.

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by raygabs

"I'm kinda a liberal but I do not want to live anywhere NEAR portland. I hope that makes me acceptable. I really don't like to label people so ... I hope I'll fit in."

--- I'm new to this posting thing so I don't know how to copy the quote in the box thing..... somebody enlighten me.
Anyway, I have to comment on the liberal issue. I for one can't stand the division this country has made on "liberals" vs. "conservative". Tree hugging should be a human thing not a political thing just as pollution should be too. Whether global warming happens as a result of pollution or other natural phenomenon is not the point. Pollution=bad.Period. Hurting the ocean.Bad. I like trees ---they add to the beauty and health of our world. I am very different than say FB in that I am not sure if I could own a farm and kill my own animals. I however am very much in favor of the type of lifestyle he leads. I think it' s the mass production mentality of farming and production in general that has ruined a way of life for us all. Yes ,,it is convenient ... but it's ruined us. Just like putting your kid in front of t.v and computers all day may convenient for a busy parent...it will make them lazy. I'm sorry but this just irks me ... I love cities for what they offer ...I love the country for what it offers. I like people like Forrest ...I like people like Molly...I like most people even if they don't live exactly the way I do. There are some issues that are black and white and we confuse them way too much. Do what feels right to you live where it feels right...don't worry about a line. Maine seems to for the most part...live a little simpler than most places I've been to ...for us coming to live there because we want that ...we will create that for ourselves-there seems to be a space to still do that in this gorgeous state. I hope I haven't offended anyone-ranting and raving. Thanks for listening.

See the big blue button at the bottom of the post that says "QUOTE"....

I think you'll fit well in Maine. You'll appreciate the "live and let live" attitude. There is plenty of room for everyone to find their "special" place. I love the diversity of the people, the lifestyle and the landscape. I think there is truly something for everyone there. And I don't want to be anywhere near Portland either!

Welcome to the forum. I've been enjoying your posts.

[mainewannabe]

you could go on all day .... that's how I feel. Just wanted to be sure my progressive thinking (which yeah, you are right as I was saying the labelling others is off-base) it's just human nature to be 'progressive' or 'liberal' or .... love trees or animals but still utilize them as does forest and as I would if I had the stomach. We think about raising critters but we hope someone else will do that part ... I just want a healthy world and happy people and children who can run and play .... and BE children, not annoyances.

Originally Posted by raygabs

"I'm kinda a liberal but I do not want to live anywhere NEAR portland. I hope that makes me acceptable. I really don't like to label people so ... I hope I'll fit in."

--- I'm new to this posting thing so I don't know how to copy the quote in the box thing..... somebody enlighten me.
Anyway, I have to comment on the liberal issue. I for one can't stand the division this country has made on "liberals" vs. "conservative". Tree hugging should be a human thing not a political thing just as pollution should be too. Whether global warming happens as a result of pollution or other natural phenomenon is not the point. Pollution=bad.Period. Hurting the ocean.Bad. I like trees ---they add to the beauty and health of our world. I am very different than say FB in that I am not sure if I could own a farm and kill my own animals. I however am very much in favor of the type of lifestyle he leads. I think it' s the mass production mentality of farming and production in general that has ruined a way of life for us all. Yes ,,it is convenient ... but it's ruined us. Just like putting your kid in front of t.v and computers all day may convenient for a busy parent...it will make them lazy. I'm sorry but this just irks me ... I love cities for what they offer ...I love the country for what it offers. I like people like Forrest ...I like people like Molly...I like most people even if they don't live exactly the way I do. There are some issues that are black and white and we confuse them way too much. Do what feels right to you live where it feels right...don't worry about a line. Maine seems to for the most part...live a little simpler than most places I've been to ...for us coming to live there because we want that ...we will create that for ourselves-there seems to be a space to still do that in this gorgeous state. I hope I haven't offended anyone-ranting and raving. Thanks for listening.

[mainewannabe]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Maine is like the places we remember as kids. When you hear, "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go" you picture Maine. I could live anywhere I want and I live in Maine. From my back yard it's 42 miles through the woods to the next paved road. Most of my neighbors are moose and deer. The work required to live here is very enjoyable to me.

That's exactly how I grew up. When they finally paved the road (one of them) by our house the cars (the few that went down it) had to wait for the kids to get out of the way with their skates, skateboards and bikes. The other roads were dirt and shell and perfect for horses.

Work so HARD to keep maine that way.
Thank you for all you have done to keep a corner of America for those of us who want that life.
I'm grateful !!

[DavidoftheNorth]

Because we care about each other here. We feel safe here.

[raygabs]

I am soo grateful... I was starting to think that America was only going to be subdivisions and Target and Starbucks(not that I don't appreciate a good Pumpkin Spice latte-cuz I do loovvve my Starbucks) but I don't need them EVERYWHERE. Our kids are going to think our produce grows at the supermarket. So if Mainahs(is that right?) are a little protective of their way of life then I don't blame them. When I was looking at houses on the net, I saw a few subdivisions that have yet to be built in Scarborough. They looked so much like everything here in Georgia- I shuddered. I actually saw one illustration of a brick monstrosity they will build ....uh oh. Here we go?