Which is better Bangor or Portland? (Warren: public school, live in, shop)

[TrueMainer]

Having lived in Bangor my whole life of 52 years and now having grown children who live and work in Portland I would opt and will be moving to the Portland area this summer. The attitude of people in Southern Maine is so much more 2008 and pleasing than folks living in this area of the state. Portland offers much more in the arena of entertainment, the arts, social activities, growth, and as one posting states much more accessible to Boston and other New England spots. Choose Portland and you will not regret your choice!

[starwalker]

Originally Posted by TrueMainer

Having lived in Bangor my whole life of 52 years and now having grown children who live and work in Portland I would opt and will be moving to the Portland area this summer. The attitude of people in Southern Maine is so much more 2008 and pleasing than folks living in this area of the state. Portland offers much more in the arena of entertainment, the arts, social activities, growth, and as one posting states much more accessible to Boston and other New England spots. Choose Portland and you will not regret your choice!

Depends on what you are looking for... I am looking for stability, the outdoors, little light pollution... a place to take root, grow things, do my arts. Oh I may make trips to the more urban and "happening" areas to sell stuff now and then, but for my day in and day our joy of living, I prefer the "boonies" in the Bangor area. I make my own entertainment and have more than enough social activities ... more than I need at times, it sometimes seems!

Bangor and Portland are (thanfully!) two different places and likely appeal to different folks. Viva la differance!

[L-88]

I'd opt for Portland unless someone wants immediate access to a wilder area of the state.

Portland is a very cosmopolitan small city with lots of things to do and some excellent restaurants and nightlife entertainment. There are many schools in the area, and the 90 mile drive to Boston is a real plus....one of the best little big cities in the country.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by starwalker

Depends on what you are looking for... I am looking for stability, the outdoors, little light pollution... a place to take root, grow things, do my arts. Oh I may make trips to the more urban and "happening" areas to sell stuff now and then, but for my day in and day our joy of living, I prefer the "boonies" in the Bangor area. I make my own entertainment and have more than enough social activities ... more than I need at times, it sometimes seems!

Bangor and Portland are (thanfully!) two different places and likely appeal to different folks. Viva la differance!

What kind of telescope do you have?

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

I've always had a vanity plate, so making any kind of gesture would never have been a good idea. Too easily identifiable, that would be embarassing.

LOL

One of the things that I do like about Maine is the plates Maine has. Our vehicle plates have one of my combat medals on them. From my observation Maine drivers tend to be far more polite than other places where we have lived. And generally from what I have observed drivers appear to be even nicer to folks with a 'POW' plate, or with a 'Purple Heart' plate.

I like this.

Is this different down South in Portland? I have no idea.

[elston]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

LOL

One of the things that I do like about Maine is the plates Maine has. Our vehicle plates have one of my combat medals on them. From my observation Maine drivers tend to be far more polite than other places where we have lived. And generally from what I have observed drivers appear to be even nicer to folks with a 'POW' plate, or with a 'Purple Heart' plate.

I like this.

Is this different down South in Portland? I have no idea.

not being a veteran of the service....I have no idea how I would be treated if I had a medal on the plate.....its not that drivers are unkind, it is that they drive with an edge....a competitive edge. Of course California drivers were even worse....I learned to drive and enjoy driving in a kinder and gentler time. When I lived in small town NH I found the driving more simpatico....but like I say, its not a big deal to me....I just have to remember not to expect anyone to give me a break on the road.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

LOL

One of the things that I do like about Maine is the plates Maine has. Our vehicle plates have one of my combat medals on them. From my observation Maine drivers tend to be far more polite than other places where we have lived. And generally from what I have observed drivers appear to be even nicer to folks with a 'POW' plate, or with a 'Purple Heart' plate.

I like this.

Is this different down South in Portland? I have no idea.

When you've lived in the same small town pretty much your whole life, people know you and what you drive. When you switch your plate over to your next vehicle, they still know you. Everyone seems to read plates, it's fun! I've seen some that are truly mysterious and I was never able to figure them out. Others are just cute. One of my faves I've seen in Brunswick for years, and I related to this as most parents would... PB4UGO!

No, I don't think driving in the southern part of the state is any different, I can't imagine that anyone, young or old, that recogized a POW plate or a VET plate wouldn't tend to be a tad more generous on the road. I would think it would be pretty much expected... just my opinion.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

When you've lived in the same small town pretty much your whole life, people know you and what you drive. When you switch your plate over to your next vehicle, they still know you. Everyone seems to read plates, it's fun! I've seen some that are truly mysterious and I was never able to figure them out. Others are just cute. One of my faves I've seen in Brunswick for years, and I related to this as most parents would... PB4UGO!

No, I don't think driving in the southern part of the state is any different, I can't imagine that anyone, young or old, that recogized a POW plate or a VET plate wouldn't tend to be a tad more generous on the road. I would think it would be pretty much expected... just my opinion.

My Plate is Z-Pinch ...figure that one out!


Maineah will be receiving guesses at his DM account and promises a bountiful present for the first correct guess

[ME-Evergreen]

Great thread--keep the posts coming! These posts are very helpful and informative. We will arrive to house shop in Maine in May and are leaning toward Portland and the surrounding communities.

[flycessna]

Z-pinch, did you mean ZETA PINCH?


I prefer Portland because of its proximity in Southern Maine. As far as the having the opportuntity to get outdoors and away, I see little difference between portland and bangor......both offer it. I would think if you wanted a scaled down version of what Portland has to offer and were concerned about sprawl ect i guess you coud make a case for Bangor as whatever growth the state experiences will more than likely effect portland first. But I have had limited exposure to bangor so its all and opinion anyway. Both sound like decent places to live.