Possible 9 month relocation to Portland (apartments, rentals, health insurance)

[miamian in nc]

I have the potential opportunity of a 9-month position in Portland for an AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps of course isn't long-term. What you get is a housing/living allowance, for this one being $1200 monthly, working full-time. With it, you get free health insurance as well as an educational award at the end of the term.

In my case, I'm 62. I have just begun receiving early Social Security (a little over $850 per month). The idea of doing something of service, which is of course what AmeriCorps embodies, is greatly appealing, particularly now. As for the educational award, despite being older, it appeals to me because I've always thought I'd like to take graduate courses at SIT in Brattleboro, VT. I would not do this until next summer after I complete the AmeriCorps program, but SIT offers summer classes, which is another reason I thought I'd like to undertake this AmeriCorps position. I would be near enough to Brattleboro to go there in the summer.

My greatest concern is of course whether there is any type of rental housing available in Portland given the income limitations. I know no one there, nor do I know the area. I visited Maine eons ago but that wasn't to Portland. It will be challenging, I know, also to move there in late October or early November, as winter approaches.

Is it unrealistic to think I can find a place to live there based on the stipend? I'd be bringing my dog with me as well. Any kind thoughts would be appreciated.

[phoebesmom]

Good luck; I hope you can find something, but that is very, very low as a housing allowance, much less a housing/living allowance, and not sure what other resources you have. I wish they gave you a higher allowance in a city with a high cost of housing.

[gf2020]

I don't think you will find a place in Portland for that budget, but assuming you have a car, you may find a place within 5-10 miles. There are several agencies that can assist with short term rentals:

https://www.princetonproperties.com/

https://portlandmainerentals.com/

https://drinanproperties.com/

PORTLAND FURNISHED APARTMENTS – Comfort. Convenience. Flexibility.

https://www.santororealestate.com/home.html

https://www.aquariuspm.com/

https://www.apexrentalproperty.com/

I'm not sure I understand the Brattleboro, VT, connection; Brattleboro is about a 3 hour drive from Portland.

[miamian in nc]

Thank you, gf2020! I appreciate those links. Yes, I see what you mean in viewing them that costs are very high. As far as Brattleboro is concerned, what I said was that if I were to take on this AmeriCorps service job, it would finish in the summer of 2021. At that point, upon completion, I'd receive an educational award. I would take the award and use it at SIT in Brattleboro for graduate coursework there. SIT is a very renowned school for international studies.

[colty31]

You can find studio apts in Portland for around $1000 a month. Not sure if that would be doable for you. These usually include basic internet and some utilities. The particular buildings I’m talking about allow dogs but only small ones (under 25lbs). If you have a large dog it will be difficult to find anything near the $1000 mark. You could also look into renting a room in a house. Prob not ideal but there are posts on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace where people are renting out rooms in the $400-700 range.