Yeah, Maine’s red v blue map really is a microcosm of the country as a whole. Bangor’s up there in the borderlands- Things are much better down here on the southern coast. My ex’s family was from Winterport, and it’s a world of difference from say, Saco.
Cost of living is high, but overall, it’s more affordable than NH was, and I’ve had excellent experiences with SMHC from basic GP and diabetes care to a major hospitalization. The Pine Tree Power initiative did not go well, but it’s that same problem of convincing the rural red voters to go along with literally anything that improves everyone’s quality of life.
I can’t really argue on the Midwest, though- I spent a lot of years outside Chicago and still feel pretty comfortable out there. Cost of living is definitely better, but there’s just something about New England that vibes better with me.
