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Lucky Bistoury of Brunswick has been a Maine resident for more than 20 years.
This wasn’t an easy decision. Maine has been our home, and we love the coastline, the pace, the sense of place. But love alone doesn’t pay the bills or secure a future. After years of weighing the realities, my wife and I made the difficult choice to relocate from Maine to North Carolina.
Here’s why.
1. The “ALICE” reality: Working but not getting ahead
Maine has a large population of people who fall into what’s known as the ALICE category (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are working families who aren’t considered “poor” on paper, but who live paycheck to paycheck with little to no financial cushion.
That reality quietly reshapes the meaning of “middle class” in Maine. A medical bill, car repair or rent increase can throw a family into crisis. We felt that pressure constantly, and it became clear that stability here was far more fragile than it should be.
2. Jobs and housing don’t line up
There’s a major disconnect between where jobs are and where affordable housing exists. Many decent-paying jobs are concentrated in southern and coastal Maine, but housing prices in those areas are out of reach for most working families.
The result? Long, expensive commutes from inland areas, higher transportation costs and less time with family. Reliable transportation becomes mandatory, and when roads are rough (more on that below), the costs only pile up.
3. Ongoing “brain drain” of the young
Maine has long struggled to retain young and mid-career professionals. Wages lag behind national averages, and many industries offer limited room for advancement. Even those who want to stay often feel they must leave to grow.
This impacts everyone. When talented people leave, economic momentum slows, innovation suffers and opportunities for those who remain become even scarcer. Over time, it creates a cycle that’s hard to break.
4. A severe housing affordability crisis
Housing is the breaking point for many families, and it was a major factor for us.
The gap between income and housing costs has widened dramatically. A modest two-bedroom apartment can easily consume more than 30% of a middle-class household’s income. Leaving little room for savings, health care or basic quality of life.
5. Crumbling roads and aging infrastructure
Maine’s roads and bridges, especially in rural areas, are among the worst in the nation. Poor infrastructure isn’t just inconvenient; it’s expensive. Vehicle repairs, longer travel times and safety concerns add up quickly.
For working families who rely on their cars to earn a living, these hidden costs matter.
Our move to North Carolina isn’t about chasing luxury or turning our backs on Maine. It’s about seeking a place where wages better align with housing costs, infrastructure supports daily life and long-term stability feels attainable.
Maine’s challenges aren’t unsolvable but they are real. For many working and middle-class families, the financial math simply doesn’t work anymore.
We hope Maine can confront these issues head-on, because it deserves a future where all residents, not just the wealthy or retired, can thrive. Leaving was painful but staying for us was no longer sustainable.
