Portsmouth vs. Portland (Andover: sales, apartment, rentals)

[canyontothesky]

I posted almost the exact topic over in the Maine forum, but I wanted to weigh in by getting patrons to both forums, so I hope it's ok to cross-post.

I am graduating with my BA in June/July, and after that, it is DBF's turn to finish college For him we are considering USM and UNH. I have family near Andover, MA, which is THE major draw to moving back to New England. The Portsmouth area is just 45 minutes, and the Portland area is 90 minutes, and seeing them would be a regular thing.

- The most important issue is jobs. I am NOT a future corporation employee, I want to start a business, whether it be in retail (homewares/interiors boutique), or photography, or in interior redesign and organization, I just need a few years of jobforce experience before I go out on my own. I know Maine to be a pretty entrepreneur-friendly state. But I need to find work somewhere before/immediately after the move.

- Cost of living in those metro areas. The Portland are is just a bit cheaper, especially for rentals (and there is a greater variety for rentals in that area, which is very important). There is a good chance that within a year or two of moving, I will buy a house, if I foresee us staying in the area. So property taxes and basic homeownership costs are a factor as well.

- I really love Maine's coast, whereas NH's is more limited.

- UNH vs USM. My boyfriend does not yet know what he would like to major in, but he has mentioned biology, English, or cognitive science. Both schools vary only about $1000/semester in tuition, I believe.

- DBF is a dog trainer, so he will be trying to make a part-time living doing training on the side, self-employed. Also we have 3 dogs, want to get a 4th, so we are going to need a very nice landlord as well as a house/duplex. And I would ultimately like to rent for less than $1100/mo, under $1000 would be best.

So, I was wondering who can weigh in on these issues. We plan to visit both areas in January and again in April before the move, but I am extremely torn on which one to be more interested in. Portland has been a dream for a while and is overall more affordable, but father from family, and Maine doesn't seem to have as strong of an economy, perhaps?

Can anyone help me either way by asking me more questions or giving me their opinions on quality of life, schools and the job market. I feel like I am a bit different than most looking to relocate to the area because I am a future small business owner, NOT looking to work for a corporation at all. Last, I really would love to settle long term in one of these two locations, so I want to get it right the first time, so I can begin to network, become a homeowner, etc.

I hope some of you can help!

[NH2NCMom]

I think NH is cheaper than Maine myself...but with what you are looking for - the "yuppie" type scene (sorry to name it that but it's the word for artsy that I can think of)...and for rent under 1000 (I'm not sure how many bedrooms you want - but in Portsmouth area a 3 bdr will be more than 1000/mo, 2 bdr will be about 700-900 etc...) but Portland might be more suitable for you.

However, I do recommend looking closely at both areas before making the decision. Any other posters on here might give better advice than me though - so anyone have any thoughts?

[dubthang]

UNH and USM are vastly different schools. USM is the easier of the two. UNH is also very expensive. Which ever one is picked, live in state for a year first to gain residency to get in state tuition. I went to UNH from 2002-2005. I had a friend transfer from USM with 4.0 only to fail out of UNH.

Portland and Portsmouth are similar. Portland had the up on Portsmouth as far as job opprotunities, but that is quickly changing with the current economy woes. If you choose Portland, you'll want to live in Portland. Portsmouth though, you have many good choices in the surrounding towns. There is a good bus system there too, so your bf wouldn't have to drive to UNH everyday.

I have lived in both areas over the last eight years. I'd choose Portsmouth myself since it offers a better education with UNH. Portland is more of a real city with real issues (fires, crime, homeless, etc).

Feel free to ask anything that comes to mind, and I'll help you as best I can.

[NJ2NH]

I'd suggest you look carefully at pet-friendly ads. Five years ago in Portland, there were very few places that were receptive to renting to pet owners. Given the current market, I'd certainly head to Portsmouth instead of Portland for the reason Dubthang mentioned. Both are great towns, but I'd choose Portsmouth. I think NH is less expensive.

[dubthang]

Originally Posted by NJ2NH

I'd suggest you look carefully at pet-friendly ads. Five years ago in Portland, there were very few places that were receptive to renting to pet owners. Given the current market, I'd certainly head to Portsmouth instead of Portland for the reason Dubthang mentioned. Both are great towns, but I'd choose Portsmouth. I think NH is less expensive.

The pet-friendly thing is a good point. I have a cat, and have never had issues with getting places, but you have more options in NH. NH is less expensive due to tax reasons. There is no income tax so you take home more money which is a big plus, much bigger than the no sales tax thing. Portsmouth/seacoast area is more expensive than the rest of NH though. This is because of UNH and Boston. You'll find that this area can cost more than Portland, but it can easily be the exact opposite too. It all depends on what jobs you two take, and what you get for an apartment.