Greetings, Mainers (Portland, Bangor, Brunswick: crime rate, neighborhoods, buy)

[forestvibe]

Hello all, brand new here. Just been reading up on some of the Maine posts.

I'm strongly considering moving to Maine. I'm headed there in a week to check things out, I haven't been back since I was a kid.

I have a few questions about your state. I appreciate in advance any help any of you are able to give. My questions are basically about location, weather, and land ownership.

-Firstly wondering which area you all prefer over Portland, Augusta, and Bangor and why you prefer that area?

-I really enjoy a cooler climate and seem to tolerate colder weather well, but I don't think I've ever lived in a place that gets as much snowfall as Maine. I'm wondering if it can be troublesome leaving vehicles outside in winter? Is it possible to plow one's own gravel/dirt driveway with a simple plow hooked up to a truck, or do you all tend to hire people for this during winter? Is a garage a must-have in Maine?

-Are there any areas in the state that you would not recommend living due to either crime, extreme weather, or environmental toxicity?

-Are certain regions of the state prone to flooding? I've heard it can get quite humid in the summer and that there are lots of mosquitoes. I wouldn't have expected mosquitoes in Maine. Are they that bad?

-Someone once told me that if you have over X amount of acres in Maine you can legally hunt animals that are found on your land. Is this true?

-Does anyone here have experience with owning large acreage in Maine? Do you have any advice in regards to that?

I'm looking for good, strong community, clean environment, and lots of nature. Hoping to find it there.

Thank you again, much appreciated!

[yaeger07]

There's a joke that mosquitoes are the state bird. Yes, they are really quite bad. But it does get cool at night so at least if you want to be outside then it's easier to wear clothing that protects you a bit.

If you want a lot of land, you're not going to find that very close to Portland.

My in-laws leave their cars outside in the winter most of the time.

Crime is low here in general.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by forestvibe

-Firstly wondering which area you all prefer over Portland, Augusta, and Bangor and why you prefer that area?

I'm not a huge fan of any of them, simply because I am not a city person. I prefer smaller towns. But those three each have their benefits and drawbacks.

Portland is on the ocean. It is Maine's largest city and has Maine's highest crime rate --- although it is nothing like what you'll find in high-crime areas of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, etc. Lots of good restaurants. Decent public transportation.

Augusta is on the river. It has some lovely little neighborhoods, but it also has some 'hoods. Some of the surrounding bedroom communities are nice.

Bangor doesn't have as many people as Portland, but to me it feels bigger simply because it is more spread out. Lots of college kids in town. Bangor actually tends to get better concerts than Portland.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

-I really enjoy a cooler climate and seem to tolerate colder weather well, but I don't think I've ever lived in a place that gets as much snowfall as Maine. I'm wondering if it can be troublesome leaving vehicles outside in winter? Is it possible to plow one's own gravel/dirt driveway with a simple plow hooked up to a truck, or do you all tend to hire people for this during winter? Is a garage a must-have in Maine?

A garage is nice to have, but it isn't a necessity. It just saves you from having to clear the snow off your car before you start up. Most cities and towns clear their streets really well. As far as clearing your own driveway ... you can hire someone to do it. You can do it yourself with a truck plow. You can snowblow it. Or if it isn't too big, you can even go out with a shovel. I know people who do all of the above. It really depends on your driveway and finances.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

-Are there any areas in the state that you would not recommend living due to either crime, extreme weather, or environmental toxicity?

Biddeford and Saco don't have a good reputation, but I have no firsthand experience. Myself, I wouldn't want to live anywhere south of Portland. Too crowded. Maine doesn't really feel like Maine to me till you get north or Portland.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

-Are certain regions of the state prone to flooding?

Occasionally. But it isn't a chronic problem.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

I've heard it can get quite humid in the summer and that there are lots of mosquitoes. I wouldn't have expected mosquitoes in Maine. Are they that bad?

They are bad, but not all summer. It's pretty miserable through late May, all of June, and at least half of July. After that ... they're around but not quite as bad. But it depends on where you are too. Up in the hills near lakes, mosquitoes are a lot worse than you'll get near the coast.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

-Someone once told me that if you have over X amount of acres in Maine you can legally hunt animals that are found on your land. Is this true?

I don't know, but it sounds plausible to me.

Originally Posted by forestvibe

I'm looking for good, strong community, clean environment, and lots of nature. Hoping to find it there.

Check out Brunswick, Bath, Freeport, Wiscasset, Boothbay, Damariscotta.

[mainebrokerman]

I live 15 miles as the crow flies from the state capitol in augusta …...but it seems like a different world...that's the charm of maine ….most anywhere in the state if you drive 5 minutes...you are ….out in the country..

I live on a lake....have a beautiful field across the street see many deer and other critters...

as driving is concerned in winter......our road crews do an excellent job plowing....the roads..
common sense is the key just slow down you will be all set

ive gone the last few winters with just all season radials.....not technically snow/winter ties and ive been fine.....and I drive over 1000 miles per week on average ..

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by mainebrokerman

ive gone the last few winters with just all season radials.....not technically snow/winter ties and ive been fine.....and I drive over 1000 miles per week on average ..

We've been in Maine almost 12 years and have never purchased snow tires. Only three times in those twelve years have the roads been bad enough that I'd wished I'd bought them.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Yes, you need a garage.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by forestvibe

Hello all, brand new here.

Welcome

... -Firstly wondering which area you all prefer over Portland, Augusta, and Bangor and why you prefer that area?

Our goal for retirement was to live somewhere rural that is drought-free.

We live 20 minutes North of Bangor, which is still in the Southern half of Maine.

Bangor has nearly all of the urban services that we need, and it is close by for us.

... I'm wondering if it can be troublesome leaving vehicles outside in winter? Is it possible to plow one's own gravel/dirt driveway with a simple plow hooked up to a truck, or do you all tend to hire people for this during winter? Is a garage a must-have in Maine?

Most rural Mainers do just that.

We bought a tractor with a front-mounted PTO-powered snow-blower that was the best purchase we have ever made.

... -Are there any areas in the state that you would not recommend living due to either crime, extreme weather, or environmental toxicity?

I do not like urban.

...
-Are certain regions of the state prone to flooding? I've heard it can get quite humid in the summer and that there are lots of mosquitoes. I wouldn't have expected mosquitoes in Maine. Are they that bad?

There are low-lying towns along each of the rivers, those flood every year.

... -Someone once told me that if you have over X amount of acres in Maine you can legally hunt animals that are found on your land. Is this true?

Yes, I hunt on my land.

...
-Does anyone here have experience with owning large acreage in Maine? Do you have any advice in regards to that?

I have 150-acres of land with a quarter-mile of river frontage.

When you come to Maine, before you buy anything. You are welcome to come visit our farm and have supper with us. We can tell you of all our experiences.

[svband76]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Welcome


When you come to Maine, before you buy anything. You are welcome to come visit our farm and have supper with us. We can tell you of all our experiences.

I'd take you up on this generous offer lol! We're there Aug 21-29.

[Vance Mack]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

.

Portland is on the ocean. It is Maine's largest city and has Maine's highest crime rate

Not exactly.

https://wjbq.com/the-10-maine-cities...t-crime-rates/

As a matter of fact, for 2017 Houlton, Presque Isle, Biddeford, Augusta, OOB all worse than Portland.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-maine/

Just sayin'

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Vance Mack

Not exactly.

https://wjbq.com/the-10-maine-cities...t-crime-rates/

As a matter of fact, for 2017 Houlton, Presque Isle, Biddeford, Augusta, OOB all worse than Portland.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-maine/

Just sayin'

Those communities all have SUBSTANTIALLY smaller populations than Portland. # of crimes vs. # of people? Yes, other towns might have a higher crime rate because there are fewer people there. But Portland has more crime than any other place in Maine. But it is also Maine's most populous city.

Presque Isle and Houlton are TINY compared to Portland.