Possibly moving to ME! (Portland, Lewiston: for sale, apartment, houses)

[cntrask24]

Hello all, I am looking for a little insight. My husband is currently in the Army, but he is separating in the spring. We are looking into Maine, we would like to live in the country, which I’m sure won’t be an issue. I have a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, as well as a bachelor’s in human resources, so I am hoping to find an area with opportunities in these areas. My husband is looking to become a police officer of some sort. Any ideas? Looking for a nice smaller town to raise a family, we love being outside. How is the cost of living in ME?

[hmcd2008]

CMMC and St Mary's in Lewiston always seem to be hiring

Just an FYI on cost of living....
Fruit prices are outrageous and change seasonally
Milk--4.15 a gallon

Gas- 3.66
Apples 1.49/lb
Oranges 6.99 a bag
Blueberries 3.49 pint
Grapes 2.99/ lb
Best deal for hamburger is Walmart 5 lbs for about $15

Don't forget tolls. If you are going from the L/A area to Portland and back it will cost about $5 but there is always the back way.


Most (99%) of the apts in the L/A area are in remodeled houses. Example... 3 story carriage house remodeled to have an apartment on each floor.
Rent in the Lewiston Auburn area is about
$550-$650 for a 1 bedroom
$750-800 for 2 bedrooms (you will pay more for the safe/clean areas)

Heat and hot water are usually included
You will have a heck of a time finding a place that accepts pets especially dogs
If you decide on Lewiston, avoid any streets that are trees...i.e. Wood St, Maple, Blake, Bartlett

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by hmcd2008

CMMC and St Mary's in Lewiston always seem to be hiring

Just an FYI on cost of living....
Fruit prices are outrageous and change seasonally
Milk--4.15 a gallon

Gas- 3.66
Apples 1.49/lb
Oranges 6.99 a bag
Blueberries 3.49 pint
Grapes 2.99/ lb
Best deal for hamburger is Walmart 5 lbs for about $15

Don't forget tolls. If you are going from the L/A area to Portland and back it will cost about $5 but there is always the back way.


Most (99%) of the apts in the L/A area are in remodeled houses. Example... 3 story carriage house remodeled to have an apartment on each floor.
Rent in the Lewiston Auburn area is about
$550-$650 for a 1 bedroom
$750-800 for 2 bedrooms (you will pay more for the safe/clean areas)

Heat and hot water are usually included
You will have a heck of a time finding a place that accepts pets especially dogs
If you decide on Lewiston, avoid any streets that are trees...i.e. Wood St, Maple, Blake, Bartlett

milk is 3.49
blueberries/raspberries are 2/5.00 on sale
grapes are on sale at 1.29-1.59

save a lot and bourques market, will have burger for same price, but its real burger ground fresh onsite

many many apts in lewiston and auburn, some are very decent buildings.

[Submariner]

cntrask24 -

Welcome

We moved to Maine in 2005. After 20+ years in the Navy this has been our best move yet.

Most of Maine is very small towns and rural forest. This is a great place to raise a family.

Maine offers a lot of outdoor activities.

IMHO, Maine offers a seemingly high cost-of-living for some, and yet a very low cost-of-ling for others. As compared to most other places where I have been stationed this is much lower priced. However as you can see there are posters here who seem to be experiencing the opposite.

Maine has very few toll roads [1/3 of I-95 and the Golden Road]. Maine also has a fairly limited urban area. However if you settle in the urban corner then you will likely contend with a higher cost.

There are Farmer's Markets everywhere, so you have wonderful opportunity here to buy most of your veggies, meats, and dairy directly from the farmers.

[hmcd2008]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

milk is 3.49
blueberries/raspberries are 2/5.00 on sale
grapes are on sale at 1.29-1.59

save a lot and bourques market, will have burger for same price, but its real burger ground fresh onsite

many many apts in lewiston and auburn, some are very decent buildings.

The Save-a-lot we have is gross and we got food poisoning from the meat they package.

And yes this week fruit is on sale, but next week it won't be.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by hmcd2008

The Save-a-lot we have is gross and we got food poisoning from the meat they package.

And yes this week fruit is on sale, but next week it won't be.

lets see, lewiston, auburn has many grocery stores, with many many different items on sale,,,every single week,,

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by cntrask24

Hello all, I am looking for a little insight. My husband is currently in the Army, but he is separating in the spring. We are looking into Maine, we would like to live in the country, which I’m sure won’t be an issue. I have a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, as well as a bachelor’s in human resources, so I am hoping to find an area with opportunities in these areas. My husband is looking to become a police officer of some sort. Any ideas? Looking for a nice smaller town to raise a family, we love being outside. How is the cost of living in ME?

If you want "smaller town" and "to live in the country," then you probably ought to stick to places north of Portland. From Portland southward, it's pretty much solid town until you hit New Hampshire.

No matter where I have looked for a job in Maine, the healthcare field is the area that I see is ALWAYS hiring.

Groceries are pretty high in Maine. Gas prices are comparable to other states. Heating oil is an expense you'll need to consider if that's what heats your house. But in Maine the old adage holds true: You get what you pay for. Maine isn't perfect, but it is a great state in which to raise a family. There's nowhere in the U.S. I'd rather live.

My advice: Come for a visit before you move. Do your research beforehand, and make a list of possible places, but visit before you take the plunge. And given the general state of the economy, I would definitely try to have a job before moving.

[Newdaawn]

Check out Bangor and the surounding area. It has a lot to offer and a huge medical center - EMMC and we also have St. Joseph's Hospital as well. St. Joseph's offers a bit more personal service, which I prefer. We have many improvements here over the last 10 years, such as a lovely waterfront and the just completed Arena. Lots of houses are up for sale recently now that the Realestate mkt seems to be moving a bit more. Google Bangor and you will get any needed information.