Readfield or Old Orchard Beach... (Portland, Bangor: fit in, rentals, credit score)

[Tipsy]

or other suggestions welcome.

Before I start I know that there are many, many factors that will make each area better for different people. However, I AM very interested in people's views of an area and why they think that to help build the bigger picture so to speak. Even those in a completely different situation may have something to share that would help us build that picture.

A little background...we are a married couple in our mid 30's with a 5yr old daughter. My wife is a USC and I'm British. We finally became fed up with the stupid cost of living, feeling of being cramped and pace of life in the UK so have moved back to the US. Maine is where we want to settle for many reasons not least of which we like the cold - even the very cold (we have experienced a good chunk of a Maine winter)

Ideally we want a smallish community and of course a great school. Yes, we know we'll need to intigrate ourselves into the community and fit in with them rather than making them fit in with us That's a plus for us.

Cheaper housing is great although probably more important is being able to work. I *can* work from home although will probably earn more in an office (I work in IT, mainly the Internet side of things) and my wife would want something admin/reception either full or part time (depending on if I'm working at home or not for school's out time etc). So...we need to be somewhere where there's enough employment to pay rent, bills and run a car or two.

We will be renting for at least 12 months, maybe a little longer but are intending to buy once we're back in the US long enough to settle the credit score properly (ie build one).

So suggestions would be great i.e. affordable housing, work available (happy to commute hence not wanting to be in a big town. Rather drive 30 miles into Portland than live in it for example), good schools and of course a warm welcome wouldn't go amiss.

We've been offered rentals in various locations including OOB and Readfield (obviously good for Portland and Augusta respectively) and would love people views on these areas and any others.

And yes - I know similar threads have been covered to death however everyone has slightly different cirumctsances and we'd be greatful on any opinions on ours

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Check out Lincoln. It is relatively undiscovered and prices are still reasonable.

Welcome to Lincoln, Maine!

They have great schools and Lee Academy is in the next town over.

[Tipsy]

Thanks for the reply. We thought about the Bangor area but for jobs sadly not ideal. There are a few IT jobs in bangor but probably not enough to find one easily should the need arise. A pity as we found many places in more Northern Maine that appealed.