I feel that the isolation as you describe in the second sentence is an issue rather than a benefit. While Bangor has most things for life, that’s not how people especially young people live. People like variations around, rather than a small collection of all within a single area. Think about UNH. You find nature if you go north, and you have Boston if you go south for about an hour. Rural areas are around, so is the ocean:. That’s what people like.

Pro: light traffic; no long lines except chick-fil-A… easy to relax like sitting on a beach with few people around (even during summer time as long as you avoid famous spots).

Con: lack of labor especially contractors. This is a real problem given how old most houses are. Also, lack of students in colleges (community colleges and public schools) makes the in-state higher education really struggle.