Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
We have an idea! How about we all cash in, quit our jobs and live our lives the way life should be? If you’re one of the lucky folks already living in Maine while retired, you’re well on your way. But, the rest of us need a little inspiration for the day when we can wake up without an alarm and find new hobbies, enjoy time with friends and family and explore all that Vacationland has to offer. We’re here to offer some of that inspiration. Start thinking about the town you want to retire to, by reading through this list. HomeSnacks has put together a researched list of the best places to retire in Maine. This is based on measures including: low cost of living, low crime, things to do (measured by population density), nice weather and distance to the closest international air. The only thing left to do is…retire!
Modestly sized Brewer has a population of nearly 10,000 people. It ranks 8th on the list of best places to live due to cost of living. If you like to travel, it's about 4 miles from the nearest airport. And, crime is low.
With a population nearing 40,000, there's a good chance you've already got a friend in Lewiston! If not, it ranks 6th in terms of low crime, so you'll be okay talking to strangers. If you're a traveler, you're looking at a 31 miles trip to the closest airport. Good thing the surrounding area is beautiful. You don't need to leave!
If there ever was a more nautical Maine town than Bath, we'd like to hear about it! Bath is great for a visit, but it's a great place to retire due to its low cost of living and relative safety. And, you've got Dot's Ice Cream to enjoy all summer!
Imagine waking up, not going to work and heading here instead. Bug Light could be your new reality! Retire in South Portland for views like this and because it's safe, cheap and features the airport in its backyard.
It's possibly that Westbrook could be the coolest town in southern Maine! So, if you retire here, be ready for great new restaurants and even a possible snake sighting. Whatever happened to Wessie? Anyway, Westbrook has a population of nearly 20,000 people, which means lots of new friends.
Bangor is town with lots to do. From food to arts and culture, there's not much you'll miss out on by retiring here. But, it IS a bigger city so be prepared to lose out on some of the nature you might get in another place. Or, find your way to the local urban garden and pretend you're living in The County!
Finally! A recommended retirement town that's not in southern Maine. Caribou makes the list (albeit further down) due to it's tremendously low cost of living. In fact, Caribou ranks #1 on the list of lowest cost of living.
Ever have dreams of being that tweed jacket wearing, pipe smoking professor type? Make them a reality by moving to Waterville! A college town with lots to offer, those not looking for the life of a tenured professor might appreciate just being around young blood.
We're not completely sold on this one making the list, but here it is nonetheless. It's surely a great place to retire, but it's a bit more expensive than some of the others included here. The good news? You'll never lack new restaurants or opportunity to appreciate art!
This one isn't on the official list, but we added because there was a distinct lack of Maine islands! So, here you go. Teach yourself the skills to be a stern man and semi-retire in Vinalhaven, just a ferry ride from Rockland.
For those of you who grew up in Maine, take a trip down memory lane and see how many of these classic dishes remain a part of your everyday life!
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