Where to look to move to in Maine??? (Portland, Lewiston: low crime, how much)

[mollysmiles]

Isolation isn't limited to one's location, I believe it's entirely dependent upon the individual.

[happyfamily1912d]

Irfox said it most succinctly:

"People come to Maine for peace and quiet, not jobs."

[mwheat07]

I am also looking to relocate to ME. Actually, I'm looking at MA, ME, and NH. I currently live in southern Mississippi and want to relocate to a place that has seasons and a different culture/style of living. The south just doesn't offer what I'm looking for out of life. I've done some research and that's why I've come up with MA, ME, and NH as potential places to move. From reading the posts, it sounds like I should look in to the Portland or southern ME near NH areas. But I do have a question about jobs. I currently work as a civilian for the Navy. What Navy installations are in that area? I know there's a few shipyards, but what about others? I work in IT, so I should be able to get a job sooner or later. I'm looking at moving within two years. Are there any other tidbits that a southerner should know about?

[Acadianlion]

There is no military presence in Maine aside from the Army and Air National Guard. Brunswick Naval Air Station is set to be closed, and that will end the US military presence here as far as being a major employer. The Kittery Naval Shipyard is still open, and the state fights to keep it open, although that is likely to be a losing battle going forward, especially if the election in November yields an anti-military President.

Being in IT guarantees very little in Maine, because the economic base here is so limited unless you are HERE, you will find it difficult to job hunt until you ARE here.

I recommend that you plan a series of visits of a week or two each, and use that time to explore various parts of the state. Maine is somewhat smaller than Mississippi but has less than one half the population. Keep that in mind as you search.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

Isolation isn't limited to one's location, I believe it's entirely dependent upon the individual.

this is VERY true. Location can certainly help though.

MWHEAT07- I would consider adding Rhode Island to your list as well. It offers a lot of the New England charm, and the seasons are certainly in play as well. Providence is second only to Boston (in terms of New England cities) in terms of arts, culture, entertainment, dining, and higher education. It's a fine little city (about 180,000) with lots to offer for everyone. Federal Hill is a stunning, and thriving Italian neighborhood with incredible restaurants, Downtown offers clubs, bars, pubs, theaters, shopping, etc. and the East Side is home to some gorgeous architecture, Brown University and the famous Thayer St.

Aside from Providence; Bristol, Warren, Barrington (expensive), North and South Kingstown, Westerly, Tiverton, Wickford, Narragansett, Middletown, and Portsmouth (among plenty of others) all offer that coastal New England charm that it seems your looking for.

In terms of jobs, most are centered around Providence, but the Navy has a large presence in Newport (also a fantastic little city to live in) and Quanset Airforce Base is still active. Raytheon, and GTech are two large employers in the area and your IT experience could help; but Providence is still growing and businesses keep coming in. It's also about 35 minutes (driving) from Boston and you can catch the MBTA commuter rail into Boston or the Amtrak to Boston or NYC (or even further south if need be).

[Mass2Maine]

To Acadianlion and lrfox, Thanks a ton. You folks related to what I needed perfectly. And thanks to everyone for the suggestions on places as well!

[mwheat07]

I also appreciate the help. I do want to go to Maine for peace and quiet and the beauty that the region has to offer. I love nature - always have. Unfortunately, I need a job too. So, I'm starting to make some connections to try and get there.

Thanks!!

[forest beekeeper]

Take weekend trips up here.

Look around, Maine has a lot of regions.

As you tour Maine, I think it is possible that you may 'see' a place where you coudl fit in.

We can brainstorm about where IT jobs already exist, but that is staying within a box.

Come up, and look around.

[lrfox]

^Depends on who you meet/ where you go.

I'd say 98% of central and northern Mainers are perfectly friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Earning trust and friendship isn't easy, but it shouldn't be. Trust is a tough thing to earn, and if you work at it, you'll earn it. However, that 2%, REALLY doesn't make you feel welcome.

I dated a girl from Northern Maine when I first moved here. NONE of her friends or family wanted ANYTHING to do with me. before they even met me, they told her not to date me because I was, "from Massachusetts and most likely " I had faced some good natured, "m*******" comments before, but never before had someone actually used the state I'm from as evidence as to why I wouldn't be a good person. These people HATED me without even meeting me.

Again, that's one bad experience as opposed to many great ones and it can happen anywhere you go in the world. As long as your friendly, open, and embracing, you'll likely get the same in return. Maine is a place that has changed very little over time, and the people are proud of that. The pace is slower here, and everything a bit quieter. If you insult the way of life here, you're going to be disliked. I used to laugh when people told me, "if you don't like it, don't try and change it, just leave," but that's how it is. If you don't like the personalities, the culture, or way of life, just leave. The great thing about Maine is that what you see is what you get. If you don't like it or want it, then you're in the wrong place.

One thing I've learned, is that much of the negative attitude you'll get, you probably earned. Most of the time when I've had a problem with someone in Maine, it's because I screwed up (most of the time, unwittingly). The people here are down to earth, maybe a little passive aggressive at times, but no worse than anyone else, and ABSOLUTELY better than they are in the South.

[Maineah]

Maine is automatically guilty of racism in the eyes of many because we're almost all white up here. It's not our fault! We can't help it if minorities do not like this area and frankly we're tired of apologizing for the lack of diversity here.
It isn't us it's you! We don't care what you are..if you feel uncomfortable in an area that is predominantly white than I suggest you find an area of the country you're comfortable with and stop bi^^hing that we won't change our population structure to accomodate you!