I frequently threaten to move to Maine, because statistically I highly doubt they will ever have any of this BLM rioting crap.

Otherwise I’m completely unhelpful in the discussion.

I don't even think about flies and mosquitos because they're just not an issue around here. I sit on my porch in the evenings in a short sleeve shirt. The only bugs are moths but only if there's a light on to attract them. I don't even have any bug spray.
But some places they're absolutely horrible and that would be a big negative checkmark on my list of locations to move to.

IF you are considering Western VA, then look at Eastern TN as well, have family and friends up in that part of the state, roads are good, property isn't overpriced, yet, Bristol is a nice area.

I hear that East Overshoe is quite nice.

MoJo - Be sure to check all of the gun laws to insure that whatever items (NFA or speciality items) in your collection will not be affected by the move. I know everyone is talking about the weather and the TOPO but let’s not forget about the common thread that allows this group to call each other family....Just thinking out loud here...Mark

quote:

Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
MoJo - Be sure to check all of the gun laws to insure that whatever items (NFA or speciality items) in your collection will not be affected by the move. I know everyone is talking about the weather and the TOPO but let’s not forget about the common thread that allows this group to call each other family....Just thinking out loud here...Mark

Maine has Constitutional Carry and Castle Doctrine. No minuses in the 2A department that I'm aware of.

I went to Bates in Lewiston for college, and had family in Wells for the first 30 years of my life. My (slightly nutty) cousin lives in Franklin, not that far from PHPaul. I loved Maine, and when younger, had no problem with cold or snow. With the right equipment and schedule, I still wouldn't have any problem with snow, and would enjoy the winter.

"Where" is a big deal. There's southern Maine, coastal Maine, lake Maine, and BFE Maine. Southern Maine (and southern New Hampshire) are becoming a bit like Massachusetts as tech companies drive up the cost of living, and college town liberalism pervades the politics. Soon, that cadre will be large enough to govern the state and set policy. I understand that all of life is not politics, but understand that Sen. Susan Collins is a pretty liberal Republican, and her seat is in jeopardy as Maine liberalizes.

Coastal and lake Maine will have locals who live there year round, and "summer people" who have a second home in the area. This means traffic in summer, and a lot of things closed in winter as there is insufficient population to keep them open year round.

Then there is BFE Maine. Rural Maine can be crushingly poor. Like Appalachian poor. When my cousin first moved there 30 years ago, she had friends and co-workers who had outhouses and no hot water. Land is cheap in BFE, but there are scant services, and a trip to the grocery store can be a very long one. There is also the issue of not being a local in some of those towns. I don't know how it is now, but some years ago, it was an issue to be a foreigner.

In short, Maine is an "interesting" place. The cities are hip, modern, and liberal. The coast and lakes are laid back, mix of local and summer folk, and the back woods are out there. Something else to consider is that if you choose a place that is rural, you can be a very long way from pretty much anything other than local diner, grocery store, hardware store, etc. Because of the way the population is dispersed in the interior, and the way the coast is fractured, getting around can be tricky.

Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with a unique culture. I'd be inclined to coastal Maine, up to about 45 minutes from salt water, somewhere north of Rockland up to about Prospect Harbor. I'd look for a couple of acres in a rural portion that wasn't too far from life's necessities. I'd also worry about the political direction that the state is taking. I'd hate to move there, make a life, and discover that I'm now governed by Massachusetts or New York. Maybe rent a place for a month or two, possibly in the off season, or August (in season) and September (off season) to see how you like it and to travel the state to see where you fit.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
IF you are considering Western VA, then look at Eastern TN as well, have family and friends up in that part of the state, roads are good, property isn't overpriced, yet, Bristol is a nice area.

Eastern TN is great as is Western NC we are close enough to TN that we can almost see the state line. Great places to live and work. Plus the weather is much more moderate and the views are fabulous!

Maine falls into the "great place to visit" category for me.
I went there (coastal area) in the summer as a kid and one time skiing in the winter but I wouldn't consider that as a full time residence.

quote:

Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with a unique culture. I'd be inclined to coastal Maine, up to about 45 minutes from salt water, somewhere north of Rockland up to about Prospect Harbor. I'd look for a couple of acres in a rural portion that wasn't too far from life's necessities. I'd also worry about the political direction that the state is taking. I'd hate to move there, make a life, and discover that I'm now governed by Massachusetts or New York. Maybe rent a place for a month or two, possibly in the off season, or August (in season) and September (off season) to see how you like it and to travel the state to see where you fit.

Funny you should mention Prospect Harbor...aka "East Overshoe"...

Mid-Coast Maine, which is roughly defined as Rockland to Belfast is not much better than Southern Maine as far as culture and cost of living. And the traffic on Route 1 is just stupid from late April to mid November. I avoid it at all costs. There's a motorcycle show I like to go to in Owls Head, just South of Rockland. I have noodled out a cross-country route that's 25 or 30 miles longer, but still faster than putting up with tourist traffic on Route 1.

I think I'd identify my "coastal sweet spot" as Belfast to Milbridge. Just be aware that once you get much East of Ellsworth, you're steadily moving away from shopping, medical care and other services. OTOH, land values and property taxes reflect that.

I agree mostly with what's been posted here, but do have to take exception to one statement.

quote:

...Heat is more expensive than AC...

I spent my sophomore year in Bridgewater, ME, while attending UMaine Presque Isle. Followed a girl there, long story.... but-

we lived in a vacation cabin her family owned. One without a traditional heating system. You know, something with a thermostat.
It did however have a big old wood burning stove, and I fed that sucker from late August (when I got there) until late May (when I left) by cleaning up downed trees on their property. Generated heat sawing and splitting logs, then heated the cabin by burning them. It was quite a bit of work, but eminently doable back then as a young guy full of piss & vinegar. I wouldn't want to do it now, but I could if I had to.
The point is, it didn't cost a dime.


Please tell me how you cool your Naples FL house in August for free...

I'm in a nice pocket of like minded folks here in Southern ME, but I am very close to Kennebunk and it's left-lean into the ocean.

As stated before, location is everything here. Sure, you can day trip from the beach to a mountain, but where you actually call your home will change your outlook on the state in as little as 25 miles.

Many retirees are leaving the state due to the taxes on retirement income, so keep that in mind.

Gun rights are pretty open right now, but public shooting sports are closing every day. We do have quite a few "Fish and Game" clubs, and most have reasonable fees.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Biting black flies and pine sap droplets are the only downsides to Maine springs/summers.

Oh, yeah, the pine trees.

If you have pollen allergies best first find out of pine pollen is one of them. In areas with a lot of pine trees the pine pollen can get so dense you wouldn't believe it unless you'd seen it with your own eyes.

One morning, reviewing the previous night's surveillance footage I kept seeing the cameras triggered by what appeared to be fog. Turned out to be pine tree pollen blowing by the cameras in dense clouds.

It's a problem in the SE, too. In Sumter, SC I had pine pollen 2 inches deep on my patio.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by mojojojo:
(the other is western Virginia).

We call it “West Virginia.”

Worth taking a look. Aviation industry is small, but growing, especially in the northern part of the state. National guard is doing more and more trainings here (just saw an Osprey doing training last week) out of KCRW.

Just a suggestion.

My sister and BIL decided NH is a more tax friendly state even though she prefers ME.

Maine is beautiful but I have never heard anyone say I’m going to retire and move north for a reason.

Then again you can enjoy it for a while and always pick a new spot in 10-15 years or so.

I avoided this as long as I could. But here goes. I grew up in Maine. No decent jobs after college so I spent my working life elsewhere and then retired here, about 20y ago. I live on the mid coast, on an island in a stunning setting. I have property up north. There is not a chance on the planet I would advise someone to retire in Maine. I love living here, and will probably die here. But unless you are a winter addict (and you would know if you are one of those, by already planning your 2021 snowmobile or skiing trips) or a glutten for indoor activities why on earth would you pick a state where 5 months of the year suck unless you live to do something with snow. And the cost of living sucks.
Just don't. Find a nice place in the mid part of the country with less extremes. FWIW>

Eight months of winter and four months of shitty ice fishing. HOWEVER if you enjoy outdoors, hiking, and other outdoor sports/exercise, move.

I have a very good friend who lives in Kittery, ME.

He love it there. I would move here tomorrow if I had a way to make a living.

I live about an hour from Houlton, ME. I thought I would add that it is quite humid here year-round. Something to think about if you have arthritis.