Dean

I have been considering a move to Bangor from Florida. We are teachers. Can anyone give us an idea about the community, how Maine treats teachers and education, etc.
Cost of living?

Marcy

You know, this is a TRAVEL board, not a relocation board, as many seem to wish. The overwhelming majority of folks in Maine have never lived anywhere else, so could hardly give you a comparative analysis. As for cost of living, I lived in Maine for five years. Generally speaking, salaries are lower, housing costs are lower, car insurance is lower, most other things (food, clothing, cost of goods)are the same, all depending upon where you are comparing costs to. If you move to Bangor, ME, be advised that the winters are very, very long, and often quite bleak and dismal. Spring and fall are very,very short, and in a good year, there are a few days or more when it's over 90 and sunny. Why don't you try finding a Maine teachers forum on the web?

charles

I can't be too specific, due to lack of knowledge, but I for one welcome your question on this board. Relocation is part of travel, and often interesting. I find myself checking out this board less and less, and therefore offering less travel advice to people who are looking for it. And I think my advice is valuable - I've lived in a lot of places and visited more. I am privileged to be able to travel as much as I want to, which gives me a large experience base.

And I don't come here just to answer basic questions. I will do so, but only if there are enough interesting questions to get me to come here in the first place. If those like the above have there way, the board will be limited to 10 people who only ask travel questions, with no one to answer those questions.

So do what I do - if you don't like a question, ignore it. It will cost you no effort and make the board better for everyone.

In answer to the question, Bangor has a low cost of living, beautiful summer, and short fall. It is a long cold winter. Whether the cost of living is better for you depends where you are in florida. If it is southeast florida, and you don't mind cold, your quality of life will probably be better. If you are in Tallahassee or Ft. Pierce, cost of living/salary is probably similar.

Dean

Thanks Marcy and Charles! Any other advice?
I suppose I want advice from those who live there, have lived there, or just visited - kind of gives a complete perspective. Thanks.

Donna F

When we considered a move, we subscribed to the local newspaper. You can check out community happenings and issues by reading the online news. The other thing I checked was the yellow pages. Were there bookstores and other places I think are important. Check letters to the editor. Look for club meetings and activities that interest you. I don't think long cold winters are a problem depending on the kind of person you are.

Kira

I think your question is perfectly appropriate for this board.

You are technically travelling to Maine to relocate and this is a perfect place to investigate information.

I did not live in Bangor, but travelled there frequently. I lived for a few years, in New Brunswick, Canada, and Maine is a gorgeous State, with the prettiest scenery around.

It's very laid back, friendly, and Bangor has just about everything you might need. There is a great selection of restaurants, shopping, social clubs, etc...

I would suggest checking out the website www.maine.com...or also checking out the publication called Down East...it's a monthly magazine that describes the things to do and see in Maine, but also promoting local craftspeople and goings'on around the community.

Best of luck with your relocation.

zootsi

Dean, the biggest factor is of course the weather difference. Have you ever lived in the far northern part of the country thru a winter? We moved from south NJ to central NH many years ago, and love it; but it's not for everyone. Even a simple thing like bringing the groceries into the house can be an ordeal when it's -10 with howling winds and drifting snow in your driveway! I don't really think the cost of living is less in Maine than Florida, especially when you factor in snowblowers, heat, snow tires, etc. If you can enjoy the long winters, and take up skiing or snowmobiling, it can be a great place to live. The summer and fall seasons are wonderful, but spring is almost non-existent (we got 4" of snow last weekend!) In general the people up here are hard working, less materialistic, and always willing to help out.

mare

Waterville is a city about an hour south of Bangor that has a good reputation amongst teachers. There are two colleges in the city, and it is about an hour's drive to the ocean but only about 15 minutes drive to the beautiful and popular Belgrade Lakes region.

Yes, in Maine the summers are very short. As soon as the black flies and the mosquitoes abate, it's almost time for fall.