So, you’ve finally made the decision to make your summer vacation a permanent state of affairs. Congratulations! First, you’ll need to make sure you have good tires. Since you’re used to summers here, you may not be prepared for our road conditions during the other 10 months of the year. There’s more you might not expect when moving to Maine. Here’s a list of just a few things you should remember.

1. The kindness of your new neighbors.
Tim Reed / Flickr
You may not be expecting how downright giving your new neighbors will be. Need a saw? We've got one! Need some butter? We've got that, too!
2. The winters have not been exaggerated.
Michelle Tribe / Flickr
When people back home heard you were moving to Maine they told you to bring a coat. You thought it was just one of those things people say. Nope. It's true. While this winter has felt like a breeze, most are exactly what it looks like on TV.
3. But, Maine summers are exactly what you remember.
smilla4 / Flickr
If you can get through the winter, the summer is so very worth it. People will tell you Maine is cold. Remember to send them a photo of a perfect July day spent sitting on the front porch watching the clouds go by.
4. Your new friends will want to drop by.
damanhur_ms / Flickr
Be prepared for your dinner table to turn into this on any given night of the week. If your light is on, we'll just assume you're ready for guests.
5. We have a terrible state bird.
John Hayes / Flickr
If you thought mosquitoes were only bad down south, you haven't spent enough time in the Maine woods.
6. We are more than just coast land.
That Guy DouG / Flickr
A common misconception of Maine is that nothing worth seeing lies away from the coast. That could not be less true. Our inland areas are teeming with wildlife, adventure and acres of beautiful farmland.

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7. You'll eat more than lobster here.
ems18 / Flickr
There is so much delicious food to eat in Maine and it's NOT just seafood. Get off the beaten path and find places like Spring Creed BBQ!
8. You actually CAN get there from here, Bub.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Contrary to popular belief, we do have roads. Most are even paved! The route from point A to point B might be a bit more circuitous than you're used to, but you'll get there.
9. But, not in the spring.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Because that's when Maine has to fix everything that the winter did to the roads. Sorry. You might want to cancel your plans during these weeks.
10. Wintry roads are not your biggest vehicular risk.
Jim Liestman / Flickr
Moose can cause serious accidents and we have LOTS of them. So, even if those rural roads looks fun to zip around on, be careful.
11. Our politics run the gamut.
DonkeyHotey / Flickr
We vote conservative AND we vote progressive. Don't expect a state full of one or the other.
12. We are not all from the backwoods.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Maine has a few different impressive skylines, including that of Portland.
13. We're friendly, but you'll always be from away.
Ryan Hyde / Flickr
We're glad to have you (and the dollars you'll spend in our state!) but remember that we might always be a bit bitter about more flatlanders finding out our beautiful, secret state. Sorry.

What other advice would you give to folks moving to Maine? Try to be nice. “Stay home” is not the sort of advice we’re looking for. Take it to our Facebook page for more conversation.

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