My First Year in Maine! Moving Advice, Winter Tips & What I've Learned! 

As a native Mainer who was born and raised there, (and although I no longer living there it will always be home)…it is fun to watch your videos. It is interesting to hear an “out of stater’s” perspective. Also refreshing and lovely to see how you love Maine, appreciate its cool towns, interesting spots to explore, it’s beauty and its quirks, too! Nice to know too that you have made friends with the locals who are helping you navigate your new territory. Maine is sooo beautiful and special and I love knowing you appreciate it. Nothing more annoying than someone who moves there and speaks poorly of its land and people. You have such a beautiful and open heart for learning new cultures, etc. continue to enjoy. You are a delight!

Native Vermonter here, and as a Northern New Englander? I would have to say I’d never live anywhere else. I love Boston and Toronto. Wow! I would love to live there part-time and your tips and your story were very helpful. Oh, billboards? No way, not here in VT, either! The second you travel into Northern New England? You know it. You can see the mountains, trees, landscape, foliage…

I know this is a bit late, but welcome to Maine! I'm happy to see that you're having fun in your new home. I enjoyed listening to you describe your experiences because so many of them rang true. I moved here (western Maine near Farmington) in November of 2013 and boy did we have a winter that year. Songs will be written about that winter. The temps fell to -23 and we survived about four snow storms (among others) where multiple feet of snow fell (each one). Yeah, the winters can be rough. Autumns are to die for though. I've said on a number of October occasions that "this has got to be the most beautiful day I've ever lived." One piece of advice that I don't think you touched on: if you want to plant a garden, begin growing indoors in March and don't plant outside until June 1st. That's a rule the locals live by. Thanks!

Mainer here! 👍 Great video, I enjoyed hearing an outsiders perspective, I grew up in Casco. Margaritas (There's one in Portland) is our goto Mexican. Salvage BBQ also in Portland for bbq meats, maybe not exactly what you are used to but very good.

How wonderful for you. You are delightful and I wish you lots of good health and blessings. You are incredibly brave and inspiring. 🎉

I just stumbled upon this video and it was so much fun watching! I, on a whim, decided one day I wanted to move to Maine, while living in Nashville. Previously I'd lived in Texas where my mom's family is from and where I spent many summers and holidays. By some twist of fate I met my now husband while living in Nashville and he was from Maine. I didn't understand at the time he was REALLY from Maine, figuring he was from there like I was "from" Tennessee originally, but had no real ties there. We moved to Maine in 2007 and have been here ever since. I can relate to so many of the things you mention as an "outsider" living in Maine. Though, I laugh that Saco/Biddeford is a small town for Maine! I'm living near Bethel/Sunday River and it's a ghost town at 6 pm! Anyway, so glad you're enjoying your move! As for food, I've taken to ordering through Goldbelly from my favorite Mexican restaurant and have even got ice cream from a shop in Fort Worth!

One extra cool thing about all the little road side stands that sell things, is the trust system with a lock box for you to put your cash into and take your goods. Most common things here in Northern Maine are camp wood and vegetables. It's so convenient and nice to be trusted really. Some people will take advantage of that system, but most people around here just don't do that. It's a great state. I struggle with winter but there's so many awesome things here it's worth that 7 month torture every year😆😁

As a native Mainer who actually moved to Kansas last year (we basically switched places 😂 college is just super cheap here and I love to travel) I feel like it’s important to mention heating your house in the winter, electric heat is super rare in Maine and unless you’re right in Portland there’s no natural gas hookups so you have to have the gas shipped in to your house usually, and some companies only do a 100gal minimum so some winters it can cost atleast 3-400$ just to have heat in your house, it’s definitely a problem for Mainers in poverty

I'm moving from MA to Maine, am used to the New England weather, but learned it is very different in Maine! Temps for example. it is already in the 80's here in the valley of Western MA, yet I saw it's in the 50's where I plan to move in Maine. An I plan to work on the water, so it will be even colder! 😮 It's Autumn weather in Summer!

Fantastic video Thank you! You are wonderful to listen too!

I love the snow ❄️ and HATE the heat! So happy for your new love... you're a beautiful person.

I just discovered you on RU-vid and me and my hubby also want to move to Maine. I think your great! And admire how you just up and moved there. God bless I look forward to watching more videos.

Hey there! I made the decision to move to Maine in the next few years, by myself with my dog. I went there with some family and fell in love, and knew Maine was where I wanted to live in the future. I am currently living in Colorado, and getting my degree, but know Maine is where I am meant to be. I appreciate all of your tips, and can not wait to live in Maine in the future.

Megan, I keep checking in on your channel. Dying to see the new apartment decorated for Fall/Halloween. Sorry so dramatic. I am counting on you as I live my Texas turned New Englander Daydreams through you. Hope you are doing GREAT! Fill us in soon

Good on you. Maine is a beautiful state. I just couldn’t bear the winters. Shoveling snow is good exercise, though. Stay strong.

I love your videos! My family and I will be moving to Maine after we flip our house and sell it! 🥰

I'm a fellow Texas DYING to get out of this state, especially now, and Maine's no billboard policy would blow my mind. It's one of my deepest hatreds. They're pure evil and they're everywhere here. Thanks for the tips!! I'm so happy for you and looking forward to more Maine info. ☺️👍

Hey Megan! Your videos are so great. I’ve really loved watching you since a few months ago when I discovered your channel. I dream of living in Maine one day, maybe going to college there, and seeing your journey has been wonderful. You are such a great person and have a beautiful personality!

Very inspiring. I live in Texas right now and very much considering moving to Maine. Thanks for this insight.

I was born and raised in Maine but have lived in the desert southwest for the past 30+ years. We have often thought of moving back but the thought of long cold snowy winters always make us change our minds. Having said that we do miss the beauty of grass, trees and water. I hope you continue enjoying Maine.

No billboards is great! I knew it looked so much better but couldn't place why, no advertising. Enjoyed your video.

Just found your Channel and I think you’re adorable!!! Enjoyed the video and plan on watching many more🩷

Well you are very honest and a great addition to our state. However, you actually live in northern Massachusetts. You will find that people north of Augusta have a different mind set on how to survive in this world. Not saying it is right or wrong, just different. Politically more conservative and the towns are closer knit. Very charitable people that have very little themselves. Glad you’re here, do some exploring to the north, you’ll have a better story when you can talk about Maine, not just northern Massachusetts.

First I found your videos awhile back trying to find videos of Maine to show my 9 year old daughter. My husband and I are planning a move and wanted her input. He's pushing for Maine lol Watching your videos is like watching a friend remind me to hey let it go and just do it. Stop finding reasons to say no.

Megan Hi I’m in Texas now for 15 years. I want to make a move so bad….. It’s so hot here and the tornadoes 🌪️ are making life here miserable. Can you give me some input as to what made you to finally make the decision to pack up and leave. I’m considering doing the same.

As a New Englander and someone living in Maine right now, I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. You really do have a delightful personality. I pray things go well for you. And if you can get into Vermont more often in the summer, it really is I believe the loveliest of the “Tri-state” area Of New England. The juxtaposition of the open rural farm land with The forests and hills and mountains is beautiful, especially in the fall, with its many good hard packed back country roads. Do try to see the Von Trapp family Lodge in Stowe.

There is a huge difference between southern and northern Maine. Southern Maine is Democrat, whereas northern Maine is Trump-infested. Even so, they are all nice people, oddly enough (I guess, as long as you're white and straight). lol The winters are brutal up north but the summers are worth paying that price. I chose northern Maine because there are barely any people. It's lovely and I never want to leave here.

I felt the way you described when I moved to TX!!! Ironically, I am planning on moving to Maine because of the natural beauty!!!

Hi Megan! Your videos helped me with my research into Maine. And now I'm here in Auburn as of one month ago! I've lived in Arizona pretty much my whole life and I relate so hard to missing the amazing mexican food! I've been exploring and trying to meet new people since I'm mostly starting fresh here. It's absolutely gorgeous here in Maine and I'm thankful for your inspiring videos. Thanks for the tips as this will be my first real Winter and I'm pretty nervous on what to expect.

As a fellow Texan I'm super excited to see your fall videos!!!

I’ve been researching Maine (as well as a few other states) in regards to a possible move. I’m looking for 5-10 rural acres. My main concerns (requirements) would be as follows…….1) as few restrictions as possible for living off grid. 2) taxes. 3) quality of health care 4) cost of living. I have lived in central/southern Illinois my whole life and tired of the broke/corrupted state but my elderly parents will not move and I understand. They need my help so I’m here for a while. Thanks in advance for any input.

I moved to Maine from Iowa last year!

I'm so sick of billboards lmao, I live in a city where seeing ads for cosmetic surgery or car accident attorneys are EVERYWHERE. Though watching your journey up to Maine has been exciting and insightful!

I used to live in Harrison and moved to Illinois when I was 7. I wanna go back!

Just wanted to thank you for putting this out there. I am planning on moving there this summer. I live in Florida. But have wanted to live there for the last 10 years and more so with the more changes in our country. I want small. So thank you

Please please please don’t move to Maine please

I live in Maine.... What a glowing review of our beautiful State. - I'm glad you enjoy the lifestyle.

Hey Megan . my name is Ethan . I'm moving to Maine from Maryland in September. just wanted to say I appreciate your thoughtful explanations of the small stuff and how impactful ignoring the small differences can be. thanks again can't wait to join you all in paradise 😃

Congratulations! That was a courageous move. I love it!❤️

Lol I was in Camden in June it was cold and raining, but Bar Harbor was gorgeous!

Girl, my hubby and I moved to Maine from Texas too. We lived there for three years. We had to relocate to Oregon for work. But, we plan on moving back to Maine in a couple of years. Both Oregon and Maine are super magical. But, Maine felt more like home.... and yes, we surely missed chips and queso, tacos and all of the tex mex. We just had to make it for ourselves. We'd invite neighbors over and share with them.

Hello from Whitefield Maine

Is it hard to find jobs there?

you live in Maine and now i say you are a Mainah, welcome! from one Mainah to anothah! ayuh

Your awesome, so thankful for your video, the insight and to see how you have made Maine your home 🏡!

My wife and I are looking into Maine. I’m from Dallas as well and she’s from Georgia. We both actually live in Roswell, New Mexico and we help run an alien shop. It’s what makes it tough because we do so well. Tourism is my strong suit for work but I can’t afford to be shut down for winter job wise. So the job thing is the biggest hurdle, and living because I know apartments are scarce and homes are outta my price range for now! But we do photography and would love to capture the falls, and lighthouses, and coast and New England etc. NM is so big and getting anywhere takes awhile. Would love to be able to zip around and see a lot and not have to go as far!

Megan, thanks for sharing your 1st year experience in Maine. Hubby and I are originally from the suburbs of Philly, moved to Texas and currently live in Arizona. Our possible adventure/hubby's job may relocate us to Maine, specifically Caribou. I miss being back east and the change of seasons. I wish hubby's job would be closer to Portland. We lived a rural life on the border of Texas and Mexico, so I guess Caribou is rural, just different scenery. Happy New Years!

Hi Meg!!!! I'm seriously considering moving to Maine! The Portland area, preferably! I live in Florida, born and raised, and I have to say Florida is just becoming too hot 🔥, expensive, and more and more depressing! Yes! Florida... And I thought I would never say that 😔 😪 😕 😐 🤧! But I heard nothing but great things about Maine, and I stumbled upon your channel, saying you from a hot climate such as Texas, so when you said Maine is the place to live! I totally agree with you!

Thank you for posting this. It answered many questions I’ve had, but also prompted others. I know this sounds crazy, but I want to move to Maine even though I’ve never been. I have a great friend who was born and raised in Maine; she’s told me so much about her family and how wonderful it was growing up there. I have watched dozens and dozens of videos of and about Maine-not just “touristy” videos, but all videos I could find about life in the state. I am a life-long Marylander and I am SO OVER the Hellish summers 🥵 and the malignancy of urban sprawl, eating up what’s left of Maryland’s countrysides. My kids are grown and I just want the peaceful solitude of trees, animals and birds but NOT subdivisions or neighbors. I love what you described-roadside stands, yard sales, antiquing, farmer’s markets, a slower laid back pace of life. That’s for me! I love my singledom and have zero interest in dating. I don’t mind cold weather and I love snow! I enjoy camping, kayaking, (also “cat-yaking”bc I take my cat with me!) hiking, and I’m a wild bird enthusiast. I just subscribed tonight and will check back in for more content. Thanks again for sharing your Texas-to-Maine experience, this far! You’ve inspired me!

Funny girl! I moved from Maine to Fort Hood. I moved back! LOL Turns out I love Maine too! Xo

I am watching your video for the second time… once earlier this year when we were planning our move and again now… since I’ve been living in Maine for 6+ months. And I just wanted you to know how helpful this has been :)

You didn’t move to Maine, you moved to Western Massachusetts. Aroostook county is Maine. A completely different world from Saco. Anyway, welcome to Southern Maine.

Welcome to Maine. Great decision. From KY lived here 22 years

I loved watching your video. I am looking to move from CT to ME in the fall. Right now I am trying to narrow down a city to live in. My sister lives in Damariscotta and she loves it. I've been watching a lot of videos to educate myself. Best of luck to you and I'm happy you are so happy with your move.

Well your video is a year old now, but we just moved up here as well in the far north and so far I love it. Hoping to survive the winter but I really enjoy the people here and the small town feeling. Where we are is very quiet and absolutely gorgeous. I have to cook my own "home" state foods (Mexican/asian) but I did that where I came from anyways so no big deal.

I smiled through this entire video.

ever hear of climate change? there is no more New England winters here anymore!

Maine is a terrible place, please save yourself and move to Tennessee instead. Maine has nothing but 10 months of winter and 2 months of hordes of bloodsucking bugs, mosquitos, black flies and billions of ticks that all carry Lyme disease.

Texas born and raised. Been in Maine for over 30 years. Wouldn’t move back to Texas. Totally get missing good Tex-Mex food.

thanks for your video! I may move for work, but will find out later. I love Maine and notice how expensive housing is though.

Hmmm..no mention of LOBSTER ! Maine is famous for lobster

I was born and raised in maine.

Meg, I lived in Massachusetts for over two decades (blizzard of 78!), am now in KY, and thinking hard of moving back to New England (my adopted home) because of major life changes and no ties in this state. Cold and snow don't scare me and I love the outdoors, but I'm on a very limited budget. Rural Maine looks doable financially. You provide a good overview here. Enjoy being a Mainer! Wishing you the best (and hoping I get back up there myself later this year or in 2024).

Spent two weeks in Camden Maine during Christmas years ago, completely fell in love with it. Drove south then drove way north on the old highway to Bangor, took the Cat ferry to Nova Scotia and it was just awesome. It definitely leaves you wanting to move there. It's quaint, some businesses close at noon, 2pm, by 4pm during the winter too. The tiny towns go all out decorating for Christmas with super thick evergreen window and door entry trim and wreaths, red bows, it's gorgeous. No central air is needed, it simply isn't found in homes there if you look to buy. You should have a minimum of 1 week of backup water, food, batteries, candles, medications for power outages. For me, either a wood burning stove or a fireplace is critical there for heat, lighting, cooking and astheticly, it just makes it wonderful, and convenient. You won't find many homes there without one or the other, or both for sale, it's the norm. Spring and fall there is amazing. There's a mystical ambiance and mood there, especially watching the waves hit the rocks at the light houses. The fresh crisp air is wonderful, (no offense but excluding Portland - dirty, unsightly and loads of pollution where a lot of manufacturing industries on the outskirts of Portland are located. Mountains with the changing colors in leaves in the fall are gorgeous. Ever heard of Don McClain, the musician, he is from a town just outside of Camden, when you listen to his music, the story lines just come alive listening to them, makes one really understand and appreciate the lyrics in his music, especially the folk and ballots. Be sure if you walk on trails to keep a long distance spraying bear spray in your vehicle and in your home too. Best wishes to you, living your dream! I think it's wonderful.

😃 She went camping for the first time of her life. Right on, it's good to hear about so much of your happiness now in Maine.

I have lived in Kennebunk for 1 year now and I don't like it. I'm from Colorado and am counting the days for when I can move back home. It gets very hot in the summer and with humidity it's worse than being in 115 degrees. Nobody has air conditioning!!! The health care here is horrible, Dr's are retiring and wait lists for Dr, Dentist, pet groomer, hair dressers, auto mechanics are very very long, 2 months minimum. Food is expensive, finding a place to live is extremely difficult as there isn't a whole lot of new growth going on here. Come for a visit, but do not move here!

Hi Megan! I would like to move to Maine as well (also looking into the Biddeford area). I've been looking at housing online and they are quite pricey. Any areas near Biddeford you recommend? Also, how difficult was it for you to find a job there? Thanks and keep sharing your experiences there!!

I was stationed at Loring AFB in 1981, located in Limestone. Beautiful place, nice people, but long and cold winter..

Hey 👋🏻 New to your channel and from the UK I’d love to live in Maine. Although my dream could be a few years away or not at all, it’s great to hear your perspective. Just curious, what is the average cost of a full tank of gas for a standard car for you? Looking forward to seeing other videos on your channel. Thanks for posting

Im in FL 🙄originally from MI. I can't stand FL. I get a heat rash on my back and have to shower 2x a day. I don't have a car.

I have been watching your videos and am inspired by them. I have never been to Maine, but I fell in love with it years ago in photos and watching Yankee on PBS. My life situation changed a lot this month, and I am seriously considering moving to Maine on my own just as you did. I am much older than you, though. I would like to know more about what is available housing-wise. What are the rents like, and what do you get for X amount of dollars? Could you give some examples? What is occupancy like now? I, too, and in DFW, and we are at about 98% occupancy. The thought of slogging through another miserably hot and humid Summer trying to find another place to live (the house I am living in now is being sold, so I must move) does not appeal. I figure if I have to slog about trying to find a place to live, then I would rather do it there than here. I figure I have less than 20 years left on this earth now, so it is now or never. In addition to housing costs, what are utility costs like? Is it crucial to find a property with under floor heating? I imagine it would be. Are most properties dog friendly? I have a Lab. Thanks, Megan!

We will be in Maine the first week of Maine but we go to Monhegan Island. It is a beautiful place to visit.

Hi Meg! I truly appreciate your helpful tips. I'm specifically thinking about moving to Concord or Portsmouth! I live in California born and raised. Very concerned about the weather. Thank you for all you've said! I thought I definitely had decided, on moving there. You really given me some things, to think about. I appreciated that!

this is off topic but you have such a friendly face, you are so warm and bubbly and welcoming!!!

Texan here! I'm looking to move here after I graduate college, thanks for the video😁

Your podcast is really good.

Thank you for sharing! I am also from Texas and thinking of relocating for very similar reasons as you had. Did you up and move by yourself or with children?

You are so sweet! I can see why you fit right in… I did what you did, 10.5 years ago when I lost my husband. Except, I moved to the smokies of western NC on TN border. When I’m Rome… yeah some locals took me in and it made all the difference. I moved here from SE Ga . Been coming here my whole life. Fast forward… half of forida has now moved here! I think the other haf and California is coming! Lol oh my… my taxes are so high on my home now and it’s just not why I moved here. I wanted the four seasons and rural and … so! I’ve been kinda looking for a place thst I can go to that fits my original intent. I lived in Adirondacks of upstate NY as a teenager and early 20s. So, the snow and cold is fine. Im a quilter and have plenty of hobbies, i dont get bored. So, I’ve kind of been looking at Maine. I figure the Floridians won’t go there. Lol I don’t like how people move to places and want to change it into what they left behind. Im sure you understand what I’m saying. Anyway, nice to dons your channel. Im so glad you found someone to have fun with. Im in mid 50s and been a widow for long time. It’s hard to find good, down to earth people. Truthfully, ive not tried too hard. Im a homebody. Good and bad… I think I’d be happy there, but I probably need to come visit. I e looked up north east maine mostly, trying to find what’s reasonable.

My boy said mon is so very cool maine,😂😂

First, your intro is gorgeous! Also, thank you for this video. It’s been my life’s dream to move to NE, especially Maine, and this video is so helpful.

Funny, I'm from Texas...military...living in Germany...visited Maine in 2018 and we are going to retire there as well. Good to see another Texan nearabouts!

I've lived in Texas for a long while. I'm originally from Colorado. I lived in Maine in 2016 and 2019. I want to make Maine my forever home beginning in 2025. Working now to ensure I can make that happen.

Thank you for the video. We are a family of 5 planning to move from the Austin area to Maine. Your video made my wife feel more comfortable with the idea.

I loved your video, thank you!! Single girl here with no ties to Maine but I've been obsessed with the state for yrs & yrs. I've played w the idea for about a yr now & lately been looking into it more in depth. Thanks again!! ❤

OMG. The look on your face when you said you wore a sweater 3 times in the summer. It was beautiful!! And I understand. I’m not sure I wore a sweater even in the winter when I lived in Texas!!!

I am planning on move very soon. This video was helpful, thank you. :)

Winter in maine is when you REALLY see how mainers live.

Came across your video and although late welcome to New England. I live in Rhode Island but vacationed in Maine for many years. Might be a place to retire. We shall see. Best part about New England is experiencing all four seasons. Great channel. Glad I found it.

It sounds wonderful there! I truly admire you so much. You are very intelligent with an independent spirit and youthful optimism. All women, indeed all people, could take a leaf from your book, Megan.

Just subscribed....I live in Florida and had planned to move to Portland, Maine but had changed my mind but after seeing your video I am again motivated to move to Maine. I grew up in Connecticut and miss the New England States... Great video..... Your advise is golden....Thanks

You went from a hurricane preparedness kit to a snow kit. We are visiting in a few weeks for our anniversary. So excited. Thank you for this info. and all the best to you.

Go to Maine my entire life and never realize that there was no bill boards wow

Thanks for your tips! I have visited my son there a couple times now and planning to visit in Fall - finally! Your enthusiasm makes me feel like he made a good choice moving from California a year ago. And I love to visit!

I love this video! As a recently-minted Mainer, this made me feel so happy and positive and excited about my new home state! xx

You're so fun to listen to. How refreshing! I am moving to Maine in 2025 from Colorado. I'm a native of Colorado and love it but want to move to Maine so I can also have an ocean nearby. And of course Lobster!! I'm moving by myself and am soo excited for a new adventure ❤

Hey Megan i moved here from out west too!! i ve been here for 2 yrs now. And every time i have talked to a long time Mainer and told them how much i love living here , you know what their response is every time? Their response is thats great, now when your friends from back home ask you how you like it here .... tell them you hate it !!! And i totally understand why . Why megan would you want to ruin our great state by making it overly populated with people . dont you see you that would ruin what you i and so many others love about Maine . the small town feeling ,the no traffic , being able to see wildlife everywhere and i could name so many other things . But this is really dumb think about your actions a lil bit and change your topics / spin . STICK WITH YOUR SWEET TEA AND SOUTHERN FOOD .

My mind is made up. I will be relocating to Maine. My question is, how abundant is the Mushroom picking and wild forging ?

Moving from NE Pennsylvania to Maine because of the city people pouring in from NYC, Philly, Baltimore and Boston.

Enjoyed your video. Really great! Organized, easy to follow, awesome tips, concise & upbeat. Congratulations on trying something bold & new. Your VERY brave moving from Tx to Maine. New Englanders aren't exactly known for being " warm & welcoming but can make good friends once you get to know them. Affordable housing is much harder post Covid unfortunately.

Your are so beautiful my dear !!! lovely video !!!