Looking to Move to Maine, Portland Area (from Ohio)...advice please! (rentals, teaching jobs)

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by AlisonL

You won't find much within 10 minutes of Portland for $100-115k.
I lived in Maine all my life and recently moved to NM. I love Maine with all my heart, but we won't return (other than to visit). Its much cheaper for us to live out here, not to mention my asthma is much much much better here.

I have to agree with Alison here. Anything you find in the Portland area within this price range will either be a fixer-upper or in a less than desirable neighborhood.

Personally kluv, I do not find anything attractive about Biddeford, but to each his own. I've never seen any pricey areas of Biddeford unless you're talking about Biddeford Pool. One couldn't pay me enough to live in Biddeford.

I agree w/Elston (as usual) - Saco or Buxton would be nicer towns but further removed from the city. IMO, Buxton would be more affordable for a younger couple than Saco. You might get more bang for your buck in Buxton and it's got some nicer rural areas.

Good luck with your research.

[rfield01]

Must it be Portland or even So. Maine? There are many place in central Maine more affordable, some decent school districts, hospitals, amd with access to the great wide-open. Might also think about min-coast, although there are some fairly pricey areas. Still the ocean always is a pull and if do not need to leave in a downtown area, on the shore, or next to an art gallery you may find things more affordable. Then There is the Old Town, Bangor, Brewer area which for me is a world apart from other places I feel comfortable in (its a cultural thing -- Maine's different areas have very subtle differences in values, perspectives and accents and population mixes (e.g. proportion of French and English ancestry)). I know a ton load of folks who really like that area and have made great homes for themselves.

[elston]

I'm always in good company when I am travelin' with the Mermaid!

But I have a much more optimistic appraisal of Biddeford; I see it as an up and coming "boot strap" community with a rich history, fantastic location and a bright future.

[mainerwoman]

If you have reliable transportation and are willing to commute , then Brunswick or Topsham might be an idea. Even Augusta. There are quite a few houses for sale in Augusta under 100k that are wonderful. An hour one way does seem far but my dh travels to Pittsfield from our home in Augusta and it doesn't bother him. He carpools when he can to save on gas and wear on his car.

[dubthang]

first off, i love portland.

but...
im moving out. its expensive and getting worse. maine is the number one state for heating oil consumption. taxes, oil, and a weak economy are making it hard to live up here.

the summers are great, but last saturday saw 87% humidity.

winters are cold, and the wind always seems to blow in your face.

portland is safe, but a friend of my gfs daughter was just shot and killed.

id stay if i could afford it. the other crap doesnt bother me. i know it does bother others, and that is why i mentioned it.

try to land a job before coming here if possible. its easier to get a place to live than a job. best of luck.

[genmomto5]

Originally Posted by dubthang

first off, i love portland.

but...
im moving out. its expensive and getting worse. maine is the number one state for heating oil consumption. taxes, oil, and a weak economy are making it hard to live up here.

the summers are great, but last saturday saw 87% humidity.

winters are cold, and the wind always seems to blow in your face.

portland is safe, but a friend of my gfs daughter was just shot and killed.

id stay if i could afford it. the other crap doesnt bother me. i know it does bother others, and that is why i mentioned it.

try to land a job before coming here if possible. its easier to get a place to live than a job. best of luck.

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you well wherever you land.

[dubthang]

Originally Posted by genmomto5

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you well wherever you land.

thank you.

i dont mean to paint a sour picture of portland for anybody either. there are ups and downs for every place on the globe. again, i love it here. more people moving here can only strengthen the economy, and make it a better place.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

Personally kluv, I do not find anything attractive about Biddeford, but to each his own. I've never seen any pricey areas of Biddeford unless you're talking about Biddeford Pool. One couldn't pay me enough to live in Biddeford.

I don't really care for the Biddo either, but the place does contain one of the more prominent boarding schools in New England and the closer you get to the ocean the more wealthy the place gets. The place reminds me of a mini Detroit....with white people.


To the OP, it is possible to find a home around here for just over 100 grand. It might require some improvement here and there and/or it might be a little bit smaller then you like, but homes in your price range are out there.

[Dubuquer1]

Originally Posted by rfield01

However, if you are tough, have a good sense of humor, are tolerate of the culture of Maine, and are determined and persistent.

What do you mean, "the culture of Maine?" How does it compare to the midwest? I visited Maine maybe ten years ago to go sailing, and got a taste of the culture, but that's all I know.

I have a job possibility in Portland. The rent sounds very high to me, and I have two pets. I don't want to get into a mortgage with the economy and the uncertianty of everything right now.

What about medical care there? What kind of reputation does the hospital or hospitals have there, and do you know how people like working there? Is there any bad press? Unions? A recruiter called me about the 600-bed hospital.

What about dog training there? Besides my full time job in the medical field, I am a dog trainer -- are there many dog trainers there, and is there a need for a trainer that uses positive reinforcement methods?

What about sailing? Are there safe places to sail a small sailboat?

Thanks.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Dubuquer1

What do you mean, "the culture of Maine?" How does it compare to the midwest?

Maine reminds me a lot of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In fact, I would venture to say that if you fell asleep in one and awoke in another, it would take you awhile to figure it out.