Lesbian couple of 10+ years wanting to move from Austin Texas to the Portland area. (Bangor: to rent, how much)

[PugLoverof4]

I am 41 and my partner is about to be 37. I have recently become disabled, but prior to that I worked as a Registered Nurse. My partner is a graphic designer and works for a smaller, but quickly growing ad agency. We have no 2 legged-children, but we do have 4 pugs.
I do have several questions about the area. Are there places that my partner will be able to find a job and if so, does anyone know what a Graphic Designer makes in that area. She is a very talented artist and within 6 months of starting her job, had a promotion. I believe that she has a lot to offer if she can get her foot in the door.
I, on the other hand, will not work again, so my job isn't a concern. I am an outdoors type person and like to be outside as much as possible. Would there be areas that I would be able to walk with a cane without too much difficulty?
How much snow do you usually get in that area?
What types of entertainment is offered? We aren't bar people, but we enjoy the movies, art museums, etc.
I am not sure at this time if we would be renting or buying a home. It's not that we intend to stay only a little and then leave, we just aren't sure if we are ready for house buying yet. We would prefer a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a garage, and back yard. It really needs to be on one level due to my back issues. What would something like that run in a decent neighborhood to rent or to buy?
This might be a silly question, but how far is Portland from NYC and can you take a bus there. My parents absolutely love NYC and I would love to be able to go there if they were up for a visit.
We had thought about the west coast, but after reading different things about most of the west coast and how wet it stays in most of the area, we decided to go back and look at the city that we have loved almost as long as we've loved each other...Portland Maine.
I want to thank everyone ahead for helping us with this process. It's a huge step for us!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Portland has many walking trails and they are scenic. They have a Beach to Beacon race every year. That day the walking trails will be a race track. Portland itself doesn't get much snow except for the occasional really big dump of two or three feet of it. That's rare, but it does happen. It is not a disaster. We know what to do with it.

Portland is Provincetown North, just a little less flagrant. Maine people don't care what you do as long as you don't try to control other people.

As to graphic design, there is a small population of them in Maine. Most are employed long term and there are few opportunities. Our colleges crank out students with such skills at an amazing rate. There is a really big disconnect between education and the job market. We graduate 60,000 historians every year and there are fewer than 600 jobs for historians. The same goes for anthropologists and graphic designers.

The key is to be flexible and defining your niche.

[namder1]

I have a question I'd like to throw at ya Puglover. As a straight guy, I am curious. I have seen more and more posts here inquiring about the authors(gay or lesbian) moving to Maine . My question is if it is because of Maine's recently passed gay marriage law or is it just a coincidence?

[PugLoverof4]

@namder1: I'm not sure if it is a coincidence or not. There are about 19 states, I believe, that have legalized gay marriage and more on the way. So there are many other states to choose from. I can also say that we would like to live in a state where we can be legally married and I doubt Texas will be joining the bandwagon anytime soon. So I guess for us, the answer would be yes we would like Maine bc of the legalization of gay marriage. But also no bc we would just like to explore other places to live. I hope that answered your question.

[PugLoverof4]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Portland has many walking trails and they are scenic. They have a Beach to Beacon race every year. That day the walking trails will be a race track. Portland itself doesn't get much snow except for the occasional really big dump of two or three feet of it. That's rare, but it does happen. It is not a disaster. We know what to do with it.

Portland is Provincetown North, just a little less flagrant. Maine people don't care what you do as long as you don't try to control other people.

As to graphic design, there is a small population of them in Maine. Most are employed long term and there are few opportunities. Our colleges crank out students with such skills at an amazing rate. There is a really big disconnect between education and the job market. We graduate 60,000 historians every year and there are fewer than 600 jobs for historians. The same goes for anthropologists and graphic designers.

The key is to be flexible and defining your niche.

Thank you for such a great answer. As far as graphic design goes, we knew it might be an issue anywhere we go. It also doesn't help that we are in a recession right now.
We were actually hoping to be somewhere that has some open land and snows quite a bit. There are so many places to choose from. It's kind of exciting to do this. As I had responded to an earlier post, we really do want to be where gay marriage is legalized and that's not going to happen for awhile.
Again, thank you for your response!

[mainebrokerman]

this is just one job site,,but has a whole page of jobs..

Graphic Design Jobs, Employment in Maine | Indeed.com

maine is very open to lesbians,,,
just dont tell us we talk funny!!

[PugLoverof4]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

this is just one job site,,but has a whole page of jobs..

Graphic Design Jobs, Employment in Maine | Indeed.com

maine is very open to lesbians,,,
just dont tell us we talk funny!!

Lol I've been told we Texans talk quite funny too! Thank you so much for the info. One question, if we decided to stay in Maine, but not Portland, are there any places in Maine that might have what we want with maybe more snow? Is there any place in Northern Maine that might even be less expensive?
Again thank you for the info!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

All places in Northern Maine are less expensive with the exception of our lakes, but even the lakes up here are less expensive than down in lower maine.

[PugLoverof4]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

All places in Northern Maine are less expensive with the exception of our lakes, but even the lakes up here are less expensive than down in lower maine.

@ Northern Maine Land Man:
What are the job opportunities like in northern Maine and what is the weather like in that area? Thank you for all of your help!
Also, are there any cities in Northern Maine that you could recommend? It's really hard to tell anything on any maps. Thanks!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Bangor has five colleges within five miles. It is tidal with a 10 foot tide. There is a brand new convention center. It is the most dynamic city in central Maine. There are some traditional 9 to 5 jobs, but many jobs are available for contractors in web design and graphic design. This sin't just mundane data base management, but creative design. Most of Maine thinks that Bangor is in Northern Maine. It isn't even half way up. It's a very nice small city.

I'll PM you.