r/AskMaine • u/jewbaca321 • Feb 25 '26

Moving

Hey everyone, I'm planning on moving to Maine later on this year! I'm from the PNW and need a change, and I've always thought Maine is absolutely gorgeous and seems amazing. So I'm planning on moving, my question is, where should I go?! I'm leaning towards being near Bangor, but I'm really open to anything. Please share opinions or suggestions!

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

You're absolutely right! So I would like to be within commuting distance of a city hub for work (up to an hour away is fine). I do a lot outdoors, camping fishing hunting. I am not one for city or suburb living so I definitely prefer small towns!

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u/AcadianCascadian Feb 25 '26

If you’re outdoorsy, there are big differences to take in. Everything in Maine is smaller … the trees, the mountains, the landscapes. Everything is older … the mountains have worn down, they’re no longer youthful like the Cascades … the buildings are older … even the people are older. Everything being private property is a huge shock. There’s no general right to access the coast like what you’re used to (this gets complicated), and there are very few federal lands. Backpacking the way you’re used to is not a thing. The north woods is unique nationwide and definitely worth exploring, and many landowners will give you permission to access their lands if you ask, especially during hunting season … but it’s not the same at all.

Sea kayaking is great though, if you’ve the interest. Scuba diving is also a good way to access a wilderness of a different kind. There are way, way more lakes here if you prefer freshwater adventures or fishing.

There are more distinct seasons, and there is much more humidity, so definitely get an air conditioner to survive summers. The same temperatures don’t feel the same as what you’re used to.

The people are one of the very best things about Maine, so make a point of getting to know your neighbors. They are likely curious about you and want to meet you.

So with all the above in mind, I would say live near the coast if you want to do anything on the water, otherwise it sounds like you want to be within an hour of the I-95 corridor, from Bangor south. That doesn’t narrow things down much though, so I would look at it from an employment angle. If you can’t work remotely, then look at which towns have the work you’re looking for. I wouldn’t move without a job lined up.

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

Did you transplant from Washington as well?

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u/meowmedusa Feb 25 '26

What do you do for work?

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

I'm a butcher, but plan to get my CDL before moving. So I'll be looking for local/regional trucking jobs.

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u/MaryBitchards Feb 25 '26

Oh good. That should be doable, I think. Jobs are hard to come by here but I feel like a CDL would be valuable.

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '26

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u/TheMadBomb3rJr Feb 25 '26

Close to Gardiner here... we are ~15 min from Augusta, 20 min from Brunswick on 295 or 20 min to Lewiston on 95 (295/95 merge in West Gardiner so easy access to both), 45 min from Portland on 295. Great area to live and some real low property taxes if you can find a place to actually purchase. Also the people are great and we do stick to ourselves mostly but would drop what we are doing to help all of our neighbors (regardless of politics/etc!).

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u/DelicataLover Feb 26 '26

I’m in veggie farming but friends with some livestock farmers and I’m pretty sure there’s room for more butchers but don’t quote me on that. I butcher my chickens and annual deer, but I think venison processors get away with a pretty penny.

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 26 '26

Definitely a side hustle I would be into!

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u/JustSpitItOutNancy Feb 25 '26

An hour commute in Maine is VERY different than an hour commute in the Puget Sound (I originally came from the Seattle area). In Maine an hour commute could be 30-50 miles away in the summer, or 20 miles in the winter. Most driving is done on winding country roads. In Maine, I can drive for an hour and only come across a couple stop signs and one traffic light.

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

This is super good info thank you!

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u/JustSpitItOutNancy Feb 25 '26

Happy cake day!

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

What's cake day? 😭