From its affordable cost of living to its world-famous seafood, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about living in Maine. But its grim winters, heavy taxes, and lack of entertainment may present too many downsides to living in the Pine Tree State.

If you’re considering moving to Maine, you’re going to want to go over all the pros and cons before finalizing such an important decision. For some, Maine may be the exact change of scenery and lifestyle you desire—but for others, the drawbacks may be too much to overlook.

Thankfully,

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, has curated a list of the most significant pros and cons of living in Maine so you can be well informed before your move to Maine. We can even help you find the lowest

Maine insurance costs

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Pro: Minimal traffic

One of the biggest benefits of the secluded location of Maine is its lack of traffic congestion. Despite only being a handful of hours away from metropolitan hotspots, like Boston and New York City, Maine ranks as the 17th best state in terms of traffic, only getting beat out by incredibly rural states, such as the Dakotas, Iowa, and Montana.

Low population density and small cities allow for clear roads, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress. The lack of traffic also helps you save on your

car insurance

. When there are fewer cars on the road, you have less of a risk for a collision, resulting in Maine insurance rates sitting well below the national average.

Con: Wicked winter

If you’re looking to move somewhere you can soak up the sun for the majority of the year, Maine is absolutely not for you. On paper, the cold season is only from the end of November to early March—but the average temperatures tell a different story. We regret to inform you that five months out of the year average temperatures are below freezing.

We hope you like snow because you’re going to be getting a lot of it. The snowy period here lasts for more than six months, with an annual average of 50 to 70 inches of snowfall along the coast, and a mind-boggling 60 to 110 inches inland. This might sound like a skier’s idea of paradise, but for everyone else, our biggest piece of advice is to buy a shovel before you need a shovel.

MORE: Does car insurance cover weather damage?

Pro: Little crime

You should always feel safe in your home, which is why an area’s crime rate is so important when deciding on where to move. You’ll be happy to know that Maine ranked dead last in crime rate in the US, with a minuscule 1.1 crimes per 1,000 people.

To put the level of crime into perspective, a survey conducted by Safewise found that the most common crime residents have experienced was package theft. Now, we’re not making light of package theft, but if that’s the most common crime, then we’d chalk that up as a win.

Already low to begin with, property crime in Maine has steadily declined over the last two years. Not only can this help you sleep easy, but it can also help you keep your

home insurance

rates low. Safe areas equal more affordable insurance since there is less risk of damage or burglary, which would result in a claim being paid out.

Con: High cost of living

So, crime and traffic are practically non-existent, why not move to Maine right now? Well, no state has everything. To enjoy these luxuries, you’re going to have to pay elsewhere. Maine’s cost of living index is higher than the national average, with the most expensive category being groceries.

In a study performed by The Senior List using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maine was calculated to be the sixth most expensive state to live in. According to their research, 91.3% of income goes towards basic necessities, whereas the national average is only 81%. In fact, a family of four needs a household income of over $67,000 to live.

Housing is also more expensive in Maine than in the rest of the country. According to Zillow, the average house here costs $364,279, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly $1,600 per month.

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Pro: The lobster

No list about life in Maine would be complete without discussing its one-of-a-kind seafood. Known as the lobster capital of the US, the Maine catch reigns supreme thanks to its prime location along the northern Atlantic Ocean.

We know what you’re thinking—there are plenty of states along the Atlantic, so why is Maine’s lobster better? The secret actually lies in the water’s temperature. The cold Atlantic changes the composition of the lobsters by tenderizing them and creating a more chewy crustacean. The lobsters here are also more nutritious thanks to the cold water preventing salt from being absorbed into the meat.

MORE: Car inspection in Maine

Con: High taxes

Taxes—no one likes to talk about them, but they’re important to understand because they can vary by state. According to WalletHub, Maine ranks as the number four state in terms of most percentage of your income going towards taxes, with an expected 10.5%. If you’re moving to Maine for work, you should also know a graduated income tax rate of 5.8% to 7.1% will be imposed.

Not only are homes more expensive in Maine, but you’re also going to pay more in property taxes. The state’s average property tax rate is 1.3%, while the national average sits at 1.07%. Androscoggin County has the highest average taxes in Maine at 1.7%, and you’ll find the lowest taxes in Hancock County, where the average rate is 1%.

Pro: Outdoor activities

Surrounded by an abundance of natural elements, Maine is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Not only are there nearly 3,500 miles of scenic coastline, but 74% of the entire state is also covered by forests (Maine has been nicknamed the Pine Tree State after all). The opportunities for outdoor fun are seemingly endless—and the activities available change with the seasons.

Get closer to nature at the famous Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park, where you can hike, fish, and boat as much as your heart desires. Also known for their rich collection of lighthouses, stop by

Portland

or Nubble Lighthouse for postcard-worthy views.

Then, in the extended winters, drop into any of the state’s ski resorts, like the top-rated Sugarloaf. The 1,240 miles of skiable terrain make it the second largest ski area in the East and the 200 feet of annual snowfall keep the slopes active until May!

Con: Lackluster entertainment

While Maine does have nature on its side, the state is majorly lacking in other forms of entertainment. Sure, the Patriots represent New England, but there are no major sports teams that play in Maine. The closest professional sports hub would be Boston, which can make it difficult to attend a game depending on which part of Maine you live in.

Concerts and other shows are also less likely to plan a stop on their tour in Maine, due to the lack of high-capacity venues. Acts are known to stop in Portland, but their 6,206-seat arena seriously limits any big-name performances.

MORE:

How many dogs can you have in Maine?

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Con: Minimal diversity

Maine is one of the least culturally diverse states in the country, with a staggering 93.68% of residents identifying as White in the latest US Census Bureau survey. Black is the next largest demographic represented at just 1.39%, followed by Asian at 1.14%. Perhaps not a big deal to some, but for others that can make a big difference.

Living in an area without different cultures and thoughts can make life feel as if you are living in a bubble. In addition, minimal diversity can result in the stagnation of change or progress in a state’s philosophy, so it’s worth weighing out if you could live somewhere with these conditions.

Pro: Low unemployment

During the summer of 2022, unemployment in Maine dropped all the way to 2.8%, bringing it lower than its pre-pandemic levels. A positive sign for a rebounding economy, the job market here is actively hiring—music to the ears of anyone looking for work or moving without a job. If you are on the job hunt, we’re happy to report the minimum wage in Maine is $12.75 per hour, five dollars more than the federal minimum wage.

Healthcare is the most prominent sector of work in Maine, with personal care aides, registered nurses, and nursing assistants all ranking in the top 20 most popular jobs. Blue collar workers, like janitors, truckers, and freight laborers are also among the most available openings.

Minimal unemployment can also be attributed to Maine’s proximity to bigger cities, such as

Boston

and

Manchester

. If you settle in southern Maine, you can get to either of these cities in about one hour by car, further expanding the opportunity for employment.

Con: Wild animals

You never know what you may find in your backyard in Maine. With 58 mammal species currently accounted for within state borders, don’t be surprised if you’re visited by deer, Canada Lynx, or even Black Bears.

As preventative measures, repair all door screens, install chimney caps, cover any exhaust openings, and never feed any animal approaching your home.

Moose are also known to disregard traffic and wander across the street, so be prepared for sudden stops. In the instance where striking a moose is unavoidable, it's best to release the gas, and aim for the moose’s rear to minimize harm. All moose collisions must be reported by law, and a trooper will send a wildlife trooper to investigate the scene.

MORE: Collision vs. comprehensive car insurance

Is Maine a good place to live in?

Maine can be a great place to live, but like all states, there are definitely some drawbacks. If you’re mulling a move to the Pine Tree State, be sure to consider all the pros and cons before making your final decision.

Maine is an excellent state for:

Nature enthusiasts

Retirees

Healthcare employees

If the weather and wild animals sound like too much to bear, though, Maine might not be the best state for you.

How to upgrade your car insurance in Maine

No matter where you decide to start the next chapter of your life, moving there is going to be expensive. Allow

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FAQs

Is car insurance expensive in Maine?

Car insurance is significantly lower in Maine compared to the national average. Maine residents can expect to pay approximately $1,000 per year for full-coverage insurance, while the rest of the country pays an average of closer to $1,600.

Despite severe weather usually hiking premiums up, the minimal traffic and essentially non-existent crime keep rates nice and low.

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