The REAL Cost of Living in Maine

[@BradStephens]

What other topics would you want to hear about? Let me know below!

[@oldmanjimh3165]

@@despicablemaine160 Disagree. In the 'county' people go shopping and leave the car running and unlocked because of the lack of crime. What slum did you live in?

[@stephenk2282]

Thanks for the video. How about Healthcare in Maine?

[@cutiejen15]

Hey Brad. I’m VERY late at finding your video…have a job offer in Houlton, and I’m coming from Canada!!!! Any resources or suggestions! Looks like it’s slimmer pickings for homes/rent but the prices look better than southern Maine?

[@jg3094]

I'd like to hear an update based on the current inflation esp. food and utilities.

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

Unless Maine became a new Canadian province if Maine joined Canada. Maine might grow quickly and easily if this becomes a new Canadian province. There is nothing wrong with that.

[@biomanization]

The best part of the presentation was you Brad! Nice budget discussion and good humor!

[@thomasbrooks5370]

I’m a little late to this but just moved to Maine last year and it is incredibly beautiful and I love a lot about it. That being said if you’re a young person not looking to buy a house the mid coast area is extremely challenging. Most rent is over 1000 in an area where a lot of jobs are seasonal, you’ll be dealing with individual property owners not companies, and though I still don’t get why almost none of them allow pets. The options are also very very slim and competitive. It’s just not set up for young renters. But you can’t beat the views.

[@alyciagibson]

Exactly my problem. I accepted a job in Maine and am struggling to find a place to live just because I'm on a (what I consider reasonable) budget AND have two cats.

[@AA-hj8er]

@@alyciagibson how are you now? any update? do you still like it?

[@alyciagibson]

@@AA-hj8er I ended up not finding affordable housing without having a co-signer of the necessary qualifications, so I wasn't able to stay in Maine.

[@brucegelman5582]

There's only so much stareing at woods and coastline

[@winteress27]

I'm surprised. This budget breakdown sounds pretty typical for many areas in PA, comparitively. It's so hard to gauge a place to move to when you've never gotten the full experience. Thank you for these videos! They're helping me get a better picture of Maine.

[@beachmom561]

The avg income in ME is only $50,000. We are also one of the oldest states as far as population. Avg is 41 and up. Young people leave. Too expensive with the typical low wage jobs.

[@vvee6248]

Very helpful and well informed video, thank you, would love to come to Maine.

[@moneybee]

Brad really nice video! Maine looks beautiful, and you really walked through many of the interesting points well. It's always fun learning the ins and outs about other States, and the cost of living points really contextualize what it's like! You talk incredibly well in front of the camera, hope to see more! #95! Keep it up!

[@BradStephens]

Thanks a ton! I really appreciate that! 🙂

[@dotradd420]

So it’s super expensive to live there then ahaha should have said that in the beginning of your video

[@rosedourado5839]

I live in Rhode Island but I do like visiting old orchard beach every summer

[@beachmom561]

The out of staters who have come here and are buying and renting places for more than asking have driven up the costs so much locals can't afford to live here any more. Also the rents are the same as Boston but the average household income in Maine is about $30,000 less in Maine that in Mass.

[@PEYPLACE]

Same in Nevada. Same everywhere. No one can afford anything. And soon, it's going to get really bad.

[@simongroneberg6623]

Hey Brad, thanks for your videos. Very informative and high production quality. only room for improvement are the sound levels. Keep going!

[@jonathanriedel9411]

Maine, Main concern is internet speed for a TON of people looking to move out there.

[@kyledoogan5656]

@@despicablemaine160 spamming troll

[@turpinhill]

Those housing prices are insane! I own a house with 9 ft ceilings, 3bd, 2ba, bamboo floors, with a pecan tree on a corner lot that's .21 acres with almost 1300 sq. ft. of living space. And I paid $20,000 for it in the '90s. In the south, in the urban core of a city. Guess I'll be visiting Maine for a vacay and not to stay. :-)

[@endliarcheats2927]

What's up with most multi bedroom homes having only one bathroom?

[@daniels3795]

That intro beat is 🔥

[@YouTubeRealtor]

Hey man, great content! Hope to see more.

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Whoa!! Move to northern Maine and save a ton.

[@billmetal]

While Maine is beautiful compared to smoggy cities, there is not a lot to do here. Jobs are hard to get, most foods are shipped in. Grocery stores are more expensive then California where I came from. Winters are long and fuel, electric is expensive during winters. There are far more fun places to live if you enjoy things to do. An introvert like a writer is fine here. You have to want a lot of solitude. You really need to have funds if you want to retire here and want a more rural existence unless you live in the cities which have similar problems and again you have winters now on top of that.

[@scota73]

There is skiing, hiking, sailing, boating, snowmobiling, four wheeling and beautiful beaches here

[@kyledoogan5656]

Although living in Maine seems to be more expensive than Illinois (my state), it's not that bad compared to California it appears. Guess I'll have to save up a lot before I even consider moving ;/

[@aliciapoore9413]

You’re part of the problem driving up housing costs in Maine!

[@oOignignoktOo1]

Agreed, soo tired of these carpetbaggers from New York and Massachusetts moving here after turning their states into uninhabitable shitholes voting in scumbag neoliberal politicians only to flock here like a bunch of termites driving up the cost of living to levels that are unaffordable for the local citizens and then they act taken back and surprised when the locals are unfriendly to them.

[@JKBelle]

Thanks for explaining all this! We are looking at both Maine and Alabama. We currently live in Denver, Colorado and it’s become outrageous here!

[@PEYPLACE]

It's that way everywhere. Trying to move anywhere now would be a struggle. We're all going down.

[@oOignignoktOo1]

Californication ruined Denver and now it's ruining Maine

[@Zelielz1]

2.69 for premium, now its more than 5...crazy...

[@Twilightsummerbreeze]

Do they let you have an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) or do they still say no animals in a lot of areas?

[@camlong89]

I'm originally from Pennsylvania, but have been living in Oregon for a few years. My girlfriend and I are interested in moving to Bangor, ME because of the affordable homes, similar distance from the coast, and it's closer to family. I know it is very cold there and snows a lot, but is it a nice place to live? Some websites say it's one of the safest cities, and others say it riddled with drugs, homeless, and theft....it would be cool to hear opinions from people who live or have been there. We're looking to settle down. We do not want a large city, or even a medium-sized city. Thanks.

[@BradStephens]

Thanks for your question Cam! I can say Maine overall was ranked #3 state by USnews.com for lowest crime, I'd agree with that. I've been to Bangor multiple times and never felt unsafe, etc. I would maybe recommend visiting Maine for a week to drive around and explore different towns/areas. I'm making a video that will be covering some of this info, that video will hopefully be ready to upload soon 🙂 Feel free to email or text me and I will connect you with one of my agents in the Bangor area.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I live in the area, I'd recommend looking at one of the surrounding towns with school choice because you kids will have their choice if high schools including one of the best private prep schools in the country. You will also get more land if that's important to you. That said prices have shot up lately. These is not a lot of crime but there is a bit of a homeless problem downtown. Good luck!

[@sexychula19]

@@despicablemaine160 lol I hate people who do shit this like just because you had a bad experience doesn’t mean it’s gonna be like that for everyone else

[@kyledoogan5656]

@@despicablemaine160 By your argument Illinois is a terrible state because Chicago has crime......I mean don't get me wrong Illinois has a lot of problems, but don't judge it from one city. You're just a spamming troll with a bad life.

[@jondowney777]

Can you do a video with the current gas prices with the influence they have on everything else?

[@marklynch8781]

What about the property tax?

[@donaldpotter3071]

Lived in Maine for 6 years. Maine taxes you on EVERYTHING. Things you wouldn't think you'd get taxed on. About the only thing Maine doesn't tax you on is groceries. But hold on, wait. Next time you purchase a bottle of 100% juice, no sugar added check your receipt. Maine probably taxed you on the bottle. (This I know because it came to my attention and I asked at one grocery store). Maine taxes you every year on the value of your car (the town that is). And the tax only decrease for so many years (I think 5) then stabilizes. Meanwhile your car continues to get older and older and less valuable. I guess they think everyone sells their car after 5 years. There is a sugar/junk food tax. Maine even asks you for money from things you purchased out-of-Maine and didn't pay sales tax on (this is becoming more the norm nationwide).

[@waffles2527]

You can get your 5 cents back when you recycle your bottles and cans.i donate all my bottles and cans to the Cumberland cat shelter.

[@jasonburks5911]

what would be a good agreement if you stay with family go half on the bills.

[@ladyshinobi5391]

you haven't made a new videos-watch up in MAINE Watching from CA Looking to be closer to my family in Mass but it's crazy expensive there now and taxes is the same here in CA

[@moneyronn__]

Are you still a Realtor? Who does your video editing?

[@kathydurrett9637]

Thanks Brad. Great Coverage. I'm n OHIO looking to move to Main w the Next Couple Year's. Not sure of what area just yet. But I'm looking 4ward to a visit soon. Have a Fabulous Positive Energy DAY😍😍😍🌞🌞🌞

[@reneeserrichio1616]

It it possible to buy a lot and have a smaller house (almost tiny home) put on the lot? Live in Florida - from Massachusetts. As I’m getting older I’m looking for that snowbird other stop. Any suggestions for people who want to live there smaller and newer construction like the Scandinavian type tiny homes that can be shipped anywhere in the country? I don’t have to be near in major city our preferences are to be able to come up there and see each season and we all love to ski and snowboard my husband is a fisherman so being by the coast isn’t bad either. Thank you for your time.

[@pattymccarthy5169]

I heard that if you come from out of state you have to pay extra to buy?

[@ATomas4]

Hi Brad, What would be the approximate winter heating cost per month for the 720 sq ft home you showed as an example? (From FL, not sure??)

[@BradStephens]

Great question! I kind of left it up in the air in the video because there are so many factors involved- heating type (oil, propane, natural gas, electric, etc) and what temp people keep their house at, age of system, insulation, current fuel prices, etc. That house had a "newer" Buderus hot water system that ran off oil. Oil is around $1.65/gallon today (10/13/2020)- you fill your tank maybe 2-3 times in the winter months (250 gallon tank) so around $1000-$1500 a year for the cold winter months would be a good guestimate. Hope that helps- thanks for watching and feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions :)

[@Fajah69]

In Bangor: 2,000 square feet house with basement all heated. Natural gas hot water baseboard. We pay around $100-120 per month during the cold months for NG. Electricity around $100. Not bad and I get to ski lol

[@leopaul4955]

I have a 4 season home in Maine. We rarely go up in winter these days (family does though). We have 4 forms of heat. Propane, and wood stove the best (for me) heating. We are now in Florida for 6 months and have been doing so for about 12 yrs. Cost much more in Florida to keep us going. Much more than Maine. Taxes higher in Maine on the lake than here in Florida. If I were forced to live between both, for beauty Maine is tops. Weather, Florida. Difficult choice for sure. Good luck!

[@ladyshinobi5391]

gas here here since biden took over is $5 bucks per gallon :( I just love Cali weather but I want to be closer to m family there

[@Maineliven]

I think you forgot to meantion heat. You did say it varies this is absolutely true but it doesn't vary from nothing to a little more then nothing it varies from wow that's pretty expensive to holy crap

[@Meg_Coons]

How many duplexes are there?

[@cleohaven634]

Okay brad this is your sign to post that next video

[@michaelchilds4773]

What about Augusta?

[@dylanruskin666]

so basically you have to be rich to live in maine. damn.

[@PEYPLACE]

I think you have to be rich to live in the US right now. Mexico is your best bet. They'll be finishing that wall here soon to keep US out and reimbursing us for what we did construct. Lol

[@dylanruskin666]

@@PEYPLACE yikes.

[@faith_made_me_strong]

Where should I visit in Maine when I visit?

[@tobinoe4310]

Ogunquit and Wells are BEAUTIFUL

[@tobinoe4310]

Kind of pricey but very worth it for the food, the people, and the ocean

[@tobinoe4310]

My favourite place to eat was Browns clam shanty, if you visit you won't be disappointed (if you like seafood)

[@Joetime90]

I was told the price is comparable to Virginia which is where I live.

[@GraceUponGraceProductions]

Definitely helpful! Thanks man!

[@BradStephens]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@chyinarr]

That first house you showed, Looks just my house in rural NC and I only paid like 40 K. that's wild to me. But I think Maine is such a beautiful state! My cat Aura and I would love to live there one day.

[@dassix1636]

I'm in a home in FL for 240k and it's 2200 sq/ft with a pool :( I couldn't imagine paying that much for less than 1k sq/ft

[@leec4448]

Great vid boss

[@krystalbernier234]

Family of three in Western Maine. I spend $320/month in groceries.

[@ellijahsmith4445]

Uhhh is that expensive?

[@lupe2645]

@@ellijahsmith4445 yea

[@waffles2527]

Family of 2 in SW Maine. 300 per week

[@crisharoth5141]

Hey Brad! I’m currently contemplating moving from Anchorage AK to Portland ME. Do you like that area? I have to be no more than 20 mins away from Maine Medical so was wondering what area you would recommend. Thanks and great job on the video!

[@BradStephens]

Hey Crisha, Portland area is awesome! Lots of great restaurants downtown & things to do! I'm happy to chat with you more about it- feel free to text me and we can set up a time for a 10 min phone call. 207 251 3900.

[@kenm7179]

Hi Crisha- I just saw this 2 months after you posted. I used to live in Buxton, which is about 20 minutes from Portland. The area is fairly built up and relatively expensive for Maine. Definitely not "the sticks". But Buxton, Hollis, Limington, Gorham are all nice, and only about 2 hours from Boston. Housing (and property taxes) are expensive but there are plenty of good smaller/older houses (even mobiles in good shape). One plus is, even in Portland the traffic isn't bad. Good luck.

[@ROCKDIZZLE2004]

I am honestly thinking the same thing. I just went to Portland, ME and I love it there. I live in Anchorage myself. I wanted to know about cost of living and what it takes.

[@cecilDisharoon]

I wasn't worried about hi-speed Internet 'til now, but we've been ESL Online teachers for two years. Is that a problem in ...Bangor? I know you're in York. Any resources on that? Bangor's at the top of our moving list from Georgia. It's got UMaine and affordable rentals (though not many). Thanks!

[@hankg1589]

I live in Bangor. If you are living in town the speeds are good 20-70mpbs. But cable doesn't reach to all points just outside Bangor. Make sure to call spectrum who are the cable provider of choice.

[@cecilDisharoon]

@@hankg1589 Thanks for your time! It stood to reason, if we live as close as possible to UMaine, service should be good- and we will check before signing any leases!

[@waffles2527]

Satellite dish for internet

[@davidgrant8994]

This video is based on Southern Maine which is the highest cost of living area in Maine. I live in Maine and the majority of the rest of the state hates Southern Maine because people are rude and snobby and we would rather just give Southern Maine to Massachusetts. We call it northern Massachusetts.

[@helmutnyc]

It was nice when gas was 2.60 now 5 dollars May 22.

[@paulcampbell7167]

I live in Maine

[@auroranite]

If you’re fleeing; California, NY, Oregon Washington Maine isn’t your place. You’ll be bored. Real estate & taxes are crazy expen$ive for what you get. 3rd gen main’ah this isn’t the gem it use to be. Texas RI VT you’ll like more.

[@donaldpotter3071]

VT?? Are you kidding?? VT is even more expensive than Maine. Lived there in the 50s thru 90s. Still have family living there. Property taxes as compared to wages are crazy. Car inspection and registration fees are high. Unless you have a FAT out-of-state city retirement or are a Doctor/Lawyer etc where you can charge a king's ransom for services. VT USED to be a quiet, quaint little state. Now it is a bedroom community state for places like NYC, Albany, Boston etc. You get it.

[@51dbail]

Maine is Taxation Land. I lived there all my life. You forgot to add car reg. Its $100 and up. Some cars can be $500-800 a yr. Also cars have to be inspected. If your isn't new this gets expensive. Retire some place cheaper.

[@beachmom561]

4th highest taxed sate in the country

[@beachmom561]

In Southern Maine the out of staters have artificially inflated the real estate market. South Portland City Council couldn't resist. They reassessed our homes. Mine went up 56%. $1500 more per yr. Almost a 50% tax hike. Some even more. Where they think we're all going to get the money I don't know.

[@beachmom561]

@Steve L Northern Maine still has affordable rel estate but the voters pass every spending bill out there.

[@beachmom561]

@Steve L I've often said when bonds are on ballots they should be called what they are. Loans. Maybe people wouldn't vote for them.

[@tobinoe4310]

So like, can you help me figure out where to move in Maine? Lol I don't think you'll see this but it's my dream state to live in. I need to move somewhere an hvac technician can thrive and still afford food lol

[@davidgrant8994]

If you're looking to love in Maine but save a little money, I'd recommend moving further north than Southern Maine. I live in Central Maine. The small towns are usually a little cheaper than the cities. You can actually afford a house and some land. As for HVAC work, do your research but I'm sure you can make good money here with that.

[@alexozorio8090]

Yo dude I’m an hvac guy myself…let me know what you’ve figured out. We’re gonna be moving to Maine in a couple months.

[@awildpigeon7703]

Gonna move to Maine!

[@PEYPLACE]

Well, this isn't even close anymore.

[@patrickkatkaew9843]

Brad!! i like you video bro!! easy simple a month before covid-19 spreading i moved from New york go down to Holly spring North Carolinas with know nothing!!! till now i think all most 2 years maybe 🤔?? everything is good 👍🏻!!! but i am still finding myself what area i am really like it!!! Now interested to Maine!!!! i thank i miss snow ❄️ ho Brad can you please tell me how to preparing documents or papers work to buy the house!! how? i’m interested 0% down payment please let me know details have a great day and keep making new videos Bless Patrick

[@helgaheyck2707]

Plenty of abandoned buildings/homes to fix-up!

[@tweetybeetweetybea9652]

"NO PETS"? forget me- that sucks

[@seabreezesoapsofmaine]

If you move here-embrace us. Tired of ya'll changing MY state.

[@ramirogarcia1451]

Question what do you mean by embrace??

[@samanthairish8467]

@@ramirogarcia1451 accept maine for what it is. had a lady move here and want our town to build a YMCA so she could swim in the pool. we are surrounded by lakes! there is also a campground in town that opens it's indoor pool for a very reasonable fee so you can swim in the winter. apparently not good enough for her.

[@ramirogarcia1451]

@@samanthairish8467 I see so if I move there I should be ok with the way things are thank you for the information it’s going to be really useful when I move there

[@Thatwhiteb]

Very informative

[@BradStephens]

Thanks for watching!

[@rslily]

These are California costs of living

[@NG-cf7zh]

lol no way. I'm in San Diego and it's tough to get by out here even with a degree and a good job. Median home price is $650k

[@rslily]

You're a big dork and I love it 🤣🤣🤣

[@yahooskip]

Maine like damn near every other state is what you make of it. I'm from Amsterdam, NY, but have been here for many years. I've traveled from Maine to Maine or AMNY places in-between, and while it might not be my first choice to (retire to) live, but - IT IS WONDERFUL here, and depending on where you move to, do for a living, you WILL love the fact that you left and moved here. And let's talk about other parts of the state, while Southern Maine is where most folks live, but THERE are a TON of Wonderful places to live in Maine … a TON! offthebeatenpathwithskip.com

[@michaelb.8953]

I've been to Amsterdam, NY many times over my lifetime as I have family that lives right on Great Sacandaga lake, Amsterdam is a nice little town. Usually I make a stop at the Windmill diner in Amsterdam on our way home to Philadelphia, PA area. Born and raised in Upstate New York I would spend my summers playing around and boating on that lake and in the winters would cross country ski across it down by the point. Lots of good memories there, but that was all 35+ years ago. Still go there for a long weekend every summer to this day.

[@stormeagle2865]

Wow. You can buy a 4 bedroom house in my area for 280$ 😂 oof!

[@stormeagle2865]

@@forussed Roswell New Mexico. 👽

[@Tiffanynyc2323]

Hi are the ppl in Maine kinda like New Yorkers?

[@valeries3392]

Nope, not even a little bit. But neither is bad, just different.

[@oOignignoktOo1]

Only the southern part of the state because most of them are New York transplants who ruined the real-estate market for locals. We don't need anymore people from NY here stay home.

[@leifwalker4929]

How does this man have less than 1k subscribers?

[@bobrenda1618]

ppl don’t need a primer on their car expenses etc. just go into the costs in ME.

[@Sabaaōth]

the jokes

[@wellgeo223]

If only there were more jobs in Maine... at lease ones I could get, haha! That and if I could convince my wife the winters are THAT bad.

[@BradStephens]

Yea it does get cold but you’ll get used to it haha!

[@wellgeo223]

@Brad Stephens it’d be a lot for her to get used to!

[@Jesusnavarro-uw1ns]

Is there Mexicans overthere

[@monster-pq7ln]

*are?

[@illgottengain3329]

Stay away!!