Best city /area for me? (Portland, Bangor: homes, job market, homeschool)

[iluvwriting]

Hi, I want to move to Maine, I have for years and things are finally looking like I'll be able to move in 1-2 years. My question is, what city do you think would fit with what I am looking for?

I'm in Medical transcription where I can work from home anywhere in the country so I'm not looking for any particular kind of job market. However it might be good if I lived in a city where there were medical centers and such, in case I lose my job it might be nice to have local options to look at in job oppertunities.

Fertility clinics. If I ever want to have children, I'll need a fertility clinic to get pregnant.

I want to homeschool my children when they are old enough (none right now, but I'm trying to plan.) So a city/area that is homeschool friendly would be great.

Close to the coast. It doesn't have to be right on the water, but anything within about 45 minuts to a hour's drive.

I love hiking, so a city close to a lot of hiking trails. (within about 45 minutes please.)

[Mark S.]

What do you mean by "city?"

If you're looking for a major metropolitan area near the coast, then you've got Portland and that's it. If you're open to larger towns, you've got more options.

[iluvwriting]

I don't particularly care about size, to be honest. I'm open to large towns and cities. If pressed, I can live without everything on my list except for the fertility centers.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Maine is very supportive of home schooling.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by iluvwriting

I don't particularly care about size, to be honest. I'm open to large towns and cities. If pressed, I can live without everything on my list except for the fertility centers.

The Portland area sounds like a good match for you. You should be able to find an OB who works with infertility and not have to find a clinic. Mine was in Bangor.

[Mark S.]

I don't really know about fertility centers. Sorry. I'd be very surprised if there aren't any in Maine. Maine may have its faults, but a lack of quality medical care is not one of them. We have great hospitals in the state, and the medical fields are the one place that I ALWAYS see hiring. And if you need a super specialist, Boston isn't that far away.

Maine is super friendly to home schooling. My son's girlfriend was homeschooled up until 12th grade, and she's a great kid.

If you're wanting to be close to nature, I'd recommend Portland and points northward. South of Portland, it's pretty much one town connected to another all the way to Boston.

The best thing you can do is come for a visit before you choose your home. Nothing eats firsthand experience.

[iluvwriting]

Thank you for the responses! I've done some research and Portland does seem like a good fit from what I've read but I'll be sure to go and visit firsthand before I move out there.

Thanks again!

[Mainer61]

Portland area