Mountains, Snow, Colleges? - Where to move in Maine (Portland: universities, living in)

[LReigh84]

Hello, this is my first post on the forums. I was hoping that some of you wonderful people might be able to help me choose a region/city to move to in Maine. Some of the things I'm looking for are cold weather, close to one or more college universities, close to one or more national/state parks/forests, and a close proximity to major air ports.

I've briefly researched and discovered that it usually doesn't get that cold/snowy along the coast, is this true? If so I will probably look more closely at the northwestern portion of the state. I'm somewhat young myself being 25 years old so I'd like to live in a college or university town. A city or town with a fun nightlife or downtown area would be ideal. I am from Pennsylvania and I love the Allegheny mountains. I would like to live in or around the various mountain ranges in Maine if possible. The national/state parks or forrests would be an attraction mainly in the summer months. So ones with bodies of water such as lakes or rivers would be ideal. I've read that Maine only has 2 major airports, being in Portland and Bangor. Although not as important as my other criteria, I would like to live within reasonable driving distance to the airport.

I'm on my lunch break now so I apologize if this post seems unorganized or haphazzardly written. I will check back later for any responses. I'm happy to answer any questions or provide more information if needed. I look forward to reading your responses. Thanks for your time!

Lucas

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by LReigh84

Hello, this is my first post on the forums. I was hoping that some of you wonderful people might be able to help me choose a region/city to move to in Maine. Some of the things I'm looking for are cold weather, close to one or more college universities, close to one or more national/state parks/forests, and a close proximity to major air ports.

I've briefly researched and discovered that it usually doesn't get that cold/snowy along the coast, is this true? If so I will probably look more closely at the northwestern portion of the state. I'm somewhat young myself being 25 years old so I'd like to live in a college or university town. A city or town with a fun nightlife or downtown area would be ideal. I am from Pennsylvania and I love the Allegheny mountains. I would like to live in or around the various mountain ranges in Maine if possible. The national/state parks or forrests would be an attraction mainly in the summer months. So ones with bodies of water such as lakes or rivers would be ideal. I've read that Maine only has 2 major airports, being in Portland and Bangor. Although not as important as my other criteria, I would like to live within reasonable driving distance to the airport.

I'm on my lunch break now so I apologize if this post seems unorganized or haphazzardly written. I will check back later for any responses. I'm happy to answer any questions or provide more information if needed. I look forward to reading your responses. Thanks for your time!

Lucas

Farmington has a branch of the University of Maine. They are close to some of the best skiing in the northeast, and reasonably close to some airports.

[RMoore007]

I think you just described the Bangor or Portland areas. You really don't need to search for cold weather. It will find you anywhere in Maine. There are parks and and higher learning buildings in those places. And the mountains are only a drive away to play. Nightlife is the only issue I see for a 25 year old. Depends on what you like. And that will take some finding out for yourself.

[Maineah]

Welcome to the forum. It seems by your description of your prefered options you have taken a very cursory glance at Maine in general. You need to study the state in much more detail before considering a move here. We had alot of snow the past two winters here on the coast. I had 10 foot drifts behind my house. It does get cold on the coast and can remain below zero for weeks at a time in January and February.
There are no college towns in the mountains here to speak of unless you consider Farmington to be a college town. The mountains are no where near the two major airports. There is absolutely nothing (including towns) in the Northwest part of the state. It is all paper company,dirt roads, and timber forests from Ashland to St. Pamphile in the west, as far north as Ft. Kent and as far south as Millinockett. That is alot of territory. You will not be living in the Northwest part of the state, no one lives there. The only town that fits some of your description is Brunswick. It is a college town, near the Portland airport, the Portland "night life" yet it is not a real city. It is an hour or two from the mountains and skiing , close to the ocean, and a couple of state parks. (Forget the state parks as only tourists use them.) Maine has thousands of lakes ponds and rivers so you're always within 1/2 hour driving time to some body of water. Yes Maine has only two JETPORTS though there are many more small municipal airports which are quite busy.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by LReigh84

I've briefly researched and discovered that it usually doesn't get that cold/snowy along the coast, is this true?

Not true at all. it gets butt-freezin' cold on the coast, and we get tons of snow. Yeah, it's probably cold enough to freeze both cheeks in the mountains, but the coast doesn't lack for snow or cold.

Originally Posted by LReigh84

I'm somewhat young myself being 25 years old so I'd like to live in a college or university town. A city or town with a fun nightlife or downtown area would be ideal.

I you want a city in Maine, your choices are pretty much restricted to Portland, Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn, and Augusta, all of which have colleges. If you're more open to a town, there are lots around Portland. If you're wanting loads of nightlife and constant entertainment, you'll definitely want to stick close to the cities, and even there, Maine cities certainly won't offer what a place like Boston will.

Originally Posted by LReigh84

The national/state parks or forrests would be an attraction mainly in the summer months.

University of Maine has a branch in Farmington, which is in the mountains. There is a nice downtown area, but Farmington is by no means a city by any stretch. Pretty small town, in fact, and your night life entertainment will be very limited.

[mainebrokerman]

orono is a college town, within five minutes of bangor (jetport)

about an hour north of bangor is baxter state park, with mt katadhin (highest mountain in maine)

[deerislesmile]

Though the coast does get snow, it does often get less than areas inland (due to the temperature of the water and maybe the density of salt in the air?), and it seems to melt a little quicker as well.

I also suggest looking at the Orono-Bangor area, as Acadia National Park is also about an hours drive from there.

[MRVphotog]

Farmington is rated as one of the best small colleges in the country. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandre...ege/items/2040 It's in the mountains and near skiing but Orono with the main campus of the UM satisfies more of your preferences.