20 Pros And Cons of Living In Maine (from a Real Resident)

Maine is the northernmost state on the East Coast, and to a point, often is regarded as a cousin of Canada. There’s no denying that living in Maine is a deep culture clash for most people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, but that isn’t always a bad thing. The state’s lifestyle is actually pretty highly regarded. But, is it actually a good place for YOU to move to?

Maine is home to over 1,300,000 people and is known as the Pine Tree State. While forests almost completely cover the state, it’s got much more than that to offer. Any Mariner in Maine will agree, as they provide over 90% of the nation’s lobster supply.

Maine has fresh seafood, low employment rates, a beautiful coastline, and is a charming and safe place to live. The state can also pose some downsides as homeownership is expensive, winters are harsh, and there is minimal entertainment. Maine is also less diverse than other states and leans more towards retirees than younger people.

This super northern state might have a lot of pretty sights to see, but it’s not for everyone. This guide will give you a better idea of what to expect when you decide to travel up here and call it home. If you’re thinking of moving to Maine, here are the pros and cons to consider.

Maine is known for its abundance of fresh seafood. The state harvests about 40 million pounds of seafood a year while still maintaining the underwater ecosystem. 90% of lobster available for purchase in the United States comes from Maine.

Thanks to the state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, lobster isn’t the only fresh seafood available in Maine. When in Maine, ample seafood options are available to you. Some of the best food comes from small dives and sometimes even straight off of the boat.

Maine is close in distance to Boston, New York City, and other significant areas in New England. Because of this, it’s easy to find a job in the state. The unemployment rate typically stays below 3%.

Occupational therapists and nurse practitioners are in high demand here as healthcare jobs are the most prevalent in the state. Most high-paying jobs in Maine are in the medical field, but there are also employment opportunities in software development and mechanics. Furthermore, Maine’s minimum wage is $12 per hour compared to $7.25, which most other states offer.

Rolling mountains, placid streams, and plenty of forest trails? It’s part of the package when you choose to live in Maine. This state is nicknamed the Pine State simply because there are so many trees and forests here. Many people find it hard to ignore the fresh smell of evergreens on fall days here.

Most people who come to Maine on vacation are blown away by how incredibly pretty it is. It’s a unique charm that has a very “blast from the past” vibe that reminds people of simpler times. If that’s the kind of thing you’re into, then Maine is a perfect place to be.

If you like a warmer climate, Maine’s weather is going to be difficult for you. The winters are cold, long, and harsh. In the summer months, there are few days of truly warm weather.

Considering how far up north Maine really is, it’s not surprising that the state is prone to arctic blasts during the winter. High levels of snowfall and regularly low temperatures make Maine a nightmare during the winter months. The amount of snowfall a typical state in America gets is around 28 inches.

In the better parts of Maine (at least when it comes to snow) you can expect an average of 50 to 70 inches of snow. Instate, away from the coasts, that number is far higher. Most inland Maine winters will have between 90 to 110 inches per year. To make matters even worse, the average low temperature is going to be around 12 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.

Don’t get us wrong. Maine is a beautiful place that has its own unique retro charm, and if you love the outdoors, it’s a perfect little Shangri-La. However, when it comes to commercial and paid entertainment, you’re going to have a bad time. Maine doesn’t really have a nightlife scene to speak of, nor does it have amusement parks or too many museums.

A lot of people find it hard to keep busy in Maine, and that means that it can get pretty dull here. While it’s charming in its own right here, the truth is that it can feel outdated as a result of the lack of interesting things to do.

Check out our guide: Abandoned Places in Maine

While the unemployment rate is pretty impressive, it’s important to note that most of these jobs don’t pay very well. Maine has a low average salary of $28,300 per person. This means that you will probably work for less than $15 per hour, which in turn, can make making ends meet a hard thing to do.

With that said, if you can secure a high-paying job before you move in, you will find the overall cost of living to be very generous. Moreover, if you have a dual-income home, it’s going to be even easier to make ends meet.

While it’s true that over 40 million pounds of seafood come from Maine every year, not every day is going to be a day you want to eat lobster. Unfortunately, most parts of Maine are fairly provincial when it comes to the nature of their

Exotic cuisines like pho and Ethiopian fare are not going to be available to most people who live here. As long as you stick to pizza, all-American fare, and seafood, you should be alright. If you’re a foodie? Well, you’ll probably be disappointed in most parts of the state.

Maine is one of those states that is famous for its bizarre blue laws. These are laws that don’t really make much sense, or are from a time long ago that don’t quite make much sense. Unlike in most states, you can get fined for these laws, as they are occasionally enforced.

For example, you can get fined if you keep your Christmas lights up past January 14. Oh, and if you’re in one particular town, you also can get penalized for parking in front of a Dunkin’ Donuts. (We don’t know how that law came about, and we don’t really want to know.)

If you are older and want to live in a state with a small-town feel, Maine is the place for you. The laid-back way of life and easy access to the coastline are advantages that make Maine approachable. From the fresh seafood to the state’s safety, there are multiple reasons to move to Maine.

Although there are some disadvantages to living in Maine if you’re a young professional, there are ways to become assimilated. If you’re concerned about affording the cost of living, there are multiple ways to enjoy the state without spending much. The state offers sites that are unlike anywhere else in the nation.

The pros and cons of Maine will require newcomers to embrace a different lifestyle than they’re used to. However, if you’re ready for a change, there are many opportunities to start a new life in Maine. The residents will welcome you and give you a taste of southern hospitality in New England.