Presque Isle comments (Caribou, Fort Kent, Van Buren: low crime, house, movie theaters)

[writprof]

Any positive or negative comments on Presque Isle for retirement?

[Valley Living]

Presque Isle is a nice little town with low crime rates and nice people. I live 45 minutes north of P.I. in Van Buren and I travel there approx 1 time per week for groceries or whatever. I also lived there for 5 years during my college years. I personally prefer the St. John Valley area due to the seclusion, unlimited outdoor activities and hilly terrain, however Presque Isle is nice! You've got Aroostook State Park in town, Maine Winter Sports Nordic Heritage Center, P.I. Mall, many little shops and special interest. Caribou has the best hospital in Maine and the service is 5 stars. People in Northern Maine have a lot to be proud of! Take a look at the towns of Van Buren, Caribou, Fort Kent, St. Agatha and Frenchville as well. They are all smaller and the house market is awsome at this time!

[writprof]

Thanks! I know the area in general (applied for teaching one time in Ft. Kent!) but didn't think about retiring at that time. Since I don't drive, cabs (or buses) become a major consideration.

[mainebrokerman]

ive been to the star city many times, and have enjoyed it, and the surrounding areas, id think it would be a great place to retire,,,,housing prices are relatively very low, the people are very nice, and presque isle is the hub of the county (aroostook county)

[Floridahater]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

ive been to the star city many times, and have enjoyed it, and the surrounding areas, id think it would be a great place to retire,,,,housing prices are relatively very low, the people are very nice, and presque isle is the hub of the county (aroostook county)

I'd sure live there if I could attain a job. Absolutely! What about Ashland? I have an old buddy that lives in that area, but I haven't been to the town. What is it like?

[Bydand]

I live in Washburn which is 10 miles from Presque Isle. PI is much better for retirement I would think than either Caribou or Ashland. Ashland isn't too bad, but there is NOTHING there. Caribou is going to end up being a bedroom community to PI in years to come. It mainly depends on where you are coming from and what you expect. If you are looking for something to do everynight or chic places to eat out, PI isn't the ticket. If you are coming from South, you really have to be prepared for the winter. Snow makes pictures look nice and serene, but you have to be ready for the months below freezing that comes with the snow. Yes months, not days. Post a bit more information and expectations and I'll do my best to answer them.

[writprof]

Though I lived in the South for a decade, I also lived in California, New York, and the northern part of Europe. Next month, I'm going to experience Christmas in South America... Must say, I've always preferred the snow to the heat! I plan to come to Maine in February, which should give me a pretty good first-hand renewed experience with the snow.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by writprof

I plan to come to Maine in February, which should give me a pretty good first-hand renewed experience with the snow.

And the cold. Should be nice and frosty in February. Presque Isle does not have a regular bus system and routes, but they do have Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) which is an on call bus, kind of like a mega taxi if you will. There are also a couple of cab companies. A big plus to Presque Isle is that it has both UMPI (University of Maine, Presque Isle), and Northern Maine Community College. They both have excellent programs, with NMCC having some good choices on continuing education classes if you want to keep the old Noodle greased and learning . I know it is handy to see a class that might be of interest and be able to pop in to take one here and there for a semester.

There are no movie theaters in PI right now though. The closest one is in Caribou, and it is a nice small family run operation that still doesn't feel they need to get rich with every bag of popcorn or drink sold. You can get a large Popcorn and drink, and get change back from a $5 bill last time I was there. Entrance is $5.50 so you can catch a good movie for $10 with snack and drink. I have never paid more than $20 going in with the whole family (2 adults and 4 kids) because the guy at the counter doesn't want to charge a family more than that just to see a movie, find THAT someplace else.

Plenty of Churches and they generally have good attendance with a good mix of ages if that is something you would be interested in.

Good place to eat is the Irish Setter Pub on Main street. Cozy atmosphere and good food with not too bad prices. If you go to Slopes across from the mall, eat on the pub side (personal favorite is the flatiron steak), the dining hall side feels like eating in a convention center with not as much ambiance of a Super 8 lobby. If you like to "slum" it a bit for good food, try the Riverside which is behind the stores in a parking lot on the West side of Main Street, behind Wilders Jewelry. Good food, good prices, crappy building and view.

Anything else just give a holler. Glad to help.

[writprof]

Thanks, bydand, that's exactly what I'm looking for. I write professionally and otherwise, so the long winter doesn't dissuade me. (Take me four to six months to write novel from concept to completion). As long as I can scratch a lazy kitty kat and can get groceries (and the electricty, phone and heat and hot water works!!!) I'll be a cozy transplant.

[Mark S.]

I've only visited Presque Isle, but I loved it. Nice little community with very friendly people. And just GORGEOUS scenery. We were there during the nor'easter last April when the place got buried in snow. It looked like Siberia. Awesome!