SperlingViews - Waterville, Maine

Spent a couple of years here. I lived right in town in a fairly quiet area of turn of the century homes, except for the noisy kids across the street. Other neighbors had been there 30 - 35 years. They were very friendly and kind to me, very down to earth. Much more so than CT or MA. Do your homework on where in town you live. There are good areas, and depressed unsafe areas. You can pretty much tell by the housing. Jobs are indeed scarce as it is in most of Maine. Drugs are a problem here, you will see a few 'characters' around at times. Also a higher number of mentally ill due to high number of lower cost housing/apartments and the proximity to hospitals. (no bias intended) Newer Super Walmart brought in too much traffic - very congested at the lights due to retail growth in that area. Less expensive than Augusta, but within 15 minutes to big box stores and Civic center. Lots of lakes in the area. About an hour north to Bangor, which has more box stores and a big mall, more eateries, etc. So it depends on what you are looking for. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, or looking for down home friendliness, I found it here. If you are looking for culture and nightlife, keep looking.[read more...]

You need to update your property tax rate for Waterville, Maine. I just got my tax bill and the tax rate is $24.40 per $1000. I have lived in this city for 15 years and don't remember it being in the $15.00 range that you are reporting.[read more...]

I would not really suggest this area unless you have an x-ray tech certification or a nursing degree. This town has three hospitals, at least two elder care homes, and there are plenty of nurse 'per diem' home hospice jobs. The 2 wealthiest 'working' people/companies I can think of here are a construction equipment rental place and a snow mobile trailer manufacturer. A college degree won't necessarily help you. I met an MBA graduate who was applying for a customer service job with the L.L. Bean call center. I have been told to my face that I'm over-qualified for positions, even with banks. So it's very frustrating... as can be the social life. Colby College brings some decent culture as far as concerts, etc.. Downtown is trying extremely hard to get the heart beating again. Do not move here unless you have a job first and for visiting I'd suggest either autumn for the foliage or July during the MIFF (Maine International Film Festival). The old saying seems realistic - "there are two seasons in Maine...the fourth of July and winter." Bugs here are unreal... if you can play tennis with your eyes and mouth closed, you're all set. Everything comes to life here in May - all the bugs (flies of every type, wasps, hornets, bees, earwigs, beetles, spiders (including recluse), ants up the wazoo, mosquitoes - tons!, and more). Oh my, I forgot to mention the notorious, the Maine state bird... the Black Fly! You might think people here are being friendly waving all the time... they're only swatting at the bugs. To sum it up, Portland has enough to keep one somewhat stimulated, but get out for the winter (November-April). May-Halloween is nice/tolerable.[read more...]

I grew up here in Waterville. I am moving though. To be blunt, there isn't much of anything for jobs, even if you have a degree. The housings costs are extreamly higher then they should be for what you get. And there isn't a lot to do. However, the culture on Main st. is good. Nothing spectacular though... If you want to move to Maine, I suggest somewhere in southern maine... if you are looking for a job. Camden, if you are looking for a view. And Oakland, if you are looking for good schools. (Oakland is just outside Waterville)[read more...]