Would like to relocate to Maine (college, land, retiree)

[coastal_photographer]

As everyone has said, I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. I think it's wonderful you want to carry on what you and your husband had planned to do.

I second Bowdoin college. In fact, I'm looking to move there myself shortly. I'm currently south of Rockland and it's too remote for me, and Bowdoin gives Brunswick life, especially during the winter. Also, you're not too far from Portland which has everything you could ask for. Me personally, I would not live IN Brunswick as that is not what Maine's about. A town outside of Brunswick, however, is perfect. Bowdoinham, Harpswell...or perhaps Woolwich, Arrowsic, or Georgetown, which are between 10-30 minutes from Brunswick. All beautiful towns without the busy downtowns. Bath is also an option, it's sort of a smaller version of Brunswick without the college and is only 5 minutes away on Rte 1. It's a very self-sufficient town with its own resources so that you're not totally "out there". You could live in Bath and drive to Brunswick for the college.

The biggest plus to Bowdoin/Brunswick is that it's on the water. I personally would always try towns on the water first.

Hope this helps!

[Sunday1]

Forest: I worked & lived in Mendocino three summers while going to college. I don't think of Yosemite as coastal northern California and I thought that was the area you were comparing Maine to.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Sunday1

Forest: I worked & lived in Mendocino three summers while going to college. I don't think of Yosemite as coastal northern California and I thought that was the area you were comparing Maine to.

On the Northern coast of California are cities like Fort Bragg with 6,000 people. We lived in a town with 120 population. Rural, forested, with low population density areas all with close access to the ocean. No beaches, rather a rocky coast line. Small farmers here and there, and a few surviving communes.

The Sierra Nevadas do not have a coast line, but neither does most of Maine. Rural, forested, low population density small towns.

Granted California has HOAs everywhere, fortunately Maine does not.

The Sierras have magnificant mountains which Maine lacks. California also has very high taxes which Maine lacks, and out-of-control gun laws.



My apology I thought that perhaps you were thinking of Santa Rosa.

[AuntLinda1]

Wow - all terrific posts and very, very informative! I know I shouldn't make any big changes so soon - and am planning a visit with my sister - hopefully in October - although my "children" (my two dogs who are both 17 now) cannot be left - so I have to wait - hopefully a long while, but, as I learned the hard way only too recently, ya just never know.

I have lived here in Fontana (near Ontario/San Bernardino) my whole life - and used to like it mostly - this town only had 8K people in it when I was young - my street was dirt - I'm looking to get far, far away from all of these people and the whole life style - slow, friendly is what I'm looking for - have always felt an affinity for people from New England - I'll be there anytime you need me - other than that, leave me alone - no "dropping in" for coffee, whatever. I honestly think Maine would be just what I want. My dream has always been to live in a lighthouse on the coast of Maine - but find that I just can't seem to come up with the couple of million dollars I recently saw one listed for!

I also hate Southern California "weather" (that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one) - "sunny and warm", "sunny and HOT" - when it rains our local news stations actually have "storm watch" and "team coverage" - "we might get as much as 2 inches!!!!"

Again - thanks for all the really cool and helpful and hopeful posts.

Keep them coming - and when I visit, I'll be sure to let you all know what I think. When I visit, I plan to take the train all the way and rent a car when I get there.

[coastal_photographer]

Whenever you decide to visit, Aunt Linda, you might be interested in a furnished winter home rental. I don't know what the situation is with your pets and if you can leave them for a long time (I can definitely relate, I have two "kids" myself), but there are MANY summer homes owned by out-of-staters that want to rent for the winter..basically anytime from now until May/June. There are many ads in the local newspapers and many more on the Maine page of craigslist:

maine apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist

Might be a more comfortable choice if you plan on staying more than a week, and a lot of the homes are right on the water.

[woolwiTch]

Hey Linda, the train trip sounds like a great adventure.

I do think you sound like Maine might work for you. I have to warn you, though, people DO drop in, at least on my road they do! I guess the difference is they don't care what you're wearing or what your house looks like. But you do have to watch out in case they're really just there to dump a big pile of zucchinis on you.

[Sunday1]

Originally Posted by woolwiTch

Hey Linda, the train trip sounds like a great adventure.

I do think you sound like Maine might work for you. I have to warn you, though, people DO drop in, at least on my road they do! I guess the difference is they don't care what you're wearing or what your house looks like. But you do have to watch out in case they're really just there to dump a big pile of zucchinis on you.

Haha! That's my kind of road, woolwiTch! Coffee's always on at my house and I make a mean zucchini bread!

[Newdaawn]

I agree with those that said you might like Bath/Brunswick area - It is not far from Portland and on the coast. Are you planning on being a "full time" college student? I wasn't aware that you could take just a course or 2 at Bowdoin.

[RatherBeInCabo]

Originally Posted by Maineah

That's an interesting point of view and one shared by my cousin and his family who live in Simi Valley California.

I live in Simi Valley, CA and find it a bit hectic and not a good place for raising a family. Can't beat the weather though In any case, I started my life in Maine in the early 60's and visited for the first time since in mid August. I could easily become accustomed to the Maine lifestyle.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by RatherBeInCabo

I live in Simi Valley, CA and find it a bit hectic and not a good place for raising a family. Can't beat the weather though In any case, I started my life in Maine in the early 60's and visited for the first time since in mid August. I could easily become accustomed to the Maine lifestyle.

I think my cousin would adjust quickly. His wife however is a Cali girl and likes the California life style. She visited here once and I could tell she was bored with the place. They raised a son in Simi Valley and he turned out to be a good well adjusted young man. He became an Eagle Scout at 18 and is now attending Community College on his own dime! Regardless of where they live we love to see them when they visit and wish they would come more often!