Reality of family life in these towns: (Saco, Orono: house, school district)

[Misha7]

Hi all,
We are born and raised new Englanders and we unfortunately thought we could be southerners (family had relocated down here first and we chose to join them later). After floundering around for a few years like fish out of water we are wanting to move back to New England.
Maine would be new to us as residents but we did spend time there on vacations and camping. I am interested to hear from families and in particular, those who have high school aged children. I’m most concerned about an adjustment for them as our younger kids are more adaptable.
What can you tell me about places such as Old Town, Brewer, Bucksport, Blue Hill in terms of raising teens such as:
-do any high schools have the JROTC program?
-are there options for soccer at a travel/premier level or is it just at the school level?
-do any high schools in this area have ice hockey teams (boys) and if anyone has firsthand knowledge of these teams are they very competitive to the extent they would cut a new student from the team (junior and senior)
-are there hockey rinks near in these areas for other travel or house league opportunities for U18/19 and younger kiddos?
-I’ve seen some towns have school options, such as a local “academy” to attend how does that work?
-overall quality of life for teens? In general anyway.. are kids receptive to new kids coming in to their schools in high school?
Our kids currently attend very large schools with over 2500 students so new kids just blend right in as it’s hard to know even everyone in your own grade.. we moved from a smaller school district where every kid knew everyone else and new kids did not really come in too often. There’s good and bad to both situations.

Anything else you can share about raising kids in these areas would be helpful thank you

[Northern Maine Land Man]

My "kids" are 53 and 55 years old. Both went to Maine schools and both graduated from the university at Orono. They are successful engineers.

Old Town is adjacent to Orono and Old Town has many children from university faculty. Bright kids.

Many Maine Towns have academies that have been in business for over 100 years. Local kids go for free to a school where parents spend $33,000 per student per year. Our valedictorian this year is from Vietnam. My son was on the math team at our local academy.

Maine teens are interested in hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ATVs. We like the outdoors, year round. We have kids from all continents except Antarctica. (Been there. No kids there.) Newcomers are well accepted in Maine except in the most rural places. Locals are not hostile.They have just never seen outsiders.

I left several questions blank because I simply don't know much about coastal community schools today.

[Kiwiluver]

We have kids from all continents except Antarctica. (Been there. No kids there.)

Ain't that over by Madawaska?

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Maine teens are interested in hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ATVs. We like the outdoors, year round. We have kids from all continents except Antarctica. (Been there. No kids there.) Newcomers are well accepted in Maine except in the most rural places. Locals are not hostile.They have just never seen outsiders.

Most of Maine is rural. Haven't seen outsiders? Ridiculous. Next you'll have us toothless and playing banjos while we sit in rocking chairs with mangy mutts at our feet.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Most of Maine is rural. Haven't seen outsiders? Ridiculous. Next you'll have us toothless and playing banjos while we sit in rocking chairs with mangy mutts at our feet.

I’m hearing more and more of rural Maine
Is getting indoor plumbing and electricity - I hear
It’s coming your way

[mainegrl2011]

What about finding a job or do you already have that covered? You can probably find information about specific schools if you visit their websites. ... same with towns and cities. Also try searching this forum for moving to Maine threads. George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill attracts students from outside the U.S. Blue Hill and Bucksport are small, picturesque oceanside towns. If you haven't visited via Google Earth, might want to consider it. Loving the outdoors for all four seasons is a big plus for anyone living in Maine or thinking about it.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Most of Maine is rural. Haven't seen outsiders? Ridiculous. Next you'll have us toothless and playing banjos while we sit in rocking chairs with mangy mutts at our feet.

In 1974, my sister's Freshman college roommate was from Saco. She had never seen a black person face-to-face before. To her, "outsiders" were French Canadians in speedos.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

In 1974, my sister's Freshman college roommate was from Saco. She had never seen a black person face-to-face before. To her, "outsiders" were French Canadians in speedos.

World was a very different place in 1974, so was Maine.

[Misha7]

Thank you all for the replies. I work remotely so as long as I have WiFi I’m set and hubby has a couple of opportunities but we need to do more research on areas and what would work best. Google and street view are very helpful but sometimes I think it’s best to hear from people who actually live/work in an area. People considering relocating to where we live now, I am happy to share things we have learned along the way (good and not so good). So I very much appreciate the advice and info you all have given!

[ben young]

Originally Posted by Kiwiluver

We have kids from all continents except Antarctica. (Been there. No kids there.)

Ain't that over by Madawaska?

Yes it is, heard they got 10" yesterday ...lol