OT-General questions for Maine folks

I was born and have lived in Northern California all my life and while the area is beautiful, California, especially the coast (even up here in the middle of nowhere) is ridiculously expensive, and the rampant meth problem here makes for a high crime rate. I am an RN so I can generally find work most anywhere, and for the last few months have been considering a BIG move..................to Bangor. I have always had an interest in Maine and that are seems very lovely. Housing is much less expensive there and crime is much lower from all the stats I have read. Here are my concerns: 1. It doesn't snow here. I am used to winters in the 30's-summers in the 70's. Is there a lot to do in the winter-fun stuff for a 16 year old boy, for example....and are the winters harsh or just cold and snowy. 2. I have heard here and there thatsome New Englanders are not always accepting of strangers (and lots of places don't seem fond of Californians) Is that true?

Hi Donna, I'm about 2 hours southwest of Bangor in the foothills of the Western mountains. I was born in Maine but did live in Boston for 8 years. I wouldn't consider moving out of Maine again, I love it too much. The winter weather can vary, there is a saying here that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes it'll change. This past winter we didn't have alot of snow, but it was bitter cold, some nights were 10-20 below zero add the windchill factor and Brrrrrr, last winter we had tons of snow, it cost me a small fortune to have my driveway plowed. Today is in the low to mid 90's but temps during the evening do drop considerably. Maine people are usually very kind and friendly, you'll commonly see people saying hello in passing even if they don't know you, or someone will hold a door open for you. I think Maine people are accepting of strangers, it's people that are rude that we don't care for. I can't tell you how many times I've been cut off or dangerously tailgated by out of state drivers. I especially take offense to it when my daughter is in the truck with me . Or hold a door open for somebody exiting a store and receive a dirty look instead of an easily said thank you and watch them get into a car with out of state plates. My bf got into a deep "discussion" with a man from another state who bought a piece of land and posted it so it could not be hunted, but proceeded to hunt on the land of others who are kind enough to allow people to do so. Do I sound bitter, yeah I guess, but if you're as nice in person as you are on OH you'll fit in fine and we'll welcome you with open arms. Come have some Lobsta! LOL Ann