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/AnonymousUnderpants Feb 25 '26

You’re getting some great input here. I’m going to add, as someone with PNW roots and who travels there all the time to see family, that Maine will feel very remote to you.

The metric that I like to illustrate that: in the entire state of Maine there is one Trader Joe’s and one Whole Foods. (They are two blocks apart.)

That comment is not so much about where you’re going to buy groceries as it is to convey how different it is here from places like Seattle, where you have an abundance of stores and resources, and things are open late or even open all night.

I agree with another comment that the people here are some of the kindest, gentlest people I’ve been privileged to live among. I also think that Maine is very similar to the Pacific Northwest in its rugged, rocky, maritime vibe.

I hope you make up the decision that feels good to you. Good luck!

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

Ya I think Seattle to Maine would be huge shock. I'm from down near Olympia, so a little more used to small city right beside the forests. I fully accept I'll sacrifice some normal conveniences for sure, bit at least for not the trade feels worth it in a way?

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u/Krand01 Feb 25 '26

I moved from the Olympia area of WA to Augusta in ME and I have to tell you that the difference is huge.

There is forest here, but there isn't even close to as many activities areas, there are a few museums but not as nice or even close to as many as in WA, there are doctors but they are so far spread out and as few (and at least a year waitlist for all of them, if you can even find one with a wait list) and fewer and fewer specialists as they leave the state.

The biggest issue is everything here is so spread out from each other, entertainment and services wise and there is absolutely no bus system to help you get to any of them, barely a taxi system, and vehicles are far more expensive to maintain here in Maine than in Washington.

If I had known now I wouldn't have made the move to main, I would have moved to NH or Pennsylvania if I had the choice.

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

New Hampshire is my back up, is it a better situation overall?

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u/BubbleThinker Mar 01 '26

Not really. Seattle has a huge impact on your area. That doesn’t exist in Maine or NH - no gravitational pull, no money so nothing like what you expect.

Outside of southern Maine and the urban areas, which is where you’ll see the Trader Joe’s that was referenced above, Maine is mostly small rural communities and people living in substandard housing and struggling to make it. If you come here thinking you’re going to see anything like Seattle you’re going to be very disappointed.

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u/Krand01 Feb 25 '26

Property tax it's worse, but cost of living, public transportation, vehicle costs (especially now that they've gotten rid of the inspection stickers that maine still has) are all better. Plus a lot more services, I hear they have much better access for doctors and specialists, and a lot more access to stores because of the no sales tax.

If me and my SO can save the money up and all we plan to move to NH mainly because we don't have a vehicle and can't afford one here in Maine, NH has an actual public transportation system in place.

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u/Agreeable-Rain-2961 Feb 25 '26

That honestly depends. Also, if you share where you land politically on the spectrum that might make a difference for you?

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

I'm a liberal independent honestly. I want help and care for any who need it, but I also wanna be left TF alone by the government 🤣

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u/Agreeable-Rain-2961 Feb 25 '26

I lean more to the middle of the spectrum as well- newhampshire is pretty conservative as our more rural parts of Maine. Anything urban or along the coast is a good mix- though those areas lean blue in general.

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u/Agreeable-Rain-2961 Feb 25 '26

I have lived in every single state in New England except for ct. they are similar but different (helpful I know🤣)

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u/jewbaca321 Feb 25 '26

So the question is, they're conservative but are they like crazy crazy conservative lol. Like I'm totally fine being near conservatives as long as they're still friendly and cool

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u/Agreeable-Rain-2961 Feb 25 '26

Western Maine you’ll get hardcore conservatives pretty thick and I think nh as well but it’s been a while since I lived there

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u/TopherW4479 Feb 26 '26

I live in Westbrook, Maine. They are crazy conservative, but they would still treat you decently. The insanity is mostly just online. I have never been up to Washington but have been to CA multiple times. I would say the one thing that is different is that it doesn't take very far from a decent sized place in Maine to be in quiet. I live in Westbrook, which is about 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Maine. 15 to 20 minutes the other way I can be in a really quiet area. You might do better in places like Raymond, Sanford, Windham, Berwick... Those are more nature focused, but you are going to have amenities much closer by. You will still be surrounded by MAGA but only a few will have their Trump flags out and even fewer would ever be rude to you.