Looking for some information on Portland for a 50-year-old woman (home, job market)

[MBLaLande]

My mother is interested in moving to Portland, Maine. She'd like some information. She is not college eduated, but has worked very hard in factories, bars, restaurants, and offices for the majority of her life. The economy is obviously not great in Michigan, so she's looking for a change.

What is the job market like in the city? Will she be able to find jobs without a college education? More importantly, will she be able to make enough to live on? She's not looking to get rich, just to be able to pay the bills every month.

What is the culture like in the city? Is it open and embracing? Are there a ton of ridiculously rich people there?

How is the driving during the winter? Is public transportation any good?

Less importantly, what's the music scene like? Any good blues/jazz bars and whatnot?

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

My mother is interested in moving to Portland, Maine. She'd like some information. She is not college eduated, but has worked very hard in factories, bars, restaurants, and offices for the majority of her life. The economy is obviously not great in Michigan, so she's looking for a change.

What is the job market like in the city? Will she be able to find jobs without a college education? More importantly, will she be able to make enough to live on? She's not looking to get rich, just to be able to pay the bills every month.

What is the culture like in the city? Is it open and embracing? Are there a ton of ridiculously rich people there?

How is the driving during the winter? Is public transportation any good?

Less importantly, what's the music scene like? Any good blues/jazz bars and whatnot?

Hi there,

Heads up, the economy in Maine isn't exactly booming either. The job market isn't much better. It has nothing to do with her lack of higher education. Yes, there are some jobs there, but it will take a lot of persistance to get one. Very often some of these low level jobs will go to the owners relatives or friends. Whether she'll be able to survive will depend on many factors. Is she able to work more than one job? Finding affordable housing is a challege. Not knowing what her budget is, it's difficult to tell. Is she willing to go into a room mate situation? It would be more afforable within the city anyway. It would be key for her to find an apt where the heat is included. Winter will be here before you know it. Heating oil is going to be very expensive for most Mainers this year.

I would not describe the city of Portland as having a ton of ridiculously rich people or anywhere in else in Maine for that matter. Nor is it important to us. Yes, it is of my opinion that the city is welcoming as long as you can find and meet people within your own social perameters. Warm and embracing might be a little too strong. If she's able to reach out and make friends, it'll happen at her place of employemt.

If she too lives in Langsing and drives there in the winter, winter driving in Maine will not be much different. Public trans will get her through town but it's not like public trans in a big city. Those busses do not run late a night. They might not even run on weekends.

Regarding the music scene, there used to be the Big Easy which was a great bar to go listen to some great music. I haven't looked recently to see of it's still there.

A little word of caution, if she doesn't have a job when she gets there or isn't bringing enough $$$$ to live off from for the next few months, this might be a reason to stop and think twice before making the move.

Good luck in your search however.

[elston]

FtLMM.......such excellent advise....you should write a column "Ask The Mermaid" for the paper.....you are consistently helpful, interesting and give the info that folks are looking for.....in a forthright and often amusing manner. Thanks for being such a fine ambassador of the region.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

What is the job market like in the city? Will she be able to find jobs without a college education? More importantly, will she be able to make enough to live on? She's not looking to get rich, just to be able to pay the bills every month.

It is always possible to find a job without a college education and while Portland is not busting at the seams with job oppertunities, there are jobs here. One thing I should add is that Portland is sort of a college town. Only sort-of. What I am getting at is when the fall school season begins, pretty much any available job is snatched up by college kids, so the best time to look for work is in the summer time. However, the summer time is when the seasonal residents move (back) in, so who knows? It is worth a look.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

What is the culture like in the city? Is it open and embracing? Are there a ton of ridiculously rich people there?

The culture is pretty much like any other big city, but since Portland is rather small everything is on a smaller scale. People are either friendly or they can be cold. Don't know what to say. Don't expect anyone to throw a parade when your mom arrives in town, but she won't be shunned, either.

There are a good amount of rich people, a few who are really wealthy, but in Portland, if you make $50,000 a year then you are living the high life here.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

How is the driving during the winter? Is public transportation any good?

Driving is the same as in Michigan. Public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Busses run until maybe 9pm at the latest and weekend service might as well not exists. There are only five bus lines in Portland.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Less importantly, what's the music scene like? Any good blues/jazz bars and whatnot?

The music scene is pretty good. Most bars offer live music (some of it seasonal; when the weather is good). There is also a decent amount venues, as well (and yes, the Big Easy is still around). Most bands seem to be jam bands and a little too 'hippy' for my tastes, but there are some good jazz and blue grass bands around.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

It is always possible to find a job without a college education and while Portland is not busting at the seams with job oppertunities, there are jobs here. One thing I should add is that Portland is sort of a college town. Only sort-of. What I am getting at is when the fall school season begins, pretty much any available job is snatched up by college kids, so the best time to look for work is in the summer time. However, the summer time is when the seasonal residents move (back) in, so who knows? It is worth a look.

The culture is pretty much like any other big city, but since Portland is rather small everything is on a smaller scale. People are either friendly or they can be cold. Don't know what to say. Don't expect anyone to throw a parade when your mom arrives in town, but she won't be shunned, either.

There are a good amount of rich people, a few who are really wealthy, but in Portland, if you make $50,000 a year then you are living the high life here.

Driving is the same as in Michigan. Public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Busses run until maybe 9pm at the latest and weekend service might as well not exists. There are only five bus lines in Portland.

The music scene is pretty good. Most bars offer live music (some of it seasonal; when the weather is good). There is also a decent amount venues, as well (and yes, the Big Easy is still around). Most bands seem to be jam bands and a little too 'hippy' for my tastes, but there are some good jazz and blue grass bands around.

50k a year the high life??? DW and I make twice that and don't consider ourselves to living "The High Life" by any means!!!

[skytrekker]

Perhaps the saving grace for all of New England in these difficult economic times is that while the economy in the 6 region state is not booming, it is holding its own currently. The economy has slowed through out New England- that is for certain- but the housing mess that has devastated economies in other regions has thus far been milder here.

It is much worse elsewhere- what may seem 'not great' to us- to folks coming from more beleaguered states it may be 'feel' far better. Its all in the personal perspectives of each person.

Of all the New England states now, Rhode Island is having the toughest time- the rest of the region is doing slightly better. While Connecticut has gained jobs in May and June (after loosing jobs the first 4 months of the year) There is uncertainty for the rest of the year.

New England and CT where battered in the last 'big' recession to hit the region 1989-1992- (we lost 160,000 jobs in CT alone) this time around it will not be as bad for us. The 2001 recession saw a loss of 60K jobs in CT- that we where slow in recovering back-( we gained all those lost jobs back by 2005) However, Other regions seem to be bearing the brunt of this downturn this time around- one concern is the high price of home heating oil and energy- which is bound to hurt us this winter.