02 Jan 8 Reasons to Move to Maine This Year
High Quality of Life
When we think of our quality of life, the things that make us “happy,” we tend to think of financial security, family, health, and safety. For these reasons, Maine’s quality of life has been ranked the highest in the nation.
Maine has affordable housing and a lower low cost of living than neighboring states. In addition, it has some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. United States News & World Report ranked Maine as the 1st overall safest state to live, (also 1st in the list of low violent crime and 4th in low property crime).
Stunning Fall Foliage
While Maine has four beautifully distinct seasons, their fall season is like no other in the nation, boasting beautiful displays of red, yellow, and orange.
In fact, 90% of the state is covered in trees. Thanks to the abundance of oak and maple trees, residents don’t need to travel too far to enjoy nature’s work of art in the fall.
Convenience of the City
Maine is known for its rural areas, but the cities here are pretty special too. Just ask Stephen King, a long-time resident of Bangor. Portland is known for its funky art scene. Bar Harbor is known for its fine dining, summer festivals, and fancy marinas. No matter where you live in Maine, there is a city only a hop, skip, or boat ride away.
Gorgeous (and Historic) Coastlines
Can you believe Maine has more coastline than California?
Boasting over 3,500 miles of gorgeous coastline, Maine has some of the most amazing beach routes in the country. Some of the harbors hold some serious history, too. Portland is the oldest state capital in the US, and there is the quaint port of Bar Harbor (but you’d better pronounce it Bah-Hah-bor if you want to sound like a local!).
Comforts of the Country
Maine has acres of relaxing forest, long stretches of desolate ocean, and miles of wildlife. Many residents move here because they love the peace and quiet of the country. Acadia National Forest is home to Winter Harbor, Maine. Here, you can visit the famous Schoodic Point geyser. Though many people are intimidated by the chilly name of Winter Harbor, residents rest assured: the name was given to the area because the harbor in Winter Harbor didn’t freeze over in the winter
Food!
Least we say more. “Maineiacs” love to eat! With the many highly acclaimed restaurants and seaside lobster shacks, there is no shortage of delicious food around every corner.
Maine supplies 90% of the nation’s lobster, so a lobster meal won’t break the wallet. Maine is also home to the whoopie pie, Maine baked beans (don’t you dare think they’re from Boston), and brown bread. Hundreds of microbreweries have also popped up around the state, so there’s rarely ever a dry pint glass in sight. Another fun fact, Maine produces 99% of the nation’s blueberries!
Low Cost of Living
If Maine’s beautiful landscape, cultural cities, and miles of uninhabited coast don’t attract residents, the savings of living here certainly do. Forbes Magazine rated Portland, Maine, one of the most livable cities in 2009. It was also rated one of the most affordable cities to retire by AARP in 2011.
In addition, the state has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, currently at $11 per hour. This wage allows residents to make a decent living in this beautiful state.
Friendly Neighbors
Maine’s residents might be called “Maineiacs,” but there’s nothing maniacal about them. Maine is home to some of the friendliest people in the US. They are kind neighbors, hard-working longshoremen, humble shopkeepers, and talented chefs.
Yet if you’re thinking of moving here, you might not want to rely on them solely to help you unload the truck. Our advice? Instead, hire one of Maine’s trustworthy movers to help safely move your valued belongings into your new home.