How Welcoming? (Belfast, Camden, Calais: fit in, sale, renters)

[hmmebody]

Hi everyone,

I just signed up after lurking for a bit. I live in Connecticut and can't wait to leave for many reasons. I am thinking of moving to either Maine or New Hampshire in the next few years. I am wondering how worried I should be about finding a job. I am a guy in my 50's and work with autistic adults here in Ct, have also worked in retail food Co-ops and hotel work years ago. I have a buyer for my house and will be renting. (I made almost nothing on my sale here) I have read a lot here about how difficult it is to find jobs, is this still true? Years ago I lived in Vermont for five years, and was warned about how difficult it would be to find employment, fit into the community,etc. I found just the opposite, and had no problems with any of the above, and loved my time there. (It probably helped that the first thing I did after getting a job was to volunteer to deliver meals on wheels in town.) I just visited New Hampshire last month and didn't love it for some reason, the way I have loved my trips to Maine. I like nature, camping, fishing and other quiet pursuits so I don't need City life, but I do need work. Also.I will be renting, not buying. Any thoughts from the forum would be appreciated. Thanks.

[maineborzoi]

In Princeton- there are jobs here and also many jobs in Calais ( 14 miles east ).

Jobs have really increased the last few years. In some ways- there is a labor shortage. ( Maine is a prefered place to retire so most people are older, and retired... )

[maineguy8888]

Unemployment rate is about 3%.

[mainebrokerman]

find a job that can support you first.....then come take a look at the area to see what you like ..

good luck..


the further north you go and away from the coast.....the more your dollar is worth ..

[Northern Maine Land Man]

All good info above. Maine needs people. You can indeed make a comfortable living at a far lower dollar cost than other states. NH is also booming, but it is becoming more densely populated.

[slyfox2]

Remember that there are more people and jobs in greater Philadelphia than the whole state of Maine.

Find a job before you move.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I know someone who is a proofreader, medical transcriptionist and editor who left New York City and came to Maine. Her disposable income is five times higher than it was in NY. She is a pro with more work than she can handle, but even people with limited skills can find work in Maine. Anybody who wants a job can find a job here.

[OutdoorLover]

I don't know anything about current job openings, but midcoast for example - Belfast has a food co-op plus two farmer's markets, one with a *big* building... and nearby Camden has some 55+ housing communities that offer onsite care...

https://www.belfastmarket.com/

https://www.belfast.coop/

Independent living, assisted living, and nursing services in Camden, Maine | Quarry Hill

Genesis HealthCare > Windward Gardens

[hmmebody]

Thank you all for the responses. I am planning a trip up to visit but I want to go in the Winter since I have only experienced Maine in warm weather. I am not planning any sudden moves, and am encouraged by the mostly positive replies. I can't imagine that the job market could be much worse than here in Connecticut. I am not fussy and have never been unemployed in my life except for two weeks in the late 80's. Of course I am older now....New Hampshire seemed a little expensive from what I saw. It took my cousins three years to find a house there they could afford. I am not looking to buy, but I realize high housing costs affect renters also. I have seen lower prices in Maine away from major population centers. Thanks again for the replies.

[OutdoorLover]

Another town you might look at if considering midcoast is Damariscotta- I see a lot of new retail/commercial buildings there when I stop in, looks like a booming (small) town.