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Old 09-21-2007, 11:05 AM
 
5 posts, read 25,604 times
Reputation: 11

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I'm sure this info is out there somewhere, but I haven't been able to find it. My family and I are considering a move to Southern Maine (working in Portland), thus needing to live w/in 30 minutes or so.

Long story short, the reasons are the same as some people out there…we have two small kids (4 ½ and 18 months old) and want to get somewhere quiet, peaceful, kid friendly, etc. We’d be moving from the hustle and bustle of busy Tampa, FL.

Here’s what we’re looking for: (1) good to excellent schools (daughter is currently in a Waldorf school and I know there’s one near Freeport, but am not sure how far away that is), (2) peaceful setting…quiet, etc. (other requirement is to be somewhat close to amenities, but being within a 30 minute drive of Portland should answer that), (3) safe, friendly town, (4) local farmer’s markets and CSAs where we can get good fresh food in the summers.

We lived in rural Vermont before Florida, so we’re not at all concerned about (1) the winters or (2) what rural life is like. It’s what we want and are willing to do to provide our kids with an opportunity to be just that, a kid…able to run and play and frolic as only they know how. Work also would not be a concern as I’d have that lined up ahead of time, just looking for a few good ideas.

From what I’ve gathered, Gorham and Yarmouth seem to answer most of the needs we have. What about the Bath/Freeport/Cumberland/Brunswick area? Or, even up by Sebago lake. Any other areas?

I really appreciate the insight and comments I’ve read thus far. We’re really looking forward to the possibility!!
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Old 09-21-2007, 12:48 PM
 
Location: Clayton, NC
279 posts, read 702,932 times
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Gorham definitely fits the bill. Its a little bit pricy in my opinion and the traffic situation can be ridiculous.
They have started the bypass that is going to be a "band-aid" for the situation.
Its a very nice place for kids, I have children the same ages. :-)
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Old 09-21-2007, 01:57 PM
 
Location: 43.55N 69.58W
3,231 posts, read 7,466,823 times
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Default Brunswick?

Brunswick/Topsham area - 30 minutes north of Portland. Quiet community, college town, nice "Maine Street" downtown. Good public schools. Bike path, parks and rec dept is really good. Famers Market on Weds and Friday right downtown. Close to the coast.

Freeport-15 minutes north of Portland. Too busy with all of the outlet shoppers, year round not just seasonal shoppers. Traffic getting in and out of town is bad, not like Tampa but unbearable from a Mainers perspective. Waldorf school I believe is in Freeport, but I could be mistaken, if not it's close. Check out Yarmouth as well. It's just south of Freeport.

hope this helps!
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Old 09-21-2007, 07:54 PM
 
177 posts, read 108,147 times
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You might also like Cumberland...between Portland and Freeport...beautiful little town with excellent schools, a farmer's market every Saturday, and home to the Cumberland fair every September. Good luck with your search!
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Old 09-28-2007, 01:21 PM
 
5 posts, read 25,604 times
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Smile gottagetoutofmaine

I have to ask, seeing your username, is there a particular reason you have to get out of ME?

Also, what is the Windham and Gray area like? Any info?

Thanks!
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Old 09-28-2007, 06:20 PM
 
Location: Clayton, NC
279 posts, read 702,932 times
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We are just ready for a change. We want to head to NC to give that a try. The winters are getting a bit old. We have always lived in Me, and my husband has been in the same house since his childhood.
Its really a great place to live.
Windham is growing and is nice, close to the Lakes. Lots of new shopping and restaurants.
There is not a whole lot going on in Gray at all.
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Old 09-28-2007, 07:48 PM
 
276 posts, read 793,102 times
Reputation: 184
Quote:
Originally Posted by gottagetoutofmaine View Post
We are just ready for a change. We want to head to NC to give that a try. The winters are getting a bit old. We have always lived in Me, and my husband has been in the same house since his childhood.
Its really a great place to live.
Windham is growing and is nice, close to the Lakes. Lots of new shopping and restaurants.
There is not a whole lot going on in Gray at all.
Depending upon where you are going in NC, I would think again. Some places are great, but others have a poor educational systems. Personally, the only place that I would live in NC is the western region (Asheville and west). The piedmont stinks and the coast is vulnerable to storms. Take my advice and do some good research.
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Old 09-29-2007, 05:14 AM
 
Location: Clayton, NC
279 posts, read 702,932 times
Reputation: 197
Can you explain?? We are leaning towards the Raleigh area and have been doing lots of research. I don't think there is a perfect place to live. I don't want to live out in the woods, but I want a safe place to raise my family.
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Old 09-29-2007, 12:31 PM
 
19,969 posts, read 30,236,853 times
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you may want to check out the durham, gray, new gloucester, poland, areas also,,very nice communities , and the cost of real estate is considerably lower than other towns mentioned
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Old 09-29-2007, 04:22 PM
 
145 posts, read 338,729 times
Reputation: 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by Floridahater View Post
Depending upon where you are going in NC, I would think again. Some places are great, but others have a poor educational systems. Personally, the only place that I would live in NC is the western region (Asheville and west). The piedmont stinks and the coast is vulnerable to storms. Take my advice and do some good research.
Hey , I've heard Cary, N.C. is nice..
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