Coastal city or town for a non-driver? (Portland, South Portland: rental, house) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

newenglandgirl · 04-14-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midcoaster

newenglandgirl - "Winter" is a factor of latitude and longitude. Maine does not have mythological winters. Talking about how bad winters are in Maine is important to far too many people who live here, and who, apparently, never look at, or have experienced, the weather in any other part of the country.

It's part of the, "We have everything SO very hard in Maine', that's what makes us great," mentality. It doesn't. It only speaks to a victim attitude, and a preference to maintain that position rather attempt to change it, and it is such a discredit to the ancestors of folks here, who were, in fact, brimming with "Yankee ingenuity," "straight-talking," and all the incredible feats accomplished here -- by them. But not now. But you could say that about many other places as well. They just don't capitalize on it.

Not sure what you're saying, pondering....

The winters in Maine are not a whole lot different than any other Northern state across the country...I agree. But it's mostly the relative isolation factor in Maine that has to be reckoned with. I would probably same the same about many areas of upstate NY, ND, and MN etc. In little Massachusetts, you are surrounded by cities and college towns, even in the western part of the state. You can easily get out to all kinds of events and activities even in compromised health and older age. In many a small isolated town in state like Maine, it's a "longer winter" and in general I'd say the happier people there are outdoors types who can enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer in cold and snow. Mainers may want to weigh in to agree with or contradict me.

Midcoaster · 04-14-2012, 01:11 PM

That's pretty much was I was getting at.

SBrooksB · 04-14-2012, 02:21 PM

.
I've traveled a fair bit, and lived in New Orleans, Chicago, DC, and (for the last 42 years) NYC. It's safe to say that every city and town on earth has its resident champions and detractors.

You've all been extremely generous in sharing your thoughts and experience here, and I'm grateful for your input. Relocating isn't something I take lightly, and opinions from both sides of the fence, pro and con, are exactly what I need. What's really important to me? I haven't had to think about that in a long time, and now I do.

If push comes to shove, I'll always have the "safety net" of my hometown, New Orleans. I love the city, and still have family there. (I sure would miss Northern winters, though....snow is my favorite weather, and winter my favorite season.)

I'm a guy, by the way.

. .Again, thanks for your help.
.

montydean · 04-14-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

Not sure what you're saying, pondering....

The winters in Maine are not a whole lot different than any other Northern state across the country...I agree. But it's mostly the relative isolation factor in Maine that has to be reckoned with. I would probably same the same about many areas of upstate NY, ND, and MN etc. In little Massachusetts, you are surrounded by cities and college towns, even in the western part of the state. You can easily get out to all kinds of events and activities even in compromised health and older age. In many a small isolated town in state like Maine, it's a "longer winter" and in general I'd say the happier people there are outdoors types who can enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer in cold and snow. Mainers may want to weigh in to agree with or contradict me.

Upstate NY is in no way as isolated as Maine (its not isolated in anyway as a matter of fact), and certainly not as isolated as north dakota. in fact this is the first time I have ever heard NY compared to north dakota...its a pretty shocking statement actually.

You see, in NY, you are never more than an hour away from a city, no matter where you are. Even in the north country of the state, the least dense area of the state, still offers a short ride to the thruway cities of albany through buffalo. If you take only upstate, then you are still talking about several metro areas of over 200k, and there is always a town or village 15 minutes away. Perhaps you are not familiar with NY?

Dood912 · 04-14-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midcoaster

it is direct experience of myself and of other who have come with a mythological image of maine and have, since, left.

if you hold a mythological view of ANYTHING, you're bound to be disappointed, straight up. sorry brother but its not the locals fault you thought you had reached the promised land when you came here.

its REALITY, not a postcard, and not a calender. watchu think, you wake up in the morning to lobsters and seals jumping out of the surf to greet you? birds perch on your shoulder to say hi? a cute little bear cub in your backyard you can tickle and cuddle and take home with you?

no man, sorry, i don't know who told you that place existed...maybe a real estate agent...but it doesn't, ANYWHERE. sorry my dude, but you are out of touch with reality. a place IS what you make of it. your LIFE is what you make of it, nothing else. Later bubba.

lovemaine · 04-14-2012, 09:55 PM

I wasn't going to post in this thread, but here it goes: We moved to mid coast Maine exactly 3 years ago and absolutely love it here! We're originally from WI. Lived in NJ and NC before settling in Maine. Like with any place you move to, it's what you make of it. If you have a poor attitude, no matter where you decide to move, you WILL be miserable. Maine, like every other place, is not perfect. But, for my family and me, it's as close to perfect as we'll probably ever get. I know quite a few seniors around here, and they sure are happy here. In fact, our next door neighbors retired here form Brooklyn 4 years ago and are extremely content and happy. Again, it's what you make of it. Just my 2 cents...

mainebrokerman · 04-15-2012, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovemaine

I wasn't going to post in this thread, but here it goes: We moved to mid coast Maine exactly 3 years ago and absolutely love it here! We're originally from WI. Lived in NJ and NC before settling in Maine. Like with any place you move to, it's what you make of it. If you have a poor attitude, no matter where you decide to move, you WILL be miserable. Maine, like every other place, is not perfect. But, for my family and me, it's as close to perfect as we'll probably ever get. I know quite a few seniors around here, and they sure are happy here. In fact, our next door neighbors retired here form Brooklyn 4 years ago and are extremely content and happy. Again, it's what you make of it. Just my 2 cents...

Excellent Post!!

It's easy to complain, and whine, I guess that diverts/deflects folks from looking in the mirror

we all have our challenges, some worst than others, but its how we react to those challenges- positve or negative that define who we are

Thank you for writing this post

retiredtinbender · 04-15-2012, 04:51 AM

"retiredtinbender - I have no idea why you made the comment about WalMart. None."

Midcoaster, not a problem. Just an attempt at humor. I am sure some got it . Mainly just a commentary on how grim a picture you painted of Maine in your post. I have never seen it as bad as you say. I feel badly for you that you had those types of experiences.

newenglandgirl · 04-15-2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montydean

Upstate NY is in no way as isolated as Maine (its not isolated in anyway as a matter of fact), and certainly not as isolated as north dakota. in fact this is the first time I have ever heard NY compared to north dakota...its a pretty shocking statement actually.

You see, in NY, you are never more than an hour away from a city, no matter where you are. Even in the north country of the state, the least dense area of the state, still offers a short ride to the thruway cities of albany through buffalo. If you take only upstate, then you are still talking about several metro areas of over 200k, and there is always a town or village 15 minutes away. Perhaps you are not familiar with NY?

For a younger/middle aged adult, an hour away from a city is no big deal. The OP is retired, so I assume older. As we age, generally speaking driving an hour to a city and back during the day let alone at night is a big deal in snow(ice)bound northern states. Plus, if you read his post, he does not drive.

But taking it back to general terms, in many of these northern states the towns (aside from cities) are many long roads in between, and that is the comparison I am making between states. I'm not saying NY, SD and ME are in other ways similar. "Rural," "driving" (lots), "far apart," "winter roads" are the operative words. This is hardcore reality and has nothing to do with any "mythic" image of Maine or any other northern state.

montydean · 04-15-2012, 04:02 PM

In NY you are no more than an hour away from a larger city, not any city. By larger, I mean albany,buffalo,etc.... If you want to talk about smaller cities or towns then you are really never more than 10 minutes away from some small village with a main st. or something along those lines.

Basically, if you live in NY and you have to go to the grocery store, hardware store or even a barber, it will only be a 5-10 minute drive. I understand where you are coming from in your post, I just dont think you realize that upstate NY, while not as densely populated as downstate NY, or NJ, is still a very developed region. To compare it to the states you mentioned is just inaccurate.