Houlton Maine Relocation? (Presque Isle: houses, construction jobs, construction)

[MinnesotaGirl]

We have been looking at trying to move to Maine for several years...I would like to hear how the Houlton Area is and what people think of the hospital in Houlton? We are looking for rural and quieter life. We live in Minnesota and totally get snow and cold...no problems with that. We would be coming with 2 large dogs and a 6th grader. Thoughts anyone?

[bangorme]

Do both of you have jobs lined up in Houlton? If so, it's a great place to live. If not, it's an economic wasteland like most of Maine. I lived there for five years and loved it. The hospital is fine, for such a small town. If you need more there are two large hospitals two hours away. There is also a pretty good hospital up in Presque Isle, which is about 45 minutes away.

[maineguy8888]

I really like the Houlton area. You can find some awesome old houses for a pretty cheap price, since there are many of them. There are a couple of newer developments too. Houlton has a fantastic old downtown. There is quite a bit to do in the area. It is a quiet area to live.
It is a good hospital, as far as I know. The schools are good too. There is also Greater Houlton Christian Academy, which has a very good reputation.
It is a major farming area, with some industry too. There is a thriving Amish community about 10 minutes south of Houlton.
While I agree that it always helps to have jobs lined up prior to a move, Houlton is not a wasteland if you don't already have a job. You just can't be too picky.

If I can answer any more questions just holler.

[bangorme]

Here is a good page for looking at Houlton: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

[beltrams]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

I really like the Houlton area. You can find some awesome old houses for a pretty cheap price, since there are many of them. There are a couple of newer developments too. Houlton has a fantastic old downtown. There is quite a bit to do in the area. It is a quiet area to live.
It is a good hospital, as far as I know. The schools are good too. There is also Greater Houlton Christian Academy, which has a very good reputation.
It is a major farming area, with some industry too. There is a thriving Amish community about 10 minutes south of Houlton.
While I agree that it always helps to have jobs lined up prior to a move, Houlton is not a wasteland if you don't already have a job. You just can't be too picky.

If I can answer any more questions just holler.

Indeed.

About 3 years ago I was in Pioneer Place, which is the Amish general store in Smyrna as you know. While I was shopping, one guy happened across an acquaintance of his that was also shopping. Well, one guy asked the other guy what the news was and so forth, along with how business was and the second guy, whom I gathered was in some construction business, commented that it was good, but that he couldn't get anybody good that wanted to work, that is, he had construction jobs that went wanting.

I was kind of new to the area at the time, but that conversation made a lasting impression on me.

Then too, my neighbor, who farms potato and grains on about 300 acres, both owned and rented, has repeatedly commented to me that he is always looking for help. Hey, it's not software development, but I never see his guys out in the fields on their hands and knees either as the farm operation is fully mechanized.

Aroostook - the Houlton area anyway, is under-noticed and oversold if you ask me.

[MinnesotaGirl]

Thank you for the answers...we would have at least one professional job lined up before we move..tool old to jump and not know where we are landing!