Thinking about moving to Maine (Portland, Farmington: taxes, living, shops)

[Johnda]

There, you see? Treat folks kindly and with friendship and they will return the favor. It really works!

[yvyschwarz]

Hi,

I was just wondering if I could get some more information off you regarding yarmouth. Is it clicky? What kind of churches are there? How are the youth there?

[WantToMoveToMaine]

Wow... what a great find! Load of good information here! Well, my wife and I recently (this past summer) spent about two weeks in Maine. My wife is currently in the USAF and we stayed in Brunswick taking day trips everyday, as far as the Acadia National Forest, and couldn't get over how blue the sky was, how friendly the people were, and how little traffic there was (even during typical rush hour driving times). We actually just returned from Germany and the entire vacation actually made me long for Maine, since they have similar climates, outdoor based culture as well as amazing cities. We plan on visiting again next month for a long weekend to see more of Portland, research nearby areas and neighborhoods and just take in the local scene! Our main concern seems to be the same as everyone else, work, nice home and good schools for the kiddies! Also, my silly dream is to eventually leave the world of an "office" type career and seek a living as a Maine Wilderness Guide! This is my long time foolish romantic idea, and thankfully my wife puts up with my dreams! Look forward to talking with all of you, those who've long lived in Maine and those who likewise hope to make the move there. As someone early in the thread stated, " there really is no other place on Earth like Maine!"

[WhoFanMe]

Originally Posted by WantToMoveToMaine

Wow... what a great find! Load of good information here! Well, my wife and I recently (this past summer) spent about two weeks in Maine. My wife is currently in the USAF and we stayed in Brunswick taking day trips everyday, as far as the Acadia National Forest, and couldn't get over how blue the sky was, how friendly the people were, and how little traffic there was (even during typical rush hour driving times). We actually just returned from Germany and the entire vacation actually made me long for Maine, since they have similar climates, outdoor based culture as well as amazing cities. We plan on visiting again next month for a long weekend to see more of Portland, research nearby areas and neighborhoods and just take in the local scene! Our main concern seems to be the same as everyone else, work, nice home and good schools for the kiddies! Also, my silly dream is to eventually leave the world of an "office" type career and seek a living as a Maine Wilderness Guide! This is my long time foolish romantic idea, and thankfully my wife puts up with my dreams! Look forward to talking with all of you, those who've long lived in Maine and those who likewise hope to make the move there. As someone early in the thread stated, " there really is no other place on Earth like Maine!"

Welcome to the forums, WantTo.

[petrankyle]

I've lived in Portland, Maine. It is beautiful. However, the salaries are considerably low (all depending on what field you work in). Bangor is quite far, and even Lewiston is. Yarmouth, Falmouth are good, as far as I remember. It's all very small townish. It can not be compared with Newark at all. Sure, like mentioned drugs and crime is everywhere, but VERY low there, unless somethings changed within the past 3-4 years. It is also much colder there, obviously, but I loved it there. I came back because I did not have friends/family as support and am a single mom.

[moughie]

Originally Posted by yvyschwarz

Hi,

I was just wondering if I could get some more information off you regarding yarmouth. Is it clicky? What kind of churches are there? How are the youth there?

Yarmouth is a great little town with an excellent school district. I was recently told it ranked 300 in the country!!

Real estate is quite expensive- many families with young children are moving off Cousins Island because of soaring property tax for coastal property.

Greater Yarmouth has many famlies and loads of kids. Yarmouth real estate is also pricey ( for Maine) I do not pay attention to types of churches , so sorry I cannot help you there All in all , a lovely community and a great school district!

" Clicky"? I do not think so- not the locals. Only some of the people from away who have moved there and created a" snobby" type facade to hide their own insecurities

[char85008]

I'm in Phoenix, praying to get out of here! Have lived in the same house, "30 years"!! It's funny to hear that anyone is moving from beautiful Maine to AZ! Tell me why... I'm guessing it's to escape the cold, but summers here are long and pretty much "unbearable." If you like to cuddle, forget it! Too hot to cozy up at night! Anyway, I hope to hear more posts from "baby-boomers." I'm wondering what my age group (54) are wanting to do with their lives.

[dragon07]

Originally Posted by dona2787

I did what I had to do to move to Maine, saved a little, gave up high paying job. Maine does not have alot of great jobs, but if you can, it is worth moving here, even for half the pay. The taxes are high (like NY), and the wages low, but it is worth it, I live 1 block from the ocean for less than 600 a month total expenses, and I walk to work. No crime, no pollution, nice people, quiet, beautiful every place you go. If you move to the coast, winter is not that bad either.

where exactly to you live in Maine?

[Elcarim]

I have to say, since you've quoted this particular post, that to say you will work for "half the pay" is exxagerating. In reasearching the transfer in DH's profession, he will only take a 5-10% pay cut moving to Maine, and that depends heavily on the area we choose. Of course, the bigger towns/cities will pay more, but you really have to decide what you want out of your life in Maine. It's sure to be a give and take situation.

[moughie]

Originally Posted by char85008

It's funny to hear that anyone is moving from beautiful Maine to AZ! Tell me why... I'm guessing it's to escape the cold, but summers here are long and pretty much "unbearable." wanting to do .

Career advancement and better job opportunities. DH is an electrical engineer and in S Portland, National/Fairchild is the only game in town. HR and upper management know it and keep wages lower than national average because
they are convinced none of their employees would ever dream of leaving beautiful Maine. Subtle manipulation.

Sometimes it is good to leave, experience other employers and companies and have an opportunity to really grow professionally. After all, when you invest so much time and energy in college and grad school, you really want to realize your potential. Also nice to experience a different part of the country and wonder at the marvelous geographical and environmental diversity of this huge country!!

Our hearts and best friends will always be in Maine! We can always go back to visit or retire