Lesbian couple of 10+ years wanting to move from Austin Texas to the Portland area.

[timthegreat]

I don't think Portland is in your future. You can do a search for Portland, Maine advertising firms and find a few. None of them have job openings and if one does have an opening it will have tons of applications. Portland is awesome "if" you can find a job and the kind of work you are looking for is not common and maybe you could look into a bigger city like Boston. Many of the same things just alot bigger and more expensive but at least there is ample ammounts of work there.

[elston]

I wouldn't be afraid to have my sister or daughter move into any region of Maine. It was my experience that crime wasn't a significant factor. I am sure if you run with a drugged out crowd or hang out in dubious places .... it could be a factor...but when you finally get to Maine, you will be safer than you have been anywhere on your trip to get there.

Use your common sense about the neighborhood. You can tell if its sketchy by looking around.

At least that is how I found Maine.

[LovingMaine]

I suggest you look around Portland, and move her only if your partner first has a job. Then rent a few years to make sure this is for you. I'm worried that you might find there is more winter here than you've bargained for and that your mobility issues will only be exacerbated by ice and snow. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful place to live, but I had a job lined up before I moved. And a rented until I was convinced it was for me.

Your partner probably knows what to monitor for graphic design jobs. Also put in an application at LLBean as they have huge design needs.

[PugLoverof4]

Originally Posted by LovingMaine

I suggest you look around Portland, and move her only if your partner first has a job. Then rent a few years to make sure this is for you. I'm worried that you might find there is more winter here than you've bargained for and that your mobility issues will only be exacerbated by ice and snow. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful place to live, but I had a job lined up before I moved. And a rented until I was convinced it was for me.

Your partner probably knows what to monitor for graphic design jobs. Also put in an application at LLBean as they have huge design needs.

Thank you so very much for the advice. We have thought about the mobility issues a lot. That's one reason that we didn't want to do west coast bc that's the kind of weather that exacerbates my back. Rain seems to make it worse than cold for some reason.
We have really thought about her just doing freelance for awhile. She did that for about six months and did well until she found permanent placement. I am getting where I need more hands on help and her being home more would be a huge help.
What do you know about Bar Harbor? Is that a place worth looking into? I am a country girl and she is a city girl so we need something that will kind of mesh with both.
Again, thank you for your help and insight more into the area. It really is a huge help!

[PugLoverof4]

Originally Posted by elston

I wouldn't be afraid to have my sister or daughter move into any region of Maine. It was my experience that crime wasn't a significant factor. I am sure if you run with a drugged out crowd or hang out in dubious places .... it could be a factor...but when you finally get to Maine, you will be safer than you have been anywhere on your trip to get there.

Use your common sense about the neighborhood. You can tell if its sketchy by looking around.

At least that is how I found Maine.

Thank you for this response. As two Texas girls moving far away from all they know for the first time, this is very comforting. To know that you feel that secure with Maine that you would have no problem with your wife or daughter there, makes us feel secure with Maine also. Security is a huge factor in this move. So again I thank you very much for this post.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by PugLoverof4

Thank you so very much for the advice. We have thought about the mobility issues a lot. That's one reason that we didn't want to do west coast bc that's the kind of weather that exacerbates my back. Rain seems to make it worse than cold for some reason.
We have really thought about her just doing freelance for awhile. She did that for about six months and did well until she found permanent placement. I am getting where I need more hands on help and her being home more would be a huge help.
What do you know about Bar Harbor? Is that a place worth looking into? I am a country girl and she is a city girl so we need something that will kind of mesh with both.
Again, thank you for your help and insight more into the area. It really is a huge help!

Bar Harbor is a very nice, beautiful small town. It's a tourist own that disappears in the winter. I'd almost guarantee there won't be a graphic design job there.

[elston]

Getting the job will be the hardest part. You shouldn't move without a job and a 6 mos emergency fund.