New Family moving (Portland, Bangor, Auburn: home, neighborhoods, theater)

[vball0587]

Hi,
I am from Maine, but I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions on where I might live?
I have a daughter, and want to give her the best experiences/education I can (afford), while still being in a reasonable distance to her grandparents. I'm thinking the Portland area, so would like comparisons of the surrounding towns... Portland, Windham, even Gray or Auburn.

I like Bangor/Brewer as well, if anybody knows that area.. and I have friends up there already, unlike Portland, but it's a 2 hour drive to the grandparents instead of less than an hour!

Things I'd like her to have access to:

Basketball
Volleyball
an "unconventional" school/education, if we choose
Easy entertainment, art, classes, etc..

There may even be small towns that I don't know about near the areas, please suggest some!?

Thank you for any opinions!

[Mark S.]

Are you wanting a city or a town?

As much as I enjoy Portland, I wouldn't live there, simply because I don't like cities. Too big and busy. But if that's what you're looking for ... ?

By "unconventional" school do you mean private? There are lots of great private schools in and around Portland, but "private" tends to be a politer term for "expensive."

Portland is also one of the more expensive places to live in Maine. If you get out of the city a bit, things become a bit more affordable. I once had a realtor tell me (rather tongue in cheek) that for every mile you go north of Portland, you can chop $1,000 off your home price and 1% off rent.

I love Brunswick, but that's because it's where I live. Elementary schools are fantastic. Junior high is so-so. High school is good. St. John's (K-8) is fantastic. There is a new charter school in Harpswell that I'm hearing good things about, but I myself have no firsthand experience.

Brunswick has great sports programs for kids, both through the schools and the town itself. Lots of art and music classes with places like the Maine State Theater, Bowdoin College, and various private classes in the area.

Great downtown area along Maine Street (yes, it's spelled with an -e).

Very safe and family-friendly town. There are a few neighborhoods where I wouldn't want to live, but none that are truly dangerous. The most dangerous street in Brunswick would be one of the safest where I used to live in Washington State.

Decent bus system if transportation is an issue.

Portland, Boston, and points beyond are only a train ride away. Brunswick Station is very accessible and easy to use. My daughter used it for classes in Portland all the time.

[vball0587]

Thank you. I am probably looking more for living an a town around a big city, so it's easy access to all the city has to offer.
By unconventional I mean more of a charter school/alternative education.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by vball0587

... I like Bangor/Brewer as well, if anybody knows that area..

I am biased as I do not care for city life.

If you like Bangor/Brewer consider Orono. They are all inter-connected via the metro-bus system, and offer an array of cultural events.

While also being situated with rural all around you. There are many lakes and ponds, for fishing and boating. Lots of people have horses, if you are interested in horses. [I have a neighbor who is trying to find anyone to help ride her horses]. Hiking, Geo-caching, snow mobile trails abound everywhere.