Relocating close to Presque Isle (Bangor, Houlton: transfer, high school, prices)

[Starhanger]

My husband and I are looking into relocating to northern Maine this summer. Specifically somewhere closer to Presque Isle. My husband works for Lowe's and is looking to transfer mid-summer. The land prices we are finding for Presque Isle and Limestone are fnatastic as compared with down here on Lake Erie.

Can anyone give me some feedback on Presque Isle and the surrounding areas? What are the hospitals like? I have cancer and need continuing care. Are the hospitals worth bothering with? Are there decent hospitals close by?

What about gardening? Is the growing season decent there? We have a fantastic growing season here on Lake Erie. Can you grow most vegetables in northern Maine? I know potatoes are abundant up there. What about corn? Is the growing season too short for that?

What about Christian schools? Are there any decent ones nearby? Any feedback you can give me would be much appreciated.

*smiles*
Wendy

[kellysmith]

To answer some of your questions. Presque Isle has an excellent hospital, Aroostook Medical Center. There are several Oncologists on staff. I think any hospital in Maine will refer the most dire cases to Boston, but if that's the case, the prognosis isn't good. Presque Isle's hospital is probably the best in the County and I'd say also probably best north of Bangor. I wouldn't worry a bit about care there.
Growing season isn't what you'd have along Lake Erie, but plenty of time to grow corn, and most other veggies. People plant their gardens sometime in May and first frost usually comes in late September, but on occasion that first frost could come as early as late August. People place tarps on the veggies when there is a frost warning that early. Also, there is a reason Aroostook County is called the Garden spot of Maine. The soils in most of the County are some of the best soil anywhere. Aroostook County loam is a highly prized commodity.
There used to be a Christian school just north of PI on route 1. I think it's still open, but haven't heard much about it lately. If it's still open, I don't think it's a high school. Houlton has a flourishing Christian Academy, but that's 45 miles south, and I'd rate the hospital better in PI. They have General Practicianers that treat cancer, but no Oncologists that I'm aware of. (Cancer patients from Houlton either go to Bangor or Presque Isle)
The Presque Isle school system is the best in the County in my eyes. (and no, I'm not from PI).
Lowes store is cool too!!