Moving to Maine (Portland, Bangor, Westbrook: for sale, how much, homes)

[Meggie]

I totally agree with what Coaster said about the differences between Biddeford and Saco. Between those two,I'd prefer Saco. I live in Old Orchard Beach and it is certainly overwhelmed with tourists in the summer. In spite of that,I like it just fine because it is just a few weeks out of the year that it's like that. I enjoy walking on the beach nearly every day the rest of the year with my dog looking for sea glass etc and just chilling in the relative solitude. It's a short 10 mile ride into Portland,and I like to take the Downeaster into Boston sometimes.
As far as Nekuda's comments go,I couldn't disagree more. I grew up in Maine and lived away for years(New Orleans,Savannah,Phoenix,Key West)and our Maine people are as good and as friendly as people anywhere. An openminded attitude toward other people and places tends to attract the same,in my humble opinion

[Chimp]

Actually, I have to say the biggest surprise was how trusting some people here are. When we were looking for a place to rent we called a guy and he met us at the house. He owns his own business and was really busy and we gave him very short notice. Because he was so busy he just gave us the key and told us to look around and then leave the key under the mat. We loved the house and decided it was the house for us. We called him and told him we wanted it and he said to go ahead and keep the key and we set a time to meet the next morning. We were staying in Augusta at a hotel and this was in Bath. The house also had a bit of furniture and personal things still in ti. How many people do you know who would do that with strangers? I have to admit, it really shocked me. I have to admit for a second I expected a set up or the cops to show up or something and then I realized just how sad that was. I realized that Salem had become a place that made you not trust your neighbors.

There was also a small shock that alot of the food brands that are all over the west coast (that I thought were national brands) were not here. (Nalley's Chili is one example) But it just take some experiementation to find a new favorite. Bath is a very nice town but come June when are lease is up we plan on buying a bit closer to Augusta (but not in Augusta). That is were my husband works. Also, another shock is that fact that most people do not have fences. Even it town. Of course this is the same all over the Northeast.

As far as the people, most people we have met are transplants also, (though most have been here a decade or more). People are reserved but friendly. Once you make an effort they will respond. Just smile, be friendly, introduce yourself and sign up for things. Or go into the local owned shops and strike up a conversation. Heck I even chatted up the oil delivery man. They are all very interested when you mention you are from Oregon.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Nekuda]

Coaster,NOPE just telling it just like it is. Seems to me your have a problem with the truth. where I was born and raised in the sandhills of Nebraska we sure didn't treat people like a lot of people in Maine do. AND I'm talking about people in different locations of Maine to boot.

[Coaster]

Nekuda, my wife was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska, and she has said repeatedly that one of the major similarities between Maine and Nebraska is the friendliness of the people. Today she likes Maine so much she says she wouldn't move back to Nebraska even if I wanted to. She likes the coast and the mountains and the trees too much.

I'm sorry if you had a bad experience in Maine, but I would say yours was not typical - as the other posts on this thread demonstrate. If you look for the negative -- and offer it -- then that's all you'll see and all you'll experience.

[trujon]

Originally Posted by Papaya

Hey,
I'm going to be moving to Biddeford in a couple of months, due to family circumstances. I've read all that I can on the internet and done as much research as possible about the area.
However, when I researched Oregon (where I live now) the description embellished a lot about the town I live in, and what it's like to live here.

Can anyone give me some first hand knowledge about what its like to live in Maine- weather, town, people, enviroment, etc (specifically Biddeford) Any info would be highly appreciated.

Thanks

hi, my name is trudy, i lived in maine for 55 years. i love it.
i moved to california to be with my husband, but i am going back to maine in may. maine is very pretty with bright green trees, nice summers not to hot and not to cold,the winters can be a little cold and a lot of snow, however this year it has been great so far.the people there are very friendly and are ready to help you.i think that biddeford it a little high living, but it depends on your income. i will be living in augustawhich is a very nice town ane not high living. you can get a nice rent for 500.00 dollors a month and thats with heat and water paid by them.i hope this helps you a little bit. God bless you and let Him lead you the way.the Lord will not lead you down the wrong path.
God bless trudy

[iloveitinmaine]

I live north of Bangor and south of Houlton and I found your negative attitude distressing Nekuda....I moved here 10 years ago and have found the general population to be friendly and very helpful here in Maine.

[tkx7]

I think the citizens of Maine are quite humble compared to other states because unlike most states there are no big cities , and Maine is rarely ever mentioned in TV shows, movies or pop culture. Most Mainers actually don't enjoy cold winters, they endure them only because they like to see the seasons and have a greater appreciation for nicer weather and nature. While there are no disneylands, major sports teams, grand canyons, 4 lane highways or amazing city nightlife, the people are indeed real and caring. Mainers chose to live their lives in in a more rural setting, away from the limelight and conformity; giving new meaning to the American Dream.

[Papaya]

Oh my gosh, so many great responses. I have to admit, after reading Nekuda's reply I was a little worried. But now I realize it might have been a one time experience for him. Thanks a lot for all of the good insight on what the town's like, and now I know what to pack for the weather. If anyone else wants to comment, the info would still be highly appreciated.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by tkx7

I think the citizens of Maine are quite humble compared to other states because unlike most states there are no big cities , and Maine is rarely ever mentioned in TV shows, movies or pop culture.

Aside from Stephen King, arguably the most successful novelist of the past 30 years.

But hey, he makes it seem all scary and creepy, so maybe he's helping to keep the riff-raff out.

[rjones1016]

We traveled to Maine in December in search of our future home. We found everyone to be very friendly. From Portland to Bangor, everyone was welcoming and very accomadating to our 2 toddlers. Even the real estate agent was nice when our kids were whining and screaming their heads off because they were bored.
We found our dream city in Bangor and are planning to go back up their next week to find a house.
I hope you have as good an experience as we did. My husband starts his job April 1, 2007, so we hope to be Mainers by March!
Good luck!
PS- I am a native Atlantan-hate it!!