We moved to rural Maine from Florida this summer. Within a six month span, four other young families I know from my county or sister county also moved here. 3 out of 5 of these work for themselves, though (including me).

I was fourth generation born and raised in the gulf coast area. It’s beautiful (for Florida, if that’s your thing) but the intense increase in population and overdevelopment with no concern for the environment or infrastructure is destroying it. Few jobs to match COL, housing is out of control. Full time professionals living out of their cars with their babies type situation - which is well hidden by the affluence which is actually having a hand in it. The social environment is so toxic. The schools are constantly embroiled in battling unhinged parents and the groups that are riling them up rather than being able to focus on education. Destructive, cult like mega churches are taking over whole counties. I had to get out for my well being. We like that there aren’t a lot of people. We like being able to drive to the grocery store without getting stuck in traffic that makes a 10 min drive take an hour. We like the sense of community and being surrounded by nature instead of soulless urban sprawl.

I think something Maine has going for it is that the people who move here aren’t coming to retire. They are coming as young couples or with young families. Anyway, just thought I’d share from the perspective of a recent transplant.