Anyone lived in Auburn-Lewiston, Maine?
 

Have a chance to move here. What can you tell me about the area? Are the winters very cold? <BR>Any help welcome.

It's not the prettiest part of Maine, and the winters are not only cold, but long.

Lewiston and Auburn are "twin" cities in the sense that they are always thought of as LA...it is an old mill town in about the middle of the state (not geographically, but int terms of where people live). They are about an hours drive north of Portland the only big city in Maine (and it is a beautiful and vibrant and very livable city). LA is more quaint with beautiful old brick and wooden homes, not much industry, very cold winters and nice people. <BR> <BR>If you are leaving a metropolitian area, you will find it very quiet there. If you are willing to drive a bit to find activities, you will be fine...the road to Portland is a major interstate...there are several world class colleges with theater and art near by and the spectacular coast of Maine is not too far. Beyond all that, Boston is only about 3 hours south. <BR> <BR>Yes, the winters are harsh and long, but Maine is equipped to handle snow, so it is not a major event with a big storm hits.

I currently live in Lewiston and have lived across the river in Auburn. I was born and raised in Cambridge MA and have lived as far north as Presque Isle ME and have also lived in Portland. <BR> <BR>Let me say that the winters are no longer in ME than they are in any other northern state...first snow is generally sometime in Dec/Jan and the last is typically mid-march to early April. There is alot to do in Lewiston/Auburn w/ out having to travel anyplace...I have three children ages 14, 10, and 9 all boys and there are plenty of sporting opportunities including hockey, b-ball, baseball, footbal, soccer, etc...also there are alot of cultural activities at Bates college incuding music and drama.There is a Community Theater in town and they are quite good. There is also the Central Maine Civic Center wher alot of the Big Names in Rock/Jazz/Metal/Country all come to play. There is Bates College and Centeral Maine Tech College as well as Lewiston/Auburn Community Colleg. <BR>Despite what the other responders have said ther is a Mall in Auburn as well as a smaller one in Lewiston. There are two choices of cinemas both w/ more than 10 screens. Portland is actually only 35 to 45 minutes away not an hour and the Maine Mall in South Portland is only 40 minutes away w/ more than 150 stores as well as adjacent "strip" style malls. Portland is the largest geographic city and has the highest population but there are other cities in Maine and despite the rumors the State does not stop at Bangor. Presque Isle is quite a large city as is Fort Kent (the Country's northern most city) <BR>Boston is actually only 2hrs away and Portsmouth NH is only 1.5 hrs away. <BR>Lewiston is right on the interstate so it makes travel accessable and makes Lewiston quite a hub for activity. <BR>It is not the ends of the earth...it is a Northern town...I love it. If you want more information please feel free to contact me at my personal e-mail address of [email protected] <BR>

My husband grew up in Lewiston. The first time we took our kids to Maine we took them to see where their dad grew up. All I can say is I'm glad he and his family migrated south. And yes, the winters are brutal.

Brenda, be carefull of Anissa's drive times from Maine into Boston. I think she's flying low!!! Takes at least 2 hours to reach Portland from Boston, and that's without traffic, and I've never heard of anyone making it from Portsmouth to Boston in half an hour without breaking all the speed limits and then some.

Thanks for your help. What can you tell me about outdoor activities? We like to ski. Would like to try ice skating. <BR>How's the library? <BR>Can I connect to AOL as a local call?

Help, please

I can help you with the skiing aspect. Auburn is home to a VERY SMALL ski area called Lost Valley. I'm willing to bet (but am not positive) that they offer ski/snowboard programs to the local schools. I do know that they have a very active race league on Thursday nights (I have a friend who does this there and has a blast). LA is also a good day trip away to Maine's larger ski areas (Shawnee Peak, Sunday River and Sugarloaf). Hope this helps!