Maine Is Full of Coastal Quirks and Cool Facts
Think you really know Maine? No, in summer, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone chowing down a lobster roll. Yes, Moxie is a soda that ... shall we say, is an acquired taste. And where moose sightings are essentially an idea cooked up by the state chamber of commerce. Let's run through the facts, stats, and fog folklore that showcase what makes Maine's rugged reputation irresistible.
Greg, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Greg moved to Maine before it was trendy, stayed when it got crowded, and 28 years later still loves it. He grew up here, went to UMaine, tried Connecticut, and survived eight years in Virginia before eventually packing up and moving back home. He is a former newspaper copy editor, pizza lover (Portland Pie, OTTO, & Cargo regular), and family man. At Snappy Scout, Greg helps newcomers decode Maine, a place that plays by its own rules and usually keeps them to itself.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Makes Maine Maine?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for Maine
The Pine Tree State, Vacationland
Local Reality Check
Yes, snowy winters. But also sunny summers (the best two weeks of the year). There's our rocky coastline, deep forests and thriving Portland food scene.
You're most likely moving from
Boston suburbs, New Hampshire, New York.
Strangely large concentration of
Lighthouses, lobster shacks, weed shops, Subarus, Renys, L.L.Bean boots, and Labrador retrievers.
Music scene
In summer, nonestop shows (indie and popular) at Thompson's Point, the State Theatre and the Merrill. Bangor waterfront shows, Maritime folk, contra dances, All Roads Music Festival.
You'll have to see it to believe it
Cadillac Mountain sunrise in Acadia, among America's first winter sunrises.
Unique Geography
Rocky Atlantic coast, 3,478 miles of shoreline, North Woods, 4000 foot peaks, bold bays.
Maine is home to
Acadia National Park, L.L.Bean Freeport flagship store, Portland Head Light, UMaine Black Bears.
Well known for its
Friendly people, lobster rolls, whoopie pies, blueberries, craft breweries, rugged coastlines, cabin getaways.
Fun history fact
Became the 23rd state by separating from Massachusetts in 1820 via Missouri Compromise.
Celebrity sightings
Stephen King around Bangor, Patrick Dempsey in Lewiston, Anna Kendrick Portland visits.
Noteworthy Census stat
Oldest median age in the U.S., per Census, small but growing population.
Most interesting sub-cultures within Maine
Lobstermen fleet culture, traps as Christmas tree art, the Portland Hearts of Pine soccer phenomenon, islanders commuting by mailboat.
Population
42nd by population, 39th by land size
Maine is roughly the same geographic size as
Portugal
Locals Know Best
Admit only if asked that you grew up in Massachusetts, and never flip off anyone in traffic. It probably is your kid's science teacher. Who grew up in Massachusetts.
— Greg Reid
Maine Local Expert
Ready to See If Maine Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Maine guide for the bigger picture.