Saco? (Portland, Lewiston, Auburn: affordable apartment, condos, school)

[xz2y]

I visited Maine last month as I am possibly considering a move to the Portland area. I stopped in Saco to see the town and was impressed with all the development going on in the former textile mills, which are being rehabbed for condos and retail, not at outrageous levels. At any rate, what kind of town is it? The downtown area seemed quite nice. I don't know if I could find an affordable apartment in that area, but I did get a positive feel when I walked around. They also have a huge windmill right in the center of town. Any locals have thoughts?

[L-88]

Originally Posted by xz2y

I visited Maine last month as I am possibly considering a move to the Portland area. I stopped in Saco to see the town and was impressed with all the development going on in the former textile mills, which are being rehabbed for condos and retail, not at outrageous levels. At any rate, what kind of town is it? The downtown area seemed quite nice. I don't know if I could find an affordable apartment in that area, but I did get a positive feel when I walked around. They also have a huge windmill right in the center of town. Any locals have thoughts?

I lived in North Saco from 1984 until 1998. I was never overly impressed with the City of Saco. I paid big taxes for few services. The school system isn't the greatest in southern Maine, and they have been working on those condos and retail areas in the textile mills for years.

There isn't much in Saco to supplant the high taxes...there isn't much industry, and most taxes come from personal property taxes.

Saco isn't very progressive.

[elston]

I have two sons who own property and live in Saco with their families. They love it there; I was just over to visit and driving down the main street I was once again impressed with the old victorians and the beautiful yards. As far as I am concerned, Saco is the town you thought you were seeing....a nice community coming out of an economic slump..and I do believe coming into its own. For some reason a lot of people trash talk Saco/Biddeford the same as they do Lewiston/Auburn....some of that may be classism and some of it is regionalism and of course some of it is personal experience and preference. I would certainly take a closer look at Saco.

[xz2y]

Originally Posted by elston

I have two sons who own property and live in Saco with their families. They love it there; I was just over to visit and driving down the main street I was once again impressed with the old victorians and the beautiful yards. As far as I am concerned, Saco is the town you thought you were seeing....a nice community coming out of an economic slump..and I do believe coming into its own. For some reason a lot of people trash talk Saco/Biddeford the same as they do Lewiston/Auburn....some of that may be classism and some of it is regionalism and of course some of it is personal experience and preference. I would certainly take a closer look at Saco.

Thank you for the positive post. I think it may be a city that is being revived, as you suggest. I may make a return visit. I love Maine and would love to relocate there for my "early" retirement and beyond.