Possible Ellsworth Relocation/Retirement (Portland, Bangor: live, shops, retiree)

[TonyaJa]

Hi all, for some time I've thought about relocation when I retire from full-time work. Who knows, if I had a windfall I could leave sooner than later. A well-known genre writer lives in Maine and she suggested Ellsworth when I asked for her opinion on Bangor.

I used to do quite a bit of acting and music work but would like a much smaller place to hang my hat than Portland, Oregon. Would someone knowledgeable let me know what they think of Ellsworth? I gather Bangor is not that far away for possible performing opportunities. Ellsworth is surrounded by water and near the coast which is also attractive to me. As a retiree, or perhaps even continuing to work part-time, I wonder if Ellsworth is affordable. Anyway, I welcome your info. Thanks!

[Submariner]

Bangor serves is a hub for the Northern 2/3 of the state, big box stores, banking, an assortment of hospitals, and medical specialists. We attended a meeting in Calais yesterday, where we were reminded of just how many people on the Canadian border are tied to Bangor for services. Though I think I have heard ads for a Joint-Replacement clinic in Ellsworth, so maybe there is a growing Geriatrics focus in that area. It sort of makes sense for the state with the highest percentage of retirees.

Ellsworth is a nice area.

If these two cities [Bangor and Ellsworth] seem to be your primary focus, then you will likely be traveling between them frequently. For communities with lower COL I would suggest that you look at the towns on Route 1A, between those two cities [Dedham, Holden, and Brewer]. Which would put you located between Ellsworth and Bangor.

Brewer is a lot more built up, so I would expect a higher COL. they have a cancer center which gives them a lot of Canadian patients who can not find cancer treatment up North.

[TonyaJa]

I had cancer in 2020, so that is great information. I definitely have more research to do but this is a great start. Thanks!

[AustinB]

Ellsworth is a nice area. There are plays at the Grand on main street. Plenty of stores and acadia is just nearby. It would certainly be worth your while to look at it and the surrounding communities.

[svband76]

Depends on what is "affordable" to you. But yeah Ellsworth is the last town Downeast with modern conveniences until you get to the Canadian border.

[American girl]

The City of Ellsworth is the county seat. It boasts one of the nation’s best weekly newspapers. Published weekly since 1851, The Ellsworth American covers Hancock County in depth. A three month subscription would afford you an excellent opportunity to learn more about this vibrant community.

[svband76]

Originally Posted by American girl

The City of Ellsworth is the county seat. It boasts one of the nation’s best weekly newspapers. Published weekly since 1851, The Ellsworth American covers Hancock County in depth. A three month subscription would afford you an excellent opportunity to learn more about this vibrant community.

I agree. Love this paper. I still like holding a newspaper. And a weekly is the perfect way to get caught up. A daily newspaper would be too much work

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The state spent over a million dollars building an ATV and snowmobile trail to connect downtown Ellsworth with the old abandoned railroad that used to gom to Woodland. Great 40 mile recreational trail. Lots to do in Ellsworth.

[Jellybean50]

We like Ellsworth, and the surrounding smaller towns. We live about an hour and fifteen minutes from there and go there pretty often.

We're in a very small town with not many stores so we can find more that we need in Ellsworth, and yes some doctors - which we also find in Brewer and Bangor. Good luck!

[mainegrl2011]

We used to see about 2 million people visiting Acadia annually. Of course, most pass through Ellsworth. In recent years that number has increased to 4 million. Imo this increased number results in problems or at the least major inconveniences. Traffic is one problem and all the things affected by this huge amount of traffic. These people descend on the grocery stores in Ellsworth and I don't think the stores order enough to keep the shelves stocked adequately. I think they try, but just too many people. I have a friend who lives in Ellsworth who shops in Waterville during the summer months to avoid items being repeatedly sold out. I realize tourism dollars are important for Maine, but imo 4 million annually in the Ellsworth/MDI area compared to 2 million annually is 2 million too many.