The change is going to be enticements for wealthy out-of-state second home buyers. They will keep their place in Manhattan but then do a 40/60 living split to avoid the increased taxes. I've spent a lot of time over the last few months looking at home prices and availabilities in southern Maine and there is little available, and it's not priced reasonably or attractive enough to live in for those who can afford it. Portland is a 7-month destination now, or that's what the cruise lines believe as they have paying customers to prove it (April to October). Jim Brady just opened another luxury micro hotel, and this one is on Commercial Street called The Evalina (15 rooms). And Hobson's Landing has one of their penthouse units listed for rent at $18,000 per month!
We're in a world of uncertainty (changing population demographics and now war) and Maine is a brand, a feel good and safe one. It presents assurances and going back to the basics in life, short of living in a log cabin in Montana (though with solar and Starlink, of course). Last month the Maine State police released crime stats for Maine and last year there was a mere one murder when combining Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. It was in Lewiston, so Portland had none. I'd say that's some comforting incentive to come live here. Once the new Roux campus opens, I strongly believe you'll see a major change dynamic and feel for the city. Still good, but different.
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