16 Things to Know Before Moving to Maine in 2024

Maine's rocky coastline, outdoor recreation, and annual festivals make it a desirable place for newcomers. You can find a little of everything, whether you want to live in the urban center of Portland or a more rural setting like Auburn.

Locals also enjoy Maine's low cost of living, access to higher education opportunities, and reasonable rents. Before you start hiring movers, learn everything there is to know about moving to Maine.

Moving to Maine

1. It's Called "The Pine Tree State"

Maine blends forests, coastline, and city living. The state is home to 1,372,247 people, with 18,899 residents living in the capital of Augusta.

The Pine Tree State was founded in 1820 as the 23rd state following the Missouri Compromise. Its early economy included fishing, fur trapping, and farming. Maine also exported lumber, ships, candles, gunpowder, bricks, and more, which helped grow its manufacturing expertise.

Today, Maine is known for its forests, covering 90% of the state. It's easy to see why the state is among the world's largest pulp-paper producers.

2. Maine's Economy Is Driven by Tourism

Tourism is also a mainstay in Maine's economy, with stops like Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. The state is also at the official end of The Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin. Overall, the state receives almost 22 million visitors every year.

Maine is the easternmost point in the United States and the only state that borders one other state, New Hampshire. It also produces 90% of the country's toothpicks and is the only state in the United States with just one syllable.

3. Cost of Living in Maine Is Somewhat High

The overall cost of living in Maine is about 10% above the national average. In Portland, which is where you'll find most of Maine's apartment listings, residents spend on average $5,702 a month.

4. Maine's Job Market and Economy Beyond Tourism

Maine's economy is growing steadily, with opportunities in hospitality, tourism, lumber, and more. Timber harvesting, manufacturing, animal veterinary software, and retailers like L.L. Bean are among the largest employers in Maine.

The unemployment rate in Maine is 5.4%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 6%. The future job growth over the next decade is predicted to hit 33.7%, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%. Recent job growth is also trending upward with an increase of 6%.

5. You'll Probably Be Car Dependent in Maine

It's challenging to get around Maine without a car. The state doesn't offer a robust public transportation system, but you can find bus services in cities like Portland. Private buses and services like Amtrak can connect you to different cities throughout the state.

More rural areas are also developing commuter connections, although it's usually not a reliable method to get to work.

Transportation in Maine costs around $4,244 for one person. Those expenses rise to $11,565 for two working adults and one child.

6. Maine has Cool Summers and Cold Winters

Maine's summers are cool and comfortable, with highs of 70. You might see temperatures occasionally soar to 90 degrees during the summer months, but it's unusual and short-lived. June to August usually attracts the most visitors to Maine, and cities and festivals get crowded quickly.

Maine's winters are cold, but you usually won't face prolonged cold snaps. The upside is that you can enjoy skiing at Sugarloaf, Maine's largest single ski mountain.

Fall and Spring are the most glorious times of the year, with blooms of colorful falling leaves that make outdoor recreation a popular pastime.

7. Maine's Best Attractions Are Outdoors

Maine's best attractions surround its forested, coastal beauty. Acadia National Park lives up to its reputation and claims the title of the crown jewel of the North East. For a scenic Drive, Coast highway U.S. 1 features gorgeous views. Other popular destinations include Moxie Falls, Peaks Island, and Sebago Lake feature hiking, waterfalls, and quaint bed and breakfasts nearby.

Maines's rocky coastline creates iconic picture-perfect moments. You'll probably recognize the Portland Head Light from the 1790s, which is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The station is now automated and maintained by the U.S. Coastguard. The former lighthouse keepers' home is a maritime museum at Fort Williams Park.

Beyond all the natural beauty, the iconic Allagash Brewery is outside Portland's city center and attracts crowds looking for cold brews in the outdoor sunshine. Or head inside to warm up during the winter months and take a tour.

8. You'll Learn to Love Lobster Rolls

Maine is famous for steamed lobster and lobster rolls, although that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Fried clams are also a must-eat, which pairs well with just about any dish of lobster you can find.

However, many newcomers are surprised to see blueberries make the list of some of Maines' most iconic foods. Try them with cobbler, jams, and pies. Whoopie pies are also crowd-pleasers, and Needhams, a soft blend of mashed potatoes, coconut, sugar, and vanilla covered in chocolate and sold at Robin's Confections.

9. Portland Has Great Nightlife

Portland's nightlife caters to a diverse range of tastes. While there are classic pubs and hotel bars with sweeping city views, the heart of the action lies on Fore Street and Wharf Street. Here, craft breweries like Gritty McDuff's and funky cocktail bars like Aura draw in the crowds. If you're looking to dance, head to Oasis or Bubba's Sulky Lounge, a vintage club with two floors of music. For a low-key night, there are plenty of wine bars and pubs with live music or trivia nights.

Beyond the drinks, Portland offers unique entertainment options. Catch a comedy show, test your skills at an adult arcade like Fore Play, or belt out your favorites at any of several karaoke spots.

10. Maine Has Great Annual Events

Crowds gather for some of the best festivals in Maine, including various boating festivals, The Kennebunkport Festival, and Harvest on the Harbor in Portland. You'll find iconic Maine dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and samples from the state's growing foodie scene.

11. Regional Sports Are Popular in Maine

Maine doesn't have any professional sports teams, but that doesn't mean they don't support their regional New England teams. Locals root for the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots.

12. Maine Has 29 Accredited Institutions of Higher Ed

Maine currently houses 29 accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher learning. The state also offers higher education opportunities to locals looking to grow competitive careers. Here are a few universities in Maine to choose from:

The University of Maine

The University of Maine is located in Orono and offers 75 graduate degree programs and 30 doctoral programs. Some of their more popular programs include business, management, marketing, engineering, education, natural resources and conservation, and more.

University of Southern Maine

Located in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, the University of Southern Maine offers more than 100 undergrad and graduate studies. The historic college was founded in 1978. Some of its most popular programs include public policy and psychology.

University of New England

The University of New England is situated along the stunning coastline where Sacco Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean in Biddeford. It's among the highest-rated institutions by The Princeton Review and is known for attracting aspiring health professionals.

13. Portland Is One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Portland, Maine, consistently ranks among the top 10 places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report for its coastal scenery and blend of city living and small-town charm. For a smaller city, it's still teeming with enviable restaurants, pubs, and proximity to outdoor fun.

Portland is also a great college town for students attending the University of Southern Maine, as it still has a relatively low cost of living for what it offers, but it is more expensive than most areas of Maine.

14. Lewiston Is Famous for Whoopie Pies

Lewiston, or "The Lew," boasts vistas of the Androscoggin River with French influences. The small city is among the cheapest places to live in Maine and is known for its whoopie pies.

Despite its smaller size, you’ll find a few museums, breweries, and hiking trails. Lewiston and nearby Auburn are sister cities, offering more amenities for locals in either area.

15. Bangor Is the Place to be for Winter Sports

Winters are known for being harsh in Bangor, though you may not mind with so many snow sporting opportunities. For skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and more, you might want to check out the surrounding area for apartments, or at least put it on your list of places to visit. While you're there, check out the great local boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

16. Check out Auburn for a Rural Experience Close to Portland

Auburn attracts newcomers looking for a more rural lifestyle with a reasonable commute to Portland. Hiking along the Auburn Riverwalk and enjoying brews at Side by Each Brewing are favorite pastimes. You're also just a stone's throw from its sister city of Lewiston to find more amenities.

Looking for an Apartment in Maine?

Ready to move to Maine and see what this coastal state is all about? Register for Apartment List and start exploring popular neighborhoods and apartment complexes today.

FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Maine

What’s the weather like in Maine?

Maine's summers reach the 70s during summer and are cool and comfortable. Occasional, short-lived spikes in the heat are common but short-lived. The winter months are cold, with plenty of opportunities to ski and participate in winter sports. You’ll find colorful foliage and blooms in fall and spring, providing a gorgeous hiking backdrop.

What’s the timezone in Maine?

Maine’s time zone is Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST and/or EDT), depending on the time of year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), the same time as New York City.

What to do in Maine?

Maine's forested, coastal beauty is among its best attractions. Visitors flock to Acadia National Park, Coast highway U.S. 1, Moxie Falls, Peaks Island, and Sebago Lake. There’s always a waterfall hike, brewery, or coastal views to embrace. Visitors and locals enjoy the Portland Head Light from the 1790s, the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

You’ll also find a handful of museums, breweries, dining, and music venues to enjoy. The iconic Allagash Brewery is located outside Portland's city center and attracts crowds looking for cold brews in the outdoor sunshine.

What are the benefits of moving to Maine?

Maine’s rocky coastline, outdoor recreation, and annual festivals make it a desirable place for newcomers. You can find a little of everything, whether you want to live in the urban center of Portland or a more rural setting like Auburn.

What are the best cities to move to in Maine?

Some of the best cities to move to in Maine include Portland, Bangor, and South Portland. You’ll have a mix of city living with access to trails, snow sports, breweries, and more.

What’s it like living in Maine?

Maine's affordable cost of living and stunning outdoors make it a desirable place to live, work, and play. Locals have their choice of breweries, trails, waterfront fun, and higher education institutions.

You won't find as much to do in Maine as in neighboring areas like Boston or New York City, but Maine's scenic landscape and iconic lobster dishes might be worth the trade-off if you're interested in a laid-back lifestyle.