Looking for a place to start over after domestic violence. Is Bath the place for us? (Portland: fit in, for rent)

[jennei]

I'm from Phoenix Arizona. I hate it here. I hate the current 114* heat. I hate the standoffish and often violent people. Most of all I hate my abusive ex husband (who thankfully is NOT my child's father)

After leaving him and currently couch surfing with friends, I am looking for a new place to start life over with my daughter.

I did some research, took a "find your place" quiz, and came upon the area of Lewiston, Auburn, Brunswick, Bath etc area.

Bath seems by far the prettiest in my opinion.

I want a nice, quiet, rural, safe place.

I work in the medical lab, (med tech) and I'm hoping to find work right away. Phoenix, with its million plus people, offers very little prospects, as I have had to fight with hundreds of applicants for work.


Also a concern of mine, is my daughter is autistic, and I am hoping for good programs and support for her, including an autistic school as she cannot function in a public school setting.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Ideas on the best place for our forever home?

[Submariner]

I would imagine that you will do fine in Maine.

That small corner of Maine is Maine's most populated area. While the other 99% of Maine is rural. You certainly can not get much further away from Arizona, by moving to Maine. Rent your first year, to make sure that you fit in well, before buying.

I live 3 hours drive North, so I can not say much about the specific region you are looking at. But at least I am still in the Southern half of Maine

I wish you the best luck in your move.

[dubthang]

I'd check out the Dover, NH area. Maybe not Dover specifically, but around there. There are a lot of schools in that area, and plenty to do. There is a major hospital near by in Portsmouth, but there is also a hospital in Dover. Plus, there is no income tax in NH so you'll keep more of your money which is a good thing being a single mom.

[jennei]

Thank you both! Submariner I imagine anywhere is more rural compared to Phoenix, barring other major metropolitan cities. I've heard Portland is still not even very large and its the largest city Maine offers lol.

Dubthang, we really want to be near the ocean. At least a day trip distance away. Is that doable there? I grew up pretty much on the ocean in Washington I would like my daughter to see the ocean too

[znlwovuhrjw]

Originally Posted by jennei

Thank you both! Submariner I imagine anywhere is more rural compared to Phoenix, barring other major metropolitan cities. I've heard Portland is still not even very large and its the largest city Maine offers lol.

Dubthang, we really want to be near the ocean. At least a day trip distance away. Is that doable there? I grew up pretty much on the ocean in Washington I would like my daughter to see the ocean too

It's not "exactly" Portland, but it's close enough.

8 Ancona Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 is For Rent | Zillow

[camanchaca]

Originally Posted by jennei

Bath seems by far the prettiest in my opinion.

I want a nice, quiet, rural, safe place.

I work in the medical lab, (med tech) and I'm hoping to find work right away. Phoenix, with its million plus people, offers very little prospects, as I have had to fight with hundreds of applicants for work.

Bath's certainly different than Phoenix (and the weather is terrible in the opposite quarter of the year) I don't know how 'rural' you're looking for, but there's plenty of 'farm country' rural around (as opposed to 'howling wilderness' rural).

Can't help w/ job info, there's a hospital over in Brunswick but this doesn't really feel like the kind of place with a lot of jobs.

It's quiet most of the year (except for tourists), and I'd call it about half scenic (the river's nice, but there's plenty of run-down parts).

[camanchaca]

Originally Posted by jennei

Dubthang, we really want to be near the ocean. At least a day trip distance away. Is that doable there? I grew up pretty much on the ocean in Washington I would like my daughter to see the ocean too

Popham beach is about 30 minutes from Bath, but as a fellow ex-Washingtoner there are plenty of real beaches (i.e. full of rocks) too.

[HighTechRocker]

I work in Brunswick. There is definitely a growing business community at Brunswick Landing. Mölnlycke Health Care has an office here and there are also two decently sized hospitals in town. There's an industrial park in town as well.

[camanchaca]

Originally Posted by HighTechRocker

two decently sized hospitals in town.

I thought I read they were merging or one bought out the other?

[ilovemycat]

I like Bath a lot. We live 3 miles south of Portland, but drive through Bath on our way to the beautiful Popham Beach and Reid State Park. Also went to their Fourth of July Day and had lot's of fun. It is on the water, so is very picturesque. My son in law's co - worker commutes from Bath to Portland every day, so with that in mind, check out a well known employer in Maine- IDEXX Laboratories, who probably has jobs in your field. I don't know that much about them, but they are always winning awards, contribute a lot to lot's of non-profits and people who work there seem to be very happy.

I hope it works out. I found that moving from a state (NJ) that I really felt like I never fit in - to a state that I totally love (Maine) has been just incredible.