a few Eastport questions (Ellsworth, Hope: taxi, wages, property taxes)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

That "huge three story Victorian that's insanely neglected" has a window open on the third floor. I bet the pigeons have found that.

We were in Eastport last week and found the WACO closed. We wanted to have dinner on the deck because it was a warm day. Our friends had not seen seals from a restaurant. We found a great seafood restaurant on the water by the ferry landing. It was called "Chowder and Diesel" or something similar. That isn't unusual in Maine. There are businesses with signs that say "Real Estate and Bait Shop", "Guns and Jam" and "Used Cars and Meat Cutting".

[retiredtinbender]

The Wa-Co was foreclosed on in the spring and bought again (a little shady looking) a few months ago. Previous owners had no idea on running a business and didn't care. The new owner owns the Chowder House (always going to be The Cannery to me). He has to put another $100- $150K into it at least. The place was a disaster inside; mold, grease, water damage. Even the exhaust in the kitchen has grease dripping out of it. He is doing a good job on it and bringing it back to a good place to eat.

[ADSLubec]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

That "huge three story Victorian that's insanely neglected" has a window open on the third floor. I bet the pigeons have found that.

We were in Eastport last week and found the WACO closed. We wanted to have dinner on the deck because it was a warm day. Our friends had not seen seals from a restaurant. We found a great seafood restaurant on the water by the ferry landing. It was called "Chowder and Diesel" or something similar. That isn't unusual in Maine. There are businesses with signs that say "Real Estate and Bait Shop", "Guns and Jam" and "Used Cars and Meat Cutting".

"...and Bait" is a classic in Maine.

"Welding and Bait" is a favorite of mine.


Alan

[pc-not]

As a teenager, I moved with my family from Maine to N.H. in the mid 60's. Store that my dad stopped at often on the way to Milford N. H. had a giant sign on the roof. "EAT HERE AND GET GAS"

[mrs1885]

Originally Posted by mensaguy

We drove by and looked at that house last week. I think you could save some money on the heating bill by tossing $100 bills into the fireplace. That's a big house that needs a huge amount of work.

I have no doubt at all. Ours here is only 2500+ s/f and the winter bill runs over $600 a month. And we're in middle TN where the winters are VERY mild compared to Easport. Don't doubt for a second that it will cost a bloody fortune.

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

That "huge three story Victorian that's insanely neglected" has a window open on the third floor. I bet the pigeons have found that.

Sweet! So it comes with pets already! Baha!! I'm just kidding................kind of. I'd probably toss seed in the yard. I'm a softie, I can't help it.

[maine4.us]

Before you make the move to Eastport, I certainly would love to tell you about it. First of all, we moved here over 2 years ago, and there are no regrets. But, I need to make sure that any of you moving here who plan on living on a fixed income are aware of the following things.

1) cost of water, sewer, and electric are high, much higher than the national average, especially electricity
2) property taxes are high, repeat high, the taxes on our home are averaging almost a 10% increase each year. Assessments are fair, but the millage rate required is excessive.
3) Car tags are somewhat expensive, a new car is over $600 per year for the first few years, (city excise tax)
4) the cost of living for certain things is fairly high, some things cheaper, but overall, be prepared for increased costs
5) if you have a retirement income over $10K per year, you will pay income taxes on it. Rates are as high as 8.5%, in addition to the IRS
6) heating, well, hey, we are in Maine, enough said.

The list above is, well non-negotiable, you generally can't cut corners on most of those items. We are land rich and job poor. Do I regret moving here, no way! The economic issue is something you certainly should think about if you on a fixed income. Jobs are not as hard to come by as some people say, but the wages are not equal to the rest of the country.

As someone once told me, come on up, and be poor with the rest of us.

[retiredtinbender]

Originally Posted by maine4.us

Before you make the move to Eastport, I certainly would love to tell you about it. First of all, we moved here over 2 years ago, and there are no regrets. But, I need to make sure that any of you moving here who plan on living on a fixed income are aware of the following things.

1) cost of water, sewer, and electric are high, much higher than the national average, especially electricity
2) property taxes are high, repeat high, the taxes on our home are averaging almost a 10% increase each year. Assessments are fair, but the millage rate required is excessive.
3) Car tags are somewhat expensive, a new car is over $600 per year for the first few years, (city excise tax)
4) the cost of living for certain things is fairly high, some things cheaper, but overall, be prepared for increased costs
5) if you have a retirement income over $10K per year, you will pay income taxes on it. Rates are as high as 8.5%, in addition to the IRS
6) heating, well, hey, we are in Maine, enough said.

The list above is, well non-negotiable, you generally can't cut corners on most of those items. We are land rich and job poor. Do I regret moving here, no way! The economic issue is something you certainly should think about if you on a fixed income. Jobs are not as hard to come by as some people say, but the wages are not equal to the rest of the country.

As someone once told me, come on up, and be poor with the rest of us.

Suck up. LOL And the excise tax is State law not city. We just get to keep it (so far) for the road upkeep.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

Suck up. LOL And the excise tax is State law not city. We just get to keep it (so far) for the road upkeep.

I noticed that too!

[retiredtinbender]

Originally Posted by AustinB

I noticed that too!

If he thinks their fair then they must be too low. Where's my eraser?

[peachie_in_maine]

evil~ you keep those erasers out of it.

Taxes are high in the town I live in because we have a public "private school". Dont mind me. Taxes are high for we have about (40 -50 kids) and well... what can I say. I'm not looking for a slam.

... but I do have to boast... our taxes went down this year 17%. wo0oo ho0oo we can fill our fuel tank to the rim.