These Unexpected Truths About Living in Maine Might Surprise You Too

People “from away” will tell you pretty quickly that Maine is amazing—but it’s not always easy.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Moving to Maine

In true Mainer fashion, locals (including those who’ve only recently moved to the Pine Tree State) are quick to tell it like it is. That’s exactly what happened in a viral thread on, well, Threads (#MaineThreads), when a Florida resident who has just relocated to Maine asked:

What do I need to know about Maine that will blow my socks off compared to [Florida]?

The newly arrived Mainer—a former teacher now studying social work—was already impressed by one thing in their partner’s home state: the lack of billboards.

Maine's Billboard-Free Views Are Just the Beginning

That's a big one. Maine was the first state to ban “off-premises” billboards, with the law going into effect on January 1, 1978. It took years to fully remove existing billboards, with the last one coming down in 1984.

READ MORE: 12 Things That Surprise People When They First Visit Maine | 10 Peculiar Habits I've Now Developed Because I Live in Maine

No doubt, this adds to Maine feeling so different from other states, the moment you cross the border. You might not have realized why, but now it makes sense. Things feel fresher, cleaner, and more open.

More than 250 responses poured in from helpful Mainers, with most falling into four categories:

• Nature (both brutal and beautiful)
• Weather (both for survival and enjoyment)
• Food (both seafood and land-based)
• People (both kind and somewhat reserved)

Keep reading for a selection of other things that new Mainers were surprised by when they made the big move.