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The economy in Salem in in just as bad of shape as Bangor I would say. Bangor is an older city than Salem, so you are going to see much older infrastructure. Oregon and Maine are equally pretty states in my opinion and I have been all over both.
I think the main thing to take into consideration is the weather. Would you pick a cool/mild/cloudy/dreary/damp/misty/drizzly/gray/green winter or a snowy/more sunny/bright/freezing/icy winter?
Scenery: Oregon is much more mountainous and has a lot more evergreen forests than Maine, such as Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, Western Hemlocks, Birches, some species of Maples. Maine has rolling hills and mixed leafed forests with Maples, Spruces, Eastern White Pines, Oaks, Birches, etc. Oregon has marine climates, alpine climates, Semi-arid climates, and everything in between. Maine's climates don't vary nearly as much within the state. Maine is considered Humid Continental and Oregon is considered Temperate. Maine has a distinct 4 seasons (Winter is slightly longer than the others), in Western Oregon: Spring and Fall seem to dominate. Oregon receives by far most of it's precip in the winter. In Maine, it's pretty evenly distributed throughout the year and in more heavy storm-like systems compared to Oregon's light/steady/constant systems.
If I had the choice, I'd choose Maine. But that's just me.
The economy in Salem in in just as bad of shape as Bangor I would say. Bangor is an older city than Salem, so you are going to see much older infrastructure. Oregon and Maine are equally pretty states in my opinion and I have been all over both.
I think the main thing to take into consideration is the weather. Would you pick a cool/mild/cloudy/dreary/damp/misty/drizzly/gray/green winter or a snowy/more sunny/bright/freezing/icy winter?
Scenery: Oregon is much more mountainous and has a lot more evergreen forests than Maine, such as Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, Western Hemlocks, Birches, some species of Maples. Maine has rolling hills and mixed leafed forests with Maples, Spruces, Eastern White Pines, Oaks, Birches, etc. Oregon has marine climates, alpine climates, Semi-arid climates, and everything in between. Maine's climates don't vary nearly as much within the state. Maine is considered Humid Continental and Oregon is considered Temperate. Maine has a distinct 4 seasons (Winter is slightly longer than the others), in Western Oregon: Spring and Fall seem to dominate. Oregon receives by far most of it's precip in the winter. In Maine, it's pretty evenly distributed throughout the year and in more heavy storm-like systems compared to Oregon's light/steady/constant systems.
If I had the choice, I'd choose Maine. But that's just me.
Isn't Maine also the "Oldest State"--meaning that of all states, Maine has the greatest percentage of old people, and the lowest percentage of young people, because many young people leave the state to find jobs, and many old people move to Maine to retire?
Isn't Maine also the "Oldest State"--meaning that of all states, Maine has the greatest percentage of old people, and the lowest percentage of young people, because many young people leave the state to find jobs, and many old people move to Maine to retire?
I thought it was the oldest average age.
And in discussion it was assumed a high percentage a old and a low percentage of young; but really it was just looking at the overall averages of age.
Where do you live in VA? We were just down there in Richmond (we live in Bangor now) for 8 days... when we were seriously considering relocating down there.
Richmond's architecture and older houses are all much better kept up than up here. We looked at older houses in nice neighborhoods in Bangor when we moved here almost four years ago... and we looked at older houses in Richmond just a couple of months ago. Richmond houses were all immaculate, updated and staged... you won't find that in Bangor. Staging was a HUGE thing in VA... there really is no such thing up here other than home owners doing it themselves... which makes a big difference in first impressions. Doesn't mean the house is actually better... but if you are used to looking at staged houses...
There will be a mix of run down houses to better conditioned houses but nothing like the pristine houses we found in Richmond. But Richmond itself puts a lot into the beauty of everything... the parks were the most incredible I have ever seen... even the mall was gorgeous.
Maine lets nature take center stage which the people up here probably prefer.
I liked Richmond a lot... but I prefer Maine because the hot humid extreme temps of Richmond summers are too much for me... I would rather be cold and cover up than hot and have to stay in air conditioning. The people of Richmond were incredibly friendly and cute... everyone dresses up down there... in Bangor... it is the opposite of dressing up... but the friendliness is there in Maine's down to earth people. There is an undercurrent of racial issues and north vs. south mentality... you won't find that here... but you also won't find the diversity that is in the south. There is diversity in Bangor and Orono because of the hospital and college and some transients in the downtown area... but not at all like VA.
If you are from Richmond... you will think that Bangor is tiny. It is cute downtown and the waterfront is nice... and I believe it is an up and coming town. The Penobscot River is going through a great transformation... cleaning it up and bringing 11 species of native fish back. They had a bunch of fun concerts on the waterfront this summer... and I believe it is just going to get better and better.
The food thing... you will find organic food and a lot of farmers markets but Portland is more "green"... Bangor is more about the chain restaurants unfortunately.
I have no idea about Oregon... but hope I helped a bit
I would also add that there is no modern feel up here... it is a very nice place to raise a family and to have all the outdoor stuff... but it is not a fun place for young childless 30 somethings who like a modern city... Portland, ME would compete with what you want... I think. It is not modern either but it has more to offer someone who wants amenities and interesting restaurants and is close to other modern cities... which become part of the whole lifestyle.
But I am biased... as I am now in the process of moving from Bangor to Portland... and being from southeast NH... it is familiar territory. And I am used to having a lot of modern ammenities and things to do and see mixed into the natural beauty of nature.
From your post... I don't think Bangor would be right for you. It is an old fashion city... although as I said... up and coming... just don't know how long before it would be what you might want.
But of course visit... it might have just right vibe once you see it for yourself... it is an interesting little city with its own special appeal to a lot of people. Orono and Old Town are more "green" feeling towns if you are looking at the surrounding towns. But after immersing myself in Richmond's neighborhoods and how that all works and effects one's lifestyle... there were some really cool hip feeling, green feeling neighborhoods with lots of nature to walk to and experience which is what I loved about Richmond... it is really a different attitude up here in Bangor than what I experienced in VA. Not so "forward thinking"for the most part... but I've noticed a lot of positive change just in the short time of living here so I'm thinking that Bangor will be a little hidden gem of a city in the near future... relatively speaking.
Thank you smaclean for your great post. I do live in Richmond and I agree with all your comments. We are enjoying our time here and I can easily see myself settling down in central VA.
Having said that, I will have to relocate in the near future and at present time central Maine and western Oregon seem to be the most attractive options as far as job offers go. I like the adventure part of it, moving to a different state, exploring new things..
I am more outdoorsy type and Virginia, Maine or Oregon will fully cover my needs in this regard. I am totally dazzled by the Maine coast. Natural beauty at it's finest. There is this whole Maine mystique that tugs at my heart and wont let go
My wife is more into artisan baking and pastry. She is currently homemaker but at one point in time she wants to follow her passion and enroll in baking/pastry/cooking school.
I think Portland ME probably would be perfect with Casco Bay, amazing architecture and great culinary scene. Bangor might be just temporary stop on our way there, (or we might love Bangor, who knows) I think I would choose Portland over Richmond if not just for Casco Bay.
That is what Bangor has been for us Saltwater... a temporary stop... we knew it when we moved and in the back of my mind I was really hoping we would slide over to Portland... and now it is happening... so anything is possible!
The coast is amazing... Bangor is like a very tiny Richmond... having the river running through it... but people don't currently use it like they use The James. They will though... it's being used more and more.
My sister in law just enrolled in cooking school in Wells... south of Portland. She LOVE it and travels from NH to go there.
Being that your name is Saltwater... If you get to move to Portland... you'll love having easy access to the coast. I remember how sad I felt when I was in Richmond and people would say... and you're only 2 hours away from VA Beach! 2 hours is like NEVER for me when I am used to having a beach 20 minutes or less away (when I lived in NH). And it's bothered me up in Bangor... not having the coastal lifestyle that I crave.
But Bangor is great for a pitstop... great trails... the Kenduskeag trail is special as is the Bog Walk, lots of lakes... a few unique restaurants... concerts on the waterfront... enjoy the arts at the Penobscot theater downtown or at one of the many city Art Walks and super nice people. I will miss the people most...
I can't help but be curious of which neighborhood you are coming from? One of the city neighborhoods? We were looking into Carillon around Byrd and Maymont Park and the Windsor Farms area... but we saw it all from the far west end to the south side of the river to the fan and the museum district. For 3 months we were sure we were moving there and we were excited for the adventure of it! But happier with the final outcome of moving someplace that we can settle into and make HOME!
Stephen King - the author - lives very close to down town (an easy walk) and I dare to say his house is NOT run down, it is gorgeous as are all the homes on his street. They are old and that is what gives them their charm. All are very well kept.
I completely agree which smaclean that Bangor is "up and comming." But he's right, it isn't quite the cool hip place that Portland has become. That said, Bangor definitely has some positive attributes, which I will get to later. As far as it being run down goes, that is pretty limited to some areas immediately surrounding downtown. Unfortunately these areas have fallen victim to slumlords with no interest in keeping up their properties. Quite a shame as some of these areas could potentially have a lot of character. Maybe someday if the areas economy improves enough we will see some gentrification in the more grungy downtown residential areas. The thing about Bangor is it is a very humble city. Most people here work hard and do what they can to live respectfully even if they don't make a lot of money. When you really get a chance to explore the city you will find many modest houses with well kept properties. These people don't have tech jobs paying $100,000/ year... not many of those jobs in the Bangor area, in fact many people have multiple jobs to pay the bills, but they live as best as they can. The city isn't depressed either though. 2 large hospitals provide a big chunk of well paid employment in the city. The University of Maine has a large influence with many professors residing in the area, and there's still some manufacturing around including a HUGE General Electric facility that I believe produces industrial scale wind turbines. Throw in a handful of call centers, engineering firms, banking and insurance regional headquarters and a whole lot of retail and you have a relatively diverse economic base in Bangor. The people, however, are the cities greatest quality though. In my experience Bangorians in general are chatty, "wicked" friendly, and extremely genuine. Most of them haven't been corrupted by the superficialities of living in a more urban metropolitan area. As far as things to do, if you know where to look, you won't have a problem finding things to do in the area. As its a regional commercial center you will find all of the movie theaters, stores, bowling allys, and bars you will ever need. On top of that Bangor has Hollywood Slots, a casino (no table games... yet.) with off track betting, Harness Racing is right across the street, the annual American Folk Festival, which is a blast, Umaine hockey games are always fun, and an increasingly eclectic downtown area. Not to mention all of the outdoor activites that you are already aware of. I didn't grow up here, or even in this state for that matter, but I fell in love with the area after attending the University of Maine. It isn't the flashiest place in the world, but it's a great place to live with very nice people and very little crime. I truley believe that where you live is what you make of it and Bangor is bursting with opportunity if you're willing to go and find it. Hope this helps
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