Portland ME- relo
Nov 13th, 2006, 03:54 AM
#2
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also, been living in S Fl for 2 years- the heat is a bit much. I know, moving to Maine in the start of winter... the memories of bleak winter and ice storms... love to visit Portland, but have not lived there. Family ties are pretty strong.
Nov 13th, 2006, 12:28 PM
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Seems odd that someone with family there would be asking here about the city, but I guess you have your reasons, so ...
I've never lived in Portland, but have visited. I like the area and the town a lot -- nice harbor, restaurants, shops, etc. -- and it's a good place to walk around, weather permitting. As for finding a place to live, I suppose the closer you get to the water, the more expensive, although the western side of the city (away from the water) is not too far from the harbor.
I've never lived in Portland, but have visited. I like the area and the town a lot -- nice harbor, restaurants, shops, etc. -- and it's a good place to walk around, weather permitting. As for finding a place to live, I suppose the closer you get to the water, the more expensive, although the western side of the city (away from the water) is not too far from the harbor.
Nov 14th, 2006, 05:21 AM
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My niece went to college near Portland but decided not to accept a job offer due to cost of living and state income tax and sales taxes. She accepted a job offer for same money in NH in an area where it is cheaper to live. Portland shopping is pretty good. I think anytime someone moves to a new city the next big question after job is how to make friends. There are 3 Toastmaster clubs in Portland that are open to new members. What things do you like to do? You might want to join a church, civic organization, book club, etc. I once eliminated a city for possible relocation because it didn't have a decent bookstore. Personally, I love New England's 4 seasons and don't consider winter to be a bleak time of year. Sorry I don't live in Portland to give you a better answer but your question is sort of vague. Is winter a reason to reject the idea of living in Portland? Surely the rest of the year with ample opportunities for outdoor fun would make up for it. Sorry don't know what ocd is. What I didn't like about city living was we tended to socialize only with people from work. Our problem in not looking around for other opportunities to meet people. Best of luck in making the decision.
Nov 14th, 2006, 07:13 AM
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Portland seems like a very livable city to me - though I only visit there also. I live closer to Portsmouth area. But we love the harbor, Sea Dogs baseball, the art museum. Several very good restaurants.
Nov 14th, 2006, 07:20 AM
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I visited Portland for a long weekend and enjoyed it very much. I also live in Florida and long for seasons.
In addition to being a nice small city, it is not too far from Boston and New York, all kinds of natural areas (mountains, woods, lakes) and quaint New England towns.
It has good restaurants and an earthy feel I love. Hope that helps.
In addition to being a nice small city, it is not too far from Boston and New York, all kinds of natural areas (mountains, woods, lakes) and quaint New England towns.
It has good restaurants and an earthy feel I love. Hope that helps.
Nov 14th, 2006, 07:48 AM
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Portland is a beautiful city. Just remember taxes, taxes, taxes. Not much industry in Maine due to unfavorable taxes for businesses. Much need of social programs due to poverty because of lack of high paying jobs. Very liberal state, loads of social programs without industrys income. Bit of a catch 22. Education score below national average, but they will not pay a teacher a decent wage. Teachers can not afford to live in Portland.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:37 AM
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You've only given Florida 2 years and are ready to give up? You can't let your post sit for more than 3 hours without topping it? Somehow I don't think you're going to "settle" and be happy anywhere.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:47 AM
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joe, you're being a little harsh, aren't you?
Maybe this is a stupid question, but would the tax issue effect retirees as much as others? I've actually considered Portland as a place to someday retire.
Maybe this is a stupid question, but would the tax issue effect retirees as much as others? I've actually considered Portland as a place to someday retire.
