Thinking of Moving to Maine (Portland, Bangor: apartment, rental, theater)

[hellonez]

Okay I've been considering a big move. Maine has come up several times mainly for its vista, affordable living, and its quiet atmosphere.

That being said what we read about isn't always what we get.

So heres what I'm looking for.

I'm a single loner type (not creepy just a gaming nerd lol) whos not all that concerned with a big social scene. However some access to art and theater would be nice. I'll be coming from Philadelphia and I've always prefered winter weather, so Maine winters don't really scare me off. I want more nature in my life, why? I'm not sure I just do. I also need a place I can get around in i.e. bus, taxi or just plain walking. A place that offers some variety of part time work would be nice as well.

Portland and Bangor have come up in apartment searches. What I need is input on commuter friendly locations in Maine, doesn't have to be perfect, I''m used to taxi living.

Keep in mind I'm just looking to rent. maybe stay around for a year then try someplace new if it doesnt suit me. I've lived my whole life in Philly PA and I'm looking for a dramatic change.

So share you opinions. good or bad its all welcome

Thanks
Nez R.

[Acadianlion]

What do you expect to do for a living? Will you need to work?

[flycessna]

Portland is going to be your best choice. Especially If you want citiy ammenities like transportation, arts, theatre ect but still want to be close to nature.

[WhoFanMe]

Check the address of your potential rental here. I just did an address on Congress Street in Portland, which scored 97 out of 100. My address just 25 minutes away in Gorham scored a whopping 2.

[hellonez]

I would like to work but If I'm frugal I dont reallly need to. That being said I would go crazy without a job.

[hellonez]

Originally Posted by WhoFanMe

Check the address of your potential rental here. I just did an address on Congress Street in Portland, which scored 97 out of 100. My address just 25 minutes away in Gorham scored a whopping 2.

Dude that site is awesome!

[Zarathu]

Hellonez,

You do need to be aware that although Portland has much of what you want, a comparison between it and Philadelphia puts Portland at a serious disadvantage. The population of Philly proper is 1.54 million, and the greater Philly area is 5.8 million. The population of the totality of Maine is only 1.8 million.

Portland has a better comparison to Lancaster, PA. Portland's population is 62K and Lancaster's is 55K.

Just a word to the wise.

Z

[hellonez]

Thank you thats actually helpful and motivates more towards the move. This is exactly the info I'm looking for. keep um coming

I'm definitely looking for a smaller city feel. I want to get away from the congestion of philly life.

[retiredtinbender]

Originally Posted by Zarathu

Hellonez,

You do need to be aware that although Portland has much of what you want, a comparison between it and Philadelphia puts Portland at a serious disadvantage. The population of Philly proper is 1.54 million, and the greater Philly area is 5.8 million. The population of the totality of Maine is only 1.8 million.

Portland has a better comparison to Lancaster, PA. Portland's population is 62K and Lancaster's is 55K.

Just a word to the wise.

Z

And there's no Vine Street to get a pretzel or cheese steak. To me that would be a large drawback. And now that Mommas' Burritos (was that it?) is gone we have nothing close in Portland.

[mainegrl2011]

Hi Hellonez: If you're looking for an adventure, you want a change, and you don't have to work, what's there to lose? If you don't like Portland or Maine, you can always move again, right? It'll be a learning experience