Make Maine Your Home Doug Schauf

Best and Worst places to live in Maine Depending on who YOU are



Take our Maine personality test! At the end, we'll give you some pointers on deciding where is best for you.



Southern Maine:



Portland: The largest city in Maine, Portland boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and a bustling waterfront. It's perfect for those who love urban amenities and cultural attractions, with plenty of festivals, music venues, and galleries to explore.



Scarborough: Known for its natural beauty, Scarborough offers stunning beaches and the famous Scarborough Marsh, the largest saltwater marsh in Maine. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers.



Cape Elizabeth: A picturesque town where I live, Cape Elizabeth is known for its beautiful lighthouses, scenic coastal views, and tranquil beaches. It provides a quiet, suburban feel while still being close to Portland.



Midcoast Maine:



Brunswick: Home to Bowdoin College, Brunswick is a lively town with a rich history. It features charming downtown areas with boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts community.



Bath: Known as the "City of Ships," Bath has a long history of shipbuilding. It offers a quaint downtown area with historic homes, unique shops, and a strong sense of community.



Rockland: A fantastic coastal town, Rockland is famous for its lobster festival and as a hub for the arts. It's home to the Farnsworth Art Museum and numerous galleries, making it perfect for art lovers.



Downeast Maine:



Bar Harbor (BAH HABAH): Situated near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, kayaking, and whale watching are just a few activities you can enjoy here, along with stunning ocean views.



Ellsworth: A gateway to Downeast Maine, Ellsworth offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It's a great base for exploring nearby Acadia National Park and the surrounding natural beauty.



Machias: Known for its wild blueberries and rugged coastline, Machias is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and a slower pace of life. The lobstering industry is also a significant part of the local economy.



Western Maine:



Bethel: A charming town known for its ski resorts and outdoor activities. Bethel is great for those who enjoy skiing, hiking, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.



Rangeley: Famous for its lakes and outdoor recreation, Rangeley is a paradise for fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. It's perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.



Farmington: Home to the University of Maine at Farmington, this town offers a mix of academic energy and rural charm. It's a great place for families and those who appreciate a close-knit community.



Northern Maine:



Aroostook County: Known for its vast potato farms and beautiful landscapes, Aroostook County offers a rural lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. It's a great place for those who love the outdoors and a slower pace of life.



Presque Isle: A key town in Aroostook County, Presque Isle offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. It's home to the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Northern Maine Fair.



Fort Kent: Close to the Canadian border, Fort Kent is known for its Franco-American heritage and outdoor activities. It's a fantastic place for those who enjoy a tight-knit community and winter sports like cross-country skiing.



Factors to Consider:



When choosing where to live in Maine, consider factors like cost of living, which can vary significantly from urban areas to rural regions. Employment opportunities are more abundant in larger towns and cities, while school districts and healthcare access can be crucial for families. Finally, think about the community vibes—whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the peace and quiet of a rural setting.



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🌟 Welcome to our latest episode: "Exploring My Personal Favorite Portland, Maine Neighborhoods"! 🌟



Join us as we delve into the heart of Portland, uncovering the charm, history, and unique vibes of three incredible neighborhoods. But first, let's dive into some stats from March 21:



📊 Portland Real Estate Snapshot:



36 Listings this past month

Volume: $23,013,97

Avg Sale price: $639,277

Median Sale price: $574,950

Avg diff SP to LP: + $23,586

Average DOM: 27





Segment 1: Munjoy Hill

Venture with us to Munjoy Hill, one of Portland's most coveted neighborhoods. Discover its rich history, from the iconic Portland Observatory to its transition from seedy to affluent. Learn about the bustling housing market, packed with million-dollar condos and a thriving community of remote workers. Plus, soak in the breathtaking views of Casco Bay and East End Beach. #MunjoyHill #PortlandRealEstate #CascoBayViews



Segment 2: West End

Stroll through the picturesque streets of West End, famed for its historic homes and serene ambiance. Delight in the Victorian architecture and the tranquility of its tree-lined avenues. Experience the convenience of West End living, with charming shops and a tight-knit community. Explore nearby attractions, parks, and cultural hotspots. #WestEndPortland #HistoricHomes #CommunityCharm



Segment 3: East Bayside

Witness the vibrant transformation of East Bayside from an industrial hub to a thriving artistic community. Uncover its burgeoning food scene and immerse yourself in its creative culture. Discover local breweries and artisanal materials like yarn and tile, shaping the neighborhood's unique identity. #EastBayside #ArtisticCommunity #PortlandBreweries



Don't miss out on this captivating journey through Portland's finest neighborhoods! Like, share, and subscribe for more exciting content. Let's explore together! 🏡✨ #PortlandMaine #NeighborhoodExploration #communityvibes

five Reasons We Live in Maine | Updated Insights on Why Maine is Home



Welcome back to our channel! In this video, we're diving deep into the heart of Maine, exploring why it's such an incredible place to call home. Join us as we uncover the top five reasons that make Maine a unique and vibrant community to live in, with updated insights reflecting the changes we've observed over time.



Maine Has Changed: We'll discuss the transformations Maine has undergone, both positive and negative, and how these changes have shaped our experiences and perceptions of the state.



The Natural Beauty: From stunning coastlines to picturesque forests, Maine's natural beauty is unparalleled. Discover what we've learned and experienced firsthand, including how each season brings its own magic to the landscape.



The People: Maine is not just a place; it's a community. We'll explore the tight-knit bonds formed through jobs, family connections, and the friendships that enrich our lives every day.



The Activities: What sets Maine apart in terms of activities and entertainment? We'll share our favorite local pastimes, from exciting staycations to vibrant community events and live music performances.



The History and Culture: Delve into Maine's rich history and culture, from fascinating encounters with local legends to exploring iconic landmarks and attending unique Maine events. Plus, find out what we've learned from sharing our experiences through our videos.



Join us on this journey as we celebrate the essence of Maine and uncover the reasons why it's more than just a place to live—it's home. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all things Maine living!

🌲 Welcome to our latest video: "Most Asked Questions About Maine" 🌊

Maine, the Pine Tree State, holds a wealth of beauty and intrigue. In this video, we dive deep into the top searched questions about Maine on Google, providing you with insightful answers to satisfy your curiosity about this remarkable state.

Here's what we cover:

📍 Where is Maine Located?

Discover the geographical wonders of Maine and its diverse regions. #MaineLocation #exploremaine

💑 Is Maine a Community Property State?

Unravel the legalities of property division in Maine and learn about equitable distribution. #MaineLaw #PropertyRights

💰 Does Maine Tax Social Security?

Explore Maine's tax policies on retirement benefits, including Social Security and more. #MaineTax #Retirement

🏦 Does Maine Have an Inheritance Tax?

Understand Maine's estate tax exemptions and thresholds. #EstateTax #Inheritance

❄️ Will Maine Get Snow This Year?

Get insights into Maine's winter forecasts and what to expect. #MaineSnow #winterwonderland

🌪️ Has Maine Ever Had a Tornado?

Learn about Maine's tornado history and its impact on the state. #MaineTornado #WeatherHistory

👑 Has Maine Ever Won Miss America?

Discover Maine's connections to the Miss America pageant. #MissAmerica #MainePride

🐍 Does the State of Maine Have Snakes?

Explore Maine's snake population and the absence of venomous species. #MaineWildlife #SnakesOfMaine

🗣️ Do People in Maine Have Accents?

Dive into the unique Maine accent and its cultural significance. #MaineAccent #culturalheritage

😊 Are People in Maine Nice?

Experience the warmth and friendliness of Maine's residents. #MaineKindness #FriendlyMainers

💼 Who is Maine's Largest Employer?

Explore the economic landscape of Maine and its major employers. #MaineEconomy #TopEmployers

🏡 Is Maine a Good Place to Live?

Uncover the reasons why Maine stands out as a desirable place to call home. #MaineLife #qualityoflife

Whether you're a local Mainer or someone curious about this enchanting state, this video has something for everyone. Join us as we delve into the heart of Maine and answer your most pressing questions!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all things Maine. If you're considering making Maine your home, remember, you don't have to do it alone! 🏠

#MakeMaineYourHome #MaineFAQs #ExploreMaine #MaineAdventures #DiscoverMaine #MaineLife #MaineLove #MaineExploration #MaineTravel #MaineDreams #MaineLiving #MaineBeauty #MaineOutdoors #MaineCulture

In this video, we delve into the recent lawsuit filed against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its implications for the real estate industry. As a Realtor in Maine, it's crucial to understand how these changes may affect our local market.

Firstly, let's address what NAR is and why this lawsuit matters. NAR is the largest trade association for real estate professionals, setting standards and guidelines for the industry nationwide. The lawsuit challenges certain practices regarding commission structures and their impact on consumers.

One of the key questions is whether the prohibition resulting from this lawsuit will ultimately save money for sellers or buyers. While it's tempting to assume that lower commissions would benefit both parties, it's essential to remember that commission rates are always negotiable. Additionally, the seller typically pays the agency, which then decides how to compensate the buyer's broker. This dynamic could potentially remain unchanged despite the lawsuit's outcome.

Maine has notably differed in its approach to real estate transactions, requiring signed agreements before showing properties. This regulation adds an extra layer of complexity to the discussion, influencing how buyers and sellers interact with Realtors.

Moreover, the impact on VA loans cannot be overlooked. Changes in commission structures may affect how Realtors work with buyers using VA loans, potentially altering the visibility of commission rates and the overall process of how we get paid.

It's essential to stay informed about these developments, especially considering that the changes are slated to go into effect in July if passed. As members of the real estate community, it's our responsibility to adapt to these shifts and continue providing exceptional service to our clients.

Join us as we navigate through these changes and explore what they mean for the future of real estate in Maine and beyond. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest news and insights from the Make Maine Your Home Team. If you're considering making Maine your home, you don't have to do it alone!

Welcome to our latest adventure on the Make Maine Your Home channel! Today, we're lacing up our skates and gliding into the winter wonderland of Maine to explore the absolute best places to ice skate. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, Maine offers a diverse range of ice skating experiences that will leave you enchanted.



Join us as we embark on a journey through some of Maine's most picturesque outdoor skating destinations, like the serene Great Pond in Cape Elizabeth. Discover the magic of gliding across frozen expanses surrounded by nature's beauty, but remember, safety always comes first. We'll share insights into how to stay safe on the ice, including tips on monitoring ice thickness and other essential aspects that can make or break your day of skating bliss.



But that's not all – we'll also delve into the vibrant arena scene in Maine, highlighting gems like the William B. Troubh Ice Arena, Family Ice Arena, and Casco Bay Arena. Whether you're craving a spirited game of hockey or leisurely laps around the rink, these arenas offer something for everyone. And let's not forget about the illustrious North Yarmouth Academy, where skaters of all ages come together to enjoy the thrill of gliding on ice.



So, whether you're seeking the tranquility of outdoor skating or the excitement of arena action, Maine has it all. Join us as we uncover the best places to ice skate in Maine and experience the magic for yourself. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell to stay updated on all things Maine – because if you Make Maine Your Home, you don't have to do it alone!