Maine Becomes Attractive Relocation Destination Among East Coast Hubs

Maine has shown to be an attractive destination for those looking to migrate, based on its low crime rate, its high-potential job market, and other factors, according to a new report from PlacerAI on East Coast migration hubs.

Between August 2019 and August 2023, Maine experienced positive domestic net migration, meaning that more Americans relocated to the state than moved away from it. The state upped its population by 2.7% because of it.

PlacerAI said the state is ideal for “nature lovers,” given its picture postcard scenery and rugged coastlines.

It also is an attractive destination for retirees, featuring one of the highest median ages in the country. Interestingly, PlacerAI said Maine often attracts those from other states that trend older.

Maine, too, is drawing younger crowds.

“Relocators to the Portland-South Portland metro area, for example, hailed from much younger areas over the past four years,” according to the report.

Portland is Maine’s most populous city and offers “something for everyone,” according to the report.

It features a bustling port, a vibrant marine industry, and a flourishing culinary scene.

Housing prices in Portland are higher than in most other parts of the state, but its thriving job market and celebrated quality of life make it an attractive destination for singles and families.

Portland is considered the economic capital of the Pine Tree State and the ZIP codes in the city and its neighboring suburbs received an “A” grade overall for their “Fit for Young Professionals,” said the report, compared to the “B+ average scored by the cities that most feed into it.

The city also scores significantly higher than its feeder areas on factors like walkability, access to restaurants, commuting conditions, and health & fitness, including such things as access to doctors and health facilities, according to the report.