For a number of years now. I moved here to attend college at the university of Maine in Fort Kent. I've enjoyed Maine, so much so I've stayed long after graduating!
Portland is an excellent place if you intend to move to ME because it does have an active lgbt community at present and an overall nice atmosphere. Also, one of the cons of moving to Maine (lots of poverty and a lack of enough jobs) is not so much of an issue in the south around Portland, especially for students. I enjoyed the umaine system--but you should know if you just say "U of Maine" people will think you mean UMaine Orono which is much further North. I know a lot of people who have gone or are just finishing up at the u of southern Maine, and even some who went for law. It seems like a good school and my own experience up North were great.
Some Mainers will give you flack over being "from away", but college towns have much less of that. The weather is not as bad as everyone makes out, especially that far south in the state. Te hardest part is telling you what we may be in for in the future. Climate change is hurting the golf of Maine and effecting our lobstermen and fishermen. I expect this to come into play a lot in the next few years. This summer the price of local lobster dropped to $1.50 (on the docks). You can imagine what that'll do to the economy. However, Portland may be less effected due to its more urban nature. A lot of the state is rural or at least suburban.
I can't think of much else to tell you! Sorry if this isn't written well I'm not awake yet 
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read