Sooooo confused....about where to live.

[bluewatergirl]

Thanks for the advice and good luck wishes, forest beekeeper; we were up there about six weeks ago or so, and had done a lot of "homework" before we drove up.
We looked at as many places in Machias and nearby small towns as we had time for.
We have noticed the fact that a lot of homes listed by local realtors don't seem to make it onto the MLS, and, too, that there are two separate multiple listing sites, at least for that part of Maine . . . . We have looked at a number of FSBO properties, too.
We have a buyers agent doing a lot of the footwork for us right now;
she's based in Ellsworth, but knows the Machias area well as I believe she owns several properties there herself.
At the moment, we're (or at least I am) on a somewhat "short leash" as far as
travel goes - Machias is about a 6 1/2 hour drive from here . . .
I'm in the 31st week of pregnancy and experiencing some
minor complications.
My husband may head North again on his own to view a few more properties.
If you - or anyone - hears of something in that area coming onto the market
we'd LOVE to hear about it!

[mollysmiles]

that's too bad about the previous property Bluewatergirl....we'll keep our ears open for you! take it easy and get the rest you need!

[Submariner]

When you drive around, do not be afraid to ask folks in the diners and to call the phone numbers on the 'for sale' signs you see. So many more properties are sold in the area person-to-person than ever go through a realtor.

I found this property by calling a number on a sign.

It does seem that a smaller portion of properties are handled by realtors than otherwise.

Good luck, and do take care of yourself.

[milehimom]

I lived and worked in Topsham, Maine about 12 years ago. It's 30 minutes from Portland. I loved it there. I taught in the elementary school, good district, small town feel. My best friend still lives there and owns a nice home on much less than you and your husband make. Brunswick has a hospital.

However, I rented and was single in those days, and it was a while ago, so I can't comment on housing prices. GOsh I loved Brunswick. They are closing the Navy base (where I found my husband) so I'm sure the area is in for a big change. Might me lower housing costs however.

I went to church in Freeport, that seemed like and awfully nice town, Yarmouth too, and Gray. But I think they may be expensive.

Good luck.

[GoBangor]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

Try looking into the Bangor area....Eastern Maine Med is there and so is St Joseph's as far as hospitals, as well as many health care providers. The University at Orono is 15 minutes away from there. Not sure what your husband does for work, but the area is very kid friendly and personally I like the schools. I'm a mom of 4. We don't live there now (we're on the coast) but loved it when we did! I feel personally, that southern Maine doesn't feel as much like Maine as the rest of the state. It's very populated and most areas have lost the small town charm they used to have. Bangor still maintains some of that charm, and the many outlying towns certainly provide the feel you may be looking for. OH....property is cheaper in this area.

I love Bangor. I know nearly everything about the downtown and waterfront and I've become obsessed with it. The schools have been rated 4th best in Maine. It's home of the University of Maine system offices and the flagship of the university is just north of Bangor in Orono. Recently the downtown and waterfront area of the city has experienced huge economic growth. There used to be an empty storefront every other building downtown, but now you have to search for one. A waterfront master plan is in progress making the waterfront beautiful. All this growth attracts new high paying jobs and if those are taken, there is more of a chance that Bangor will experience even more growth.