Maine winters--how much snow?

[snowchaser1]

Attention all Mainers: I'm considering moving to Maine this summer (as a traveler and possibly to relocate pemanently) and I'd like to know a bit of what to expect. I have been deprived of snow and real "Christmas card experiences" most of my life and think that Maine may have what I'm looking for. I'm currently in Washington state but don't like having to commute to the snow. I want it to fall frequently in the city where I live. I want to XC ski right where I live. Can I expect this in Portland? I undestand that your winters are long and I'll just have to see how I do with that when I live there. I never think winter here is long enough! Please give me some advice and experiences. Oh, and do you get fireflies in the summer? Oh, and how about gardening? Will I be able to garden there or is the season too short? Thanks for any input!

[missninaRN]

I used to live in Maine, in a small town near the Acadian National Park. It was absolutely beautiful. The Summers were especially lovely, felt like a warm Spring day. My husband did the cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing etc. I was pregnant at the time so didn't participate as much in Winter sports. Plus, I don't like being cold. Our daughter was born in Blue Hill in the smallest hospital I have ever seen. We enjoyed spending our days off on Bar Harbor.

We did go up to Caribou one Winter and they had a LOT of snow there. It was also stinkin' cold. Ayuh!

[snowchaser1]

Thanks to everyone's input on my question! It's been a while since I visited to find all these responses. One person asked if I'd been swayed one way or the other. The truth is, I'd love to visit the state with all it's good and not so good. But, I've decided to stay on the west coast, at least for now, since I have family in Oregon and Washington. But I think the thing that makes me least interested in Maine is the humidity, not the cold winters. I grew up in Alabama and hated the humidity and mosquitoes! But, we don't get the thundershowers and fireflies out here, which I really do miss! I love to hear all your stories and I really appreciate your input!

[LTCRN4LIFE]

IN TN they have no income tax. Maine has a snack tax and taxes toilet paper but not magazines. I don't think many go to NH from Downeast. Sort of a futile trip what with the price of gas.

A new home in TN 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths costs around $91,000-$101,000. I don't believe you'll find a new home anywhere in Maine that size.

Sure get out and enjoy the black flies and no see ems..

Augusta floods most every spring, As for tornadoes and earthquakes Maine has had both. Yes, not as frequently or as bad as other places but one can't out rule them.

There have been several years in recent memory when they snowmobile trails lacked snow.

As for skiing plan to spend around $75 a day and that's not counting the gas to get there.

The OP was asking about Portland not the county.

Yes Maine is a great place but it wouldn't be so great if a person wasn't warned appropriately.

BTW is the state still losing most of it's young people. Is it still in a negative growth position population wise.

Yes Maine has had Tornados and Earthquakes and they truly amount to nothing. Most people don't even realized it happened. I don't live in the Augusta area so can't speak to flooding....however this year because of our lack of snow this winter I doubt anyone has to worry.

I do realize the OP was asking about Portland but also Maine in general and no I am not from the county. We do have homes that size in Maine for the price you quote--perhaps not in Portland and certainly not in Old Orchard but smaller outlying towns do.

You can cross country ski for free in parks and many public areas. Snowmobile trails are plentiful in central to Northern Maine and quite beautiful. Even with this year we had enough snow to drive North to get on them. You can go for the entire day and even stop at restaurants along the way. Actually quite fun!

Our gas is comparable to anywhere and lower than many states esp West Coast.

Blackflies and No See Ums have a season...and a short one..unless you wander into no man's land......I agree they are pests....so are cockroaches (which I have never seen one in my life)

Where I live many many people come from New Brunswick to shop and I go to NH. I know quite a few people that do. Not necessarily because of the tax...at 5% I barely notice I'm taxed but I do agree we have a high income tax rate.

Yes I agree about the population growth and while that may impact people and their income....for me personally, it's growing too fast. I live 30 minutes from one of Maine's major towns in the country. 10 years ago we had to drive "to town" to get to a gas station, Dunkin Donuts, take out food....not any more...and land on the road I live on which is basically gravel pits, woods and residential.....has just been sold to create a housing development with retail frontage. Walmart has gone in 15 miles from me. Growth can slow down anytime as far as I am concerned.

So...our opinions are like watches.....no two just alike yet each believes his own

[azerrn]

Interesting re Maine. I'm looking at a hospital in Waterville, Maine. Can anyone tell me anything about Waterville and/or the Maine General Hospital? Thanks!