solo move to Maine (Portland, Brunswick: sales, real estate, renting)

[traviata]

I've made four visits to Maine in the last year and a half -- from Los Angeles! I'm planning on renting a place for a year beginning this April, and if all goes as I expect it will, I'll buy a place and relocate permanently afterwards.The thing I dislike most about Los Angeles is its vast traffic filled sprawl and a feeling of complete anonymity. In my visits to Maine, I really liked the way that people stopped to talk, and how proud they were of where they lived. I have a whole collection of hand drawn maps, given to me by strangers in gas stations, coffee shops and post offices, to small towns I ought to visit in my search for a new home!

My question is this: As I read your posts, I notice that most people tend to move to Maine either to raise a family or to retire as a couple. I am a middle aged, high school English teacher, without family. There is no real "reason" I need to move to Maine, like a job. I got a little bit lucky in the recent crazy LA real estate price explosion, so this financial cushion will allow me time to write when I move. What I'd really like is just to be a part of Maine. I wonder what the best way is to do this, and and if you might have any ideas on the best area to try out? (Portland is a lovely, lovely city, but I'm avoiding urban right now!) And I guess, just frankly, I wonder how you think this might go?

[Dragondog]

Try Bath, if Portland is too 'urban'
also very nice is Rockland and Camden.
Since you will not have to really 'work' your options are not limited.
Look into Woodstock and Pomfret Connecticut- in the states 'quiet corner'
about equal distance to Providence and Hartford.
Another option is western Massachusetts-towns like Lennox and Stockbridge.
You will be surprised how many escapees you meet in all these places from California. Good luck.

[Imissthefall]

"My question is this: As I read your posts, I notice that most people tend to move to Maine either to raise a family or to retire as a couple. I am a middle aged, high school English teacher, without family. There is no real "reason" I need to move to Maine, like a job. I got a little bit lucky in the recent crazy LA real estate price explosion, so this financial cushion will allow me time to write when I move. What I'd really like is just to be a part of Maine. I wonder what the best way is to do this, and and if you might have any ideas on the best area to try out? (Portland is a lovely, lovely city, but I'm avoiding urban right now!) And I guess, just frankly, I wonder how you think this might go?"

I have no advice to offer since I am moving to Maine soon as well, but just wanted to sy GO FOR IT! Even if you move to Maine and dislike it, you can always move back and I'm sure you still wouldn't regret it.

[ontheroad]

Single myself, I understand, or think I might, your perspective. I am also recently retired. Sounds like a great plan--to write while you have the opportunity and some time.

I sojourned, albeit briefly, up in Liberty, ME (in quick driving distance to Belfast, the coast, and elswhere) and wrote for a solid fortnight. It was just splendid. I did have to drive into town for typewriter ribbons, food and people-comfort, but found it easy in Fall and refreshingly friendly.

Except for this area I am more familiar with MA, CT and RI and will follow the thread to see if others have good suggestions for you in ME.

Good luck on that writing!

[bzbzlady]

My husband says you should check out the tax structure in Maine as it is one of the highest in the nation with both a sales tax and an income tax.

[tkx7]

I think moving from Los Angeles to Maine will feel like moving to a different country. Even going from Maine to Massachusetts or CT you can really notice a differences in the lifestyles, culture and urban areas. I'd try something around Brunswick or Bath or outside of Augusta or Waterville if you dont want something too urban.

[traviata]

Originally Posted by tkx7

I think moving from Los Angeles to Maine will feel like moving to a different country. Even going from Maine to Massachusetts or CT you can really notice a differences in the lifestyles, culture and urban areas. I'd try something around Brunswick or Bath or outside of Augusta or Waterville if you dont want something too urban.

Could you (or anyone!) say a little more about that? Someone I ran into here, originally from Maine, said, "Moving from LA to anywhere in New England is like the difference between the United States and Europe." I think he meant this in a positive way. What do you think about the comment?

What characterizes "Maine culture and lifestyle"? In the time I have spent there, I notice again and again that people seem to have more time to listen and a genuine interest (curiosity?) about others. This is so very different from where I live.

[Dragondog]

The comment about New England being more like Europe then the Unites States is an honest assessment. Within New England there are differences- mainly on geographic patterns. Northern New England being much less urbanized and rural then southern New England. Living in Connecticut will be different then living in Maine, while Vermont and New Hampshire are different from each other- though this is narrowing.

Southern New England is densely populated- especially Connecticut and Rhode Island. Though over in Connecticut's eastern quiet corner it is very rural.

Boston, is the primate intellectual and cultural center of the 6 state region- 'The Hub' ....in the past 'Hub of the Universe'.

The region however maintains a strong identity more then any other region of the country- and that is the cohesion that binds the region together.

It is the closest part of the USA to Europe- and has been the primary place of migration of many from Europe.

The region does have a strong 'European flavor' from the old world skylines of New Haven to Boston, to the culinary excellence in even an 'average restaurant' . Add to this renowned colleges, great museums and very progressive politics that are in the tradition of Western Europe way (The regions is easily the nations 'bluest') The overtones of Europe are easy to see indeed- and this shocks many newcomers.

I have talked to people from Iowa and other parts of the mid and far west who said they experienced 'cultural shock' here in Connecticut- which is the most urban part of the 6 state region.

As far as Californians here- in southern New England- the number of car license plates from the golden state are many- I see them daily everywhere- they vary from blonds in sunglasses driving Lexus SUV's to Indians in BMW's to 'basic people' driving Maximas.

Californians seem to enjoy Connecticut's 'quiet corner', in the eastern part of the state. Its rolling hills, farms, history, rural peace, wineries and closeness to the Ocean, plus less then an hour from Hartford and Providence make it popular. Plus buying a new 2000- square foot colonial on one acre for around 300K helps.

Some of these must be returnees- but some are also newcomers. Met a guy online who moved his family from the SF Bay area to the Farmington Valley- west of Hartford, and loves it here. Says what your money buys in a house is incredible, the Sushi is great, and the Pizza is the best- not to mention the close proximity to so much.

New England is another planet compared to the rest of the country especially outside of the BosWash megalopolis- what it all boils down to what you are seeking- New England it seems is appealing to more people seeking escape from their present situation that has degraded their 'quality of life'.

[Randy Brown]

Are you looking for something a little less than "urban"?, maybe even "woodsy", in deferrance to the comment re Liberty? If I were going to write, I'd choose that area (Liberty, Montville-pop. 180 etc.).