Gay Portland? (Hallowell, Hope: condo, how much, house)

[danpv]

I know that Maine is very family oriented, but I'm not and would appreciate any impressions, suggestions or advice concerning my chances of a peaceful life there...given the following:

I'm a single white middle aged gay guy, on the quiet side (funny how some people find that to be a negative), don't party and mostly keep to myself since we all know how much gays are reviled for their (not) chosen lifestyle. As a health care professional I'm tied to a metropolitan area like Portland and can't consider relocating to some small village in the boonies - although I would revel in the peace and quiet.

Twice, through no fault of my own, other than making the mistake of purchasing a house that I liked and could barely afford, I was subsequently harassed by white-trash neighbors; even though I was rarely home because I worked two jobs to afford the house. Never knowing how far they'd escalate their intolerance of a gay guy in the neighborhood, I chose not to wait for the potential firebomb through the window - and I moved away vowing never to buy a house again.

With thoughts of moving to Maine, I'm wondering whether I'm relegated to a condo because I'd much prefer to buy a small house in the greater Portland area, but have no desire to repeat past gay home owner harassment by the neighbors (or by their kids like those unfortunate women in Hallowell, was it?)

So be honest, how would YOU feel if a straight looking & acting single middle aged gay guy moved into your neighborhood?

I seriously doubt Portland has any gay neighborhoods, but in the remote chance that any gays are reading this, are there any Portland-area neighborhoods where the straight people won't panic if a nice quiet gay guy moves in?

TIA

[bigchuckie]

A particular quirk of Mainer's is If it dont affect me I dont care what you do

[skytrekker]

Close to Portland is the gay enclave of Ogonquit- which even in the summer is sedate compared to Provincetown. In the winter it is even more reclusive.

If you are a gay middle aged man, and seek solitude with some gay life; Portland may be ideal for you. Plus proximity to Boston and even Providence is close.

Gay 'baiting' and over the top discrimination would be rare in southwestern coastal Maine.

Housing prices are reasonable in southern Maine.

[puttingdownroots]

Originally Posted by bigchuckie

A particular quirk of Mainer's is If it dont affect me I dont care what you do

This is, in my humble opinion, the single greatest attitude in life. I very much hope this is as true of Mainers as I hear it is. I wish everyone in the world operated on that level.

Ok, rave over

[BacktoNE]

TGGGOH, you sound like the perfect neighbor to me. I'd be happy to have you living next door to DH & I, if we ever get to come back to Maine. I would hope that the majority of Mainers would feel that your life is none of their business, because clearly it isn't, and would welcome you as a valuable part of the community because you are a good person and that nothing else would (or should) come into play.

[puttingdownroots]

Originally Posted by TGGGOH

I seriously doubt Portland has any gay neighborhoods, but in the remote chance that any gays are reading this, are there any Portland-area neighborhoods where the straight people won't panic if a nice quiet gay guy moves in?
TIA

I'm was just tootling around and found a few websites that suggest to me that Portland is a modern and progressive city, (a view supported by my visit - I saw a few gay couples walking through town center holding hands, etc with no raised eyebrows - I noticed because I live near the apparently not-so-progressive Roanoke, VA).

gay portland

OUTINPORTLANDMAINE.COM: Gay Portland Maine, ME Gay Chat, Gay Bars, Gay Cruises, Gay Accommodations, Gay Entertainment, Gay Travel, Gay Businesses, Gay Interviews, Gay News, Gay Horoscope and more...

And if you like to sing:
The Maine Gay Men's Chorus -- Official Site's Home Page

I hope you find some useful stuff - the top link has some great recommendations for gay owned and gay friendly businesses - including Realtors, who should be able to advise you on which areas to consider and which to avoid. The experience I've had in living here and there, is that if the city itself is progressive, that kind of 'leaks' into the surrounding areas. Hopefully that is the case with neighboring areas to Portland.

Good luck with the move - you deserve to live your life without idiot neighbors making it unnecessarily difficult for you. We all do.

[danpv]

Love your attitude, PDR. The world could use more people like you.

Best of luck in your Maine move. It'll be a bit of an adjustment at first, but you strike me as someone who'll fit right in.

Originally Posted by puttingdownroots

I'm was just tootling around and found a few websites that suggest to me that Portland is a modern and progressive city, (a view supported by my visit - I saw a few gay couples walking through town center holding hands, etc with no raised eyebrows - I noticed because I live near the apparently not-so-progressive Roanoke, VA).

gay portland

OUTINPORTLANDMAINE.COM: Gay Portland Maine, ME Gay Chat, Gay Bars, Gay Cruises, Gay Accommodations, Gay Entertainment, Gay Travel, Gay Businesses, Gay Interviews, Gay News, Gay Horoscope and more...

And if you like to sing:
The Maine Gay Men's Chorus -- Official Site's Home Page

I hope you find some useful stuff - the top link has some great recommendations for gay owned and gay friendly businesses - including Realtors, who should be able to advise you on which areas to consider and which to avoid. The experience I've had in living here and there, is that if the city itself is progressive, that kind of 'leaks' into the surrounding areas. Hopefully that is the case with neighboring areas to Portland.

Good luck with the move - you deserve to live your life without idiot neighbors making it unnecessarily difficult for you. We all do.

[sanfranmike]

TGGOH
Portland is great, I havent lived there but a great friend of mine did and loved it! This is a VERY out and OBVIOUS gay guy who felt totally comfotable.I also have met several friends of his that also love it there.Good Luck!!

[mollysmiles]

I lived in the Portland area over the summer a few years ago, and I think you'd enjoy the area. I know there is a gay community, but not sure of the size. Is it possible for you to visit the area? That may help you feel less anxious. If you did want to travel along the coastline, and settle in the house next door to me, I'd welcome you---and you wouldn't be the only gay guy in town either, not even close!

[kathyann58]

I live in the portland area and work in Portland. I am also in healthcare. As with any area there are those that cause problems, but for the most part, I believe Portland is more of an open community. They have gay pride marches, and walks, and the community seems to accept this. Good luck with your move. You can find good housing in areas outside of Portland, where neighbors aren't so close. But as long as you are a good neighbor it shouldn't matter your sexual orientation or skin color.