Welcome to Maine
Your life in the Pine Tree State begins
Welcome to Maine
As the northernmost state in the New England region, Maine is bordered by New Hampshire, the Atlantic Ocean, and two Canadian provinces (New Brunswick and Quebec). It’s the only U.S. state that is only bound by one other state. The coast of Maine is hauntingly jagged and rocky, which has made it the focus of numerous poems and stories. With a humid continental climate, the summers here are typically warm while the winters are cold and snowy.
Although Augusta is the state capital, Portland is nearly three times as big and more popular among visitors. Maine is a highly nautical state, having a deeply-rooted history in shipbuilding and fishing. Lighthouses and shipyards line the coast, giving the state it’s picturesque ocean-loving appearance.
Maine Self-Storage Facts
Maine has enjoyed some steady population growth recently, and as a result is attracting more self-storage development and investment activity. In fact, a nationwide wave of new self-storage development is leaving just about no part of the country untouched as money pours into the sector. That's led to an uptick in new self-storage facilities in Maine.
Below are some statistics that provide an overview of the self-storage industry in Maine:
211
Maine is home to more than 211 self-storage facilities
3,855,227
Maine facilities offer more than 3,855,227 million square feet of storage space combined.
2.96
Maine has 2.96 square feet of storage space for every man, woman, and child. That's less than the national average of 5.4 square feet per person.
Reasons to Move to Maine
1
Economic dynamics. Most of Maine’s cities have built their economy on mid-size and private companies, making professionals everyday sort of people. If you want to play a significant part in your area’s finances, Maine is the place to be an economic pillar.
2
The white pines. Maine is known as “The Pine Tree State” because of its lush inland forests filled with eastern white pine. Although large swaths of these gorgeous woodlands were damaged by heavy logging a few centuries ago, a more serene site than the tall pines of Maine does not exist.
3
Oceanside lifestyle. Whether it’s hitching a boat ride with a seafaring friend or letting your toes sink into the warm sand on a summer’s day, the Atlantic Ocean offers plenty of satisfaction. In Maine, you can have that sort of lifestyle.
4
The lobster shacks. Mainers claim that you can have lobster rolls every day for lunch and never grow tired of them. The lobster is that good! Remember, you can’t judge the taste of the food by the shabbiness of the shack, either.
5
Diverse cuisine. Aside from the lobster, Maine offers plenty of unique eating opportunities. It’s even been said that Portland offers more restaurants per capita than New York City. If you’re a foodie, you won’t be disappointed in The Pine Tree State.
6
Peaceful country. When you’re not enjoying a seaside shanty or big city conveniences, the countryside in Maine is some of the most beautiful in the U.S. With acres of tranquil forests and a crisp, coastal line; you’re sure to reclaim your calm here.
7
Acadia National Park. Tucked away near the town of Bar Harbor, this 47,000-acre national park is home to some of the best hiking, kayaking, and adventuring in the country. The views are breathtaking, and the seasons change the scenery so often that it feels like four parks in one.
8
Backyard Wildlife. When was the last time a moose crossed the highway on your way to work? In Maine, it’s a very likely scenario. The wildlife here includes an array of rare birds, bears, and you can even spot whales off the coast.
9
The sea glass. Plenty of beaches are optimal for sea glass hunting, but Maine’s coast has a uniqueness to it. Some beaches are several nautical miles offshore, so your treasures can genuinely be kept a secret. Looking in the morning or evening will land you the most sea glass finds.
10
Festivals and fairs. This likes to celebrate numerous occasions with festivals galore. And local fairs are sure to drum up some excitement for Mainers, too. The best part is that most of its celebrations surround food!
Moving to Maine
Maine is the 42nd most populated state in the U.S., with only 1,338,404 individuals calling it home. Maine experienced a slow and steady growth of .28% from 2018 to 2019. These numbers represent about 1,000 new residents per year since the census in 2010. Strangely enough, this state is one of two where deaths outnumbered births in recent years. However, more people are still moving to Maine than leaving, which is offsetting the mortality rate. Cities, such as Portland and the Lewiston-Auburn area, have experienced the most growth.
Maine Economic Outlook
Much like its population growth, Maine’s economic increase has been on a steady incline, landing its GDP at $66.5 billion. Nicknamed “The Pine Tree State” for its vast forests, the production of paper and wood products remains the most valuable of all manufacturers in Maine. As of September 2019, Maine’s unemployment rate experienced a favorable downtick to 2.9%.
Since the recession of 2008, Maine’s economy has never looked better. Even though most of the state’s residents would enjoy seeing a quicker and more significant uptick in Maine’s financials, the forecast is more slow and steady. Unlike other states, Maine has very few massive companies with headquarters in the state. Instead, major cities depend on a firm professional culture made up of mid-size and privately owned businesses.
The natural beauty of Maine’s forests and coastline encourages over 70% of its residents to buy rather than rent. Of course, housing costs vary from city to city, but the overall cost of living score in Maine is 104.7, which is slightly higher than the national average. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare are relatively low, but food prices tend to fall on the top side.
Below is a breakdown of Maine’s largest sectors by real value added of GDP:
Who are Maine's Largest Employers?
Places to live in Maine
Of Maine’s 30,865 square miles of breathtaking white pines and jagged coastline, most Mainers choose to abide in Portland. However, several other cities make excellent places to set up camp. Here are three that top the list:
Portland
This city is filled with culinary diversity, lined with historic cobblestone streets, and it features a vibrant ocean setting lifestyle. With a population of 66,417, most individuals claim to enjoy living here for the reasons mentioned above. However, apartment hunting and winter parking bans top the list of disadvantages.
Lewiston
Lewiston lies inland from Portland about 30 miles and is well-known for having a low crime rate. The population hovers around 36,000, with living costs being lower than the national average. It boasts of outdoor recreational activities and an attractive setting. Since it’s so intertwined with the nearby city of Auburn, it’s often referred to as the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Bangor
With a slightly lower population than Lewiston, 32,695 individuals call Bangor home. The city has a strong sense of community, a quaint downtown, and is home to the University of Maine. Bangor has so much to offer; it’s listed as one of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S.