Great place to live and work
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1/4/2015
I have lived and worked in Lewiston-Auburn for nearly 30 years and I think it's a wonderful place to raise a family. We sent both our kids to the Lewiston public schools and they both went on to graduate college and enter successful careers. I think the cities have done an exceptional job integrating the significant number of Somali students. The L-A area is safe, clean and friendly. It is the second largest metro area in Maine but still manages to have a small town feel. L-A has the largest and most vibrant Chamber of Commerce in the state, with a very active Young Professionals group that lends it youthful vitality and new ideas. Anyone who has attended one of the many art walks downtown can attest to that. The area has rebounded nicely from the recent recession. There are new restaurants, new hotels and many new small businesses. In addition, there was much happening here before the recession. The Walmart distribution center and before that, renovation of the Bates Mill brought thousands of new jobs to the area. Both Lewiston and Auburn have done an excellent job of restoring the Androscoggin River front. There are now miles of walking-biking trails and attractive riverfront parks. And, speaking of the river, it has made its own comeback as a recreation magnet. One summer day my daughter and I rented kayaks in front of Gritty's Tavern in Auburn and had a great time exploring the river and the great falls. Yes, both cities have their blighted areas and challenges with poverty, drug use etc. Every city has these challenges. I think both city councils have done an excellent job demolishing blighted buildings, creating green space and encouraging construction of clean affordable housing. If you are considering a move here I encourage you to drive around some of the very attractive residential areas in both cities and speak with some folks who have spent considerable time here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
tom | Lewiston, ME