Calais and Washington County. Please help. (Machias, Eastport: balloon payment, rental, condo)

[mollysmiles]

Years ago when Eastport was hustling and bustling there was a bar on the edge of town called "The Red Ranch".... ironically a church now sits on that corner. Even then, with the woolen mill and the sardine factories and the Mearl, a trip out to Grossman's to buy lumber or a trip out to Cook and Goodeill's in the village was considered out of the way. The reason The Red Ranch was located where it was is simply because there was no downtown property available for it to be elsewhere, though I'm sure the downtown businesses were grateful they were able to keep their plate glass windows... the bar was known for it's fights. But, even with it's location where it was, it was still within walking distance for a sailor over the 4th or a local who'd gotten a little, or a lot, tipsy! Robbinston and Calais are also in the pool for LNG, and with the city of Eastport now officially protesting LNG at Split Rock, an LNG site in that area is really up in the air. So, to change the habits of locals might be a little more than a new business owner would be wise to attempt. If an established business, like the Crab, were to move, maybe they would make it out there, but why would you change what works and risk it? .... I know if it were me, the gamble wouldn't be worth it.

[mensaguy]

The building that housed the Last Chance Saloon in Quoddy Village has been for sale for at least 4-5 years. Nobody's buying it, and there is probably a reason.

[Centaurmyst]

There is a massive difference between Providence and Washington County Maine. Life is hard there and people don't really have a lot of money to spend. If you just want a second home to visit and you can afford that it's a very beautiful place. If you are hoping to start a business so you can live off the income it's probably not all that advisable.

[Maine Writer]

Life isn't hard for everyone here. There are jobs if you want to work, plenty of things to do, places to go, things to see, ways to make a living, etc. There are also a lot of small businesses here.

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

There are also a lot of small businesses here.

ahem... very true.
We made it and we opened in November. it was the true test if we really could make it. We are located on the outskirts too.


If you want something bad enough and have a business plan.... you could make it, but it's a great idea to be willing to see if the area really needs your business idea or something alittle different.

Good Luck to you!!

[Centaurmyst]

Some small businesses can do well...and they have a better chance if they are run by the locals who know the area. This is someone who has never even visited yet. Providence is a very wealthy area where people spend a lot more money. It would be a huge transition and very, very difficult and hard work. If he's willing to bust his butt he might be able to do well enough, but he'd have to be very realistic and really know the area better than he does.

[MaineMathTCHER]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Life isn't hard for everyone here. There are jobs if you want to work, plenty of things to do, places to go, things to see, ways to make a living, etc. There are also a lot of small businesses here.

There are jobs and people that work! I came here because I loved the area got the job, met many wonderful people to include MW, Molly, and Peachie this place is perfect for the person who wants to work and can adjust fire on what they are willing to do.

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by MaineMathTCHER

There are jobs and people that work! I came here because I loved the area got the job, met many wonderful people to include MW, Molly, and Peachie this place is perfect for the person who wants to work and can adjust fire on what they are willing to do.

I've always figured that if there weren't any jobs in Maine, there would be no people in Maine. If the cost of living, heating, taxes, etc. were too high to live with, there would be no-one living there. Seems perfectly logical to me!

Honestly, how many people who are 100% independently wealthy do you know?

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by Centaurmyst

There is a massive difference between Providence and Washington County Maine. Life is hard there and people don't really have a lot of money to spend...

Life is hard here? How would you know? Have you lived in Washington County? How many people do you know that do? Where else have you lived in Maine--other than I assume the Bangor area where you currently live? I'm very interested to know what you're basing your opinions upon when it comes to Washington County. I can throw out opinions all day long, that doesn't make them accurate. When someone else is asking for a true and honest opinion I try to explain where my information is coming from, and why I feel the way I do. It either lends credibility to the opinion, or it's just something thrown out there, but at least the person asking would know the difference. So, I'm very interested to know where you gather your information from regarding Washington County, since as you can see, those of us living here don't really agree.

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by Centaurmyst

Some small businesses can do well...and they have a better chance if they are run by the locals who know the area. This is someone who has never even visited yet. Providence is a very wealthy area where people spend a lot more money. It would be a huge transition and very, very difficult and hard work. If he's willing to bust his butt he might be able to do well enough, but he'd have to be very realistic and really know the area better than he does.

For me, I'm from the area basically, and my husband is from Ottawa, Ontario. I think I knew the area to have an understanding what the area could afford and what they would enjoy. You basically put yourself in there shoes and find out what is fair and what isn't.

Visiting here would give a better understanding on what you can or may expect.