I'm originally from Nashville and Crime rate is something to consider -Orono sits at 65.3 per 100K. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $219,200 on average. Median household income is $56,890, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
real_xavier17
I work in manufacturing here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
jace_mama
yeah no that's not right
29 upvotes
Joshua Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Jackson Reyes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
nyc_eli
Moved here from Seattle about 11 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to housing market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Nevaeh James
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Samuel Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
6 upvotes
Adrian B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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