Quality of Life

Maine’s exceptional quality of life not only makes Maine a great place to live but it also has a positive affect on business. Maine employers testify over and over again to a uniquely strong work ethic, high productivity, and low absenteeism and turnover rates. In recent years, Maine has been ranked the number one place in the country to raise children and one of the most livable states in the nation. Besides excellent schools, Maine has natural beauty, endless recreational and cultural opportunities, minimal traffic, clean air and water, friendly people and low crime.

Maine has the lowest average home price in New England and among the lowest nationwide (comparing average home costs for a standard 2,200 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-car garage home with family room [or equivalent]). Maine ranks 6th in the nation in homeownership rate.

Maine is proud of its progressive system of elementary, secondary and higher education. Maine schools are among the best in the country, with a record of high standards and success. Maine’s education system is ranked among the top ten in the country. It was ranked 3rd in the US in the "school climate" category which includes class size (Maine’s average is 11.9 students per teacher - the 3rd lowest in the nation), school safety, and parental involvement. (Education Week, 2004) Maine’s 4th & 8th graders rank at the top of the nation in science, reading, writing and mathematics on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Maine has the 3rd highest public high school graduation rate in the country.

People in Maine live in one of the safest, most crime-free states in the nation. According to 2008 Morgan Quitno State Rankings: Maine has the lowest violent crime rate in the nation and its overall crime rate is the 6th lowest in the nation. The Portland and Bangor metropolitan areas are among the top 25 safest metropolitan areas in the country.