Talmar Woods, Orono, ME??? (section 8, apartments, day care)

[oronobound]

Hi Everyone - My boyfriend and I are moving to UMaine, Orono in the Fall 2008. We just got back and one of the places we looked at was Talmar. Can anyone give me honest opinions about this place. It will be the two of us living and the cost, of course, is affordable for us. We thought it was very cute for two people and within walking distance of the University. Also my major is Elem Ed so I was hoping to just do a work study at their day care. Any thoughts? Thanks, Stephanie

[umograd83]

My brother and his wife used to live there in the 70s. I don't what it's like now, though. It definitely is within walking distance to UMO, though.

[Maine Writer]

We lived there in the 80's when Steve was in college. My SIL lives there now. She's a college student too. No complaints.

[oronobound]

Maine Writer - Is there any way you could have your SIL comment on this with anything I should know before I sign on the dotted line? My boyfriend and I really got a good feeling but I've read reviews on other links that weren't too good. Thank you!!

[libbykt]

Honestly, don't pay any attention to online apartment review sites. I've never found any that don't have negative reviews. Apartment living sometimes sucks under the best of circumstances, and you'll usually only hear people's negative experiences. I wouldn't worry about it at all. I never lived there, but my best friend did, and she never had any problems and got her entire security deposit back at the end of the year.

[oronobound]

Thank you everyone - I'm feeling much better about the place. Our application is filled out and I'm mailing tomorrow. We are super excited about getting there sometime in July/August this year. If anyone is up there, hopefully we will hopefully see you around Talmar Woods. I'm going to try and work at the day care if we get in there so you'll know where to find me! Stephanie & Chase

[deerislesmile]

Talmar Hood? lol- It's been a while since I was there, but the apartments are fine- it's a mix of families and college students, so it's not party-all-the-time like some of the other complexes in the area. Also worth noting that the UMaine Department of Public Safety building (the on-campus security) is within yards of the property line between Umaine and Talmar, so it's probably more safe than many other places, too.

Of particular benefit to you will be the proximity to Shibles Hall, location of the College of Education and most of the EDU classes, as well as the Child Center near the Page Farm (and the ice cream shop!)- a relatively quick walk from Talmar.

[mollysmiles]

yup, I agree with DeerIsle.....been awhile for me too, 84-88, but I stayed in Talmar for a summer while I did work-study at the UM Children's Center.....and I think you'll love the Elem Ed program, but if I can sway you at all, take a look at the Early Childhood Ed program too

[meghan88]

i just moved out of that area. if you avoid the teenage crowd, you will be fine. there are a lot of drugs, theft, and drama with them, but since you are not in that age group you don't really have to worry. but definitely lock your doors. most of the people there are adults that are just trying to raise families and aren't interested in starting any trouble.

[oronobound]

Meghan88 - Are you trying to say the area leaves a little bit to be desired or Talmar Woods is bad. The manager said they try and put the students on one end and the families on the other. I realize that it a section 8 housing area. Let me know. Thanks Stephanie