Augusta or Lewiston?

[IHeartMaine]

Originally Posted by bangorme

This is true, but Augusta is on the way up, and I really can't say that for the Lewiston/Auburn area. Honestly, I'd live in one of the neighboring towns anyway, and those around Augusta are very nice.

Exactly.

Augusta is also an easier and shorter drive to the coast.

[MadJack]

May I suggest a trip east for a visit/walk-around?
Lewiston's downtown is being revitalized and has all the amenities. Both are OK if you are a city-dweller and both are surrounded by bedroom communities that are very "countryish".

The 'coast' and the mountains are actually equal distance from both, depends on direction and destination!

[bristoldevlin]

Originally Posted by PHX-Bound

Lewiston/Auburn has a downtown that is making a comeback with great restaurants and local shops whereas Augusta is solidly in the big box any town "shopping plaza" realm with a dead downtown. Lewiston also has Bates College which adds some academic flair to the community.

Lewiston/Auburn is also fairly centrally located being equidistant to areas like Brunswick/Bath, Portland, and Augusta - so job opportunities are greater.

I will speak out for Lewiston, it is really not that bad. I looked at several apartments in Lewiston; there are nice areas, especially around Bates. I have an uncle who has a very nice little house out there that he got for a very nice price.

It has some property crime issues that, as far as Maine goes, are higher than average. But we're talking on Mainer terms.

I live in Auburn, right across the bridge from Lewiston. I would have rather lived in Lewiston, but Auburn had me sold on proximity of amenities- not a big deal when you drive however.

I feel safe enough to walk home through Lewiston alone in the middle of the night as a young five foot female.
Its no Detroit, believe me.

[HighTechRocker]

I'm a Red Eddie myself and lived in Auburn for the first 28 years of my life. I've only had 3 more since then so it's still like home to me.

[Giantrobot]

Lewiston is improving. It has more character than Augusta, in my opinion. Yes, there are still some unattractive areas, but it's easy enough to avoid them.

[Brodels]

I agree. L/A has a bad rap, but there are some advantages to the area:

- Proximity to Portland
- Good hiking and skiing opportunities are relatively nearby
- Cultural diversity
- An interesting history
- Baxter Brewing!

I worked in the area for more than a year, and I enjoyed the fact that is wasn't like everywhere else. I still go back every so often for Thai food in Auburn and to explore.

Personally, I would choose Lewiston because it is more interesting to me, but Augusta isn't a terrible place, especially if you live in one of the surrounding communities. Others have mentioned that it's important to visit each before making a decision. That's good advice.

[flycessna]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

Chiming in for Augusta. Though honestly, if I were working in Augusta, I'd probably rather live in Gardiner or Hallowell.

Lewiston's reputation for ickiness is often overstated, but it isn't entirely undeserved either.

Totally agree with this statement!

But I am going in favor of Lewiston for a few reasons. one is you don't have to actually live IN Lewiston to work for the state there. There is a multitude of other communities that you can chose from. I just feel that despite state government and shopping there is little else in Augusta or around it. For me its just a dead zone and I would really not like living up there.. no offense to anyone but there is a reason why its cheaper to buy a home... try selling one?

The future of Augusta is completely dependent on government too. Lewiston has had its share of growth change and setbacks. And even with the problems with welfare and its downtown the city has had some MAJOR investments. But like I said you don't have to live there and you will have more options living outside Lewiston than Living outside Augusta. Even Auburn, Lewiston's sister city, and a place I called home for many years has plenty of great neighborhoods as does Lewiston but with out the sketchiness. It's more centrally located, closer to Portland area which IMO is the best place to live in the state if you want to be around "life" jobs and raise a family.. One place I might consider if this was longterm is Brunswick which is a very nice community is only 30 min from Lewiston..

[happeemommee]

Which place do you think is better as far as employment goes?

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by happeemommee

Which place do you think is better as far as employment goes?

More government jobs in Augusta. More private sector jobs in Lewiston. But not a huge abundance of either. Maine's economy continues to struggle.

[IHeartMaine]

Augusta has a sizable and growing private healthcare industry. It has also become the center of retail and commerce for a very large geographic area......in addition to the public sector jobs.