Lifestyle
“The Way Life Should Be”
The way of life in Aroostook County is the perfect example of our state slogan. Neighbors are kind to each other, we’re hard workers who take pride in a job well done, and compared to the rat race that other regions so often lean toward, we are a breath of fresh air- literally. We can all appreciate the beauty of Northern Maine, and we often adapt our activities and routines based on the changing seasons.
Nestled between the North Maine Woods and the Canadian border, Aroostook County has a rich mix of cultures, with Franco-American, Acadian, Native American, and Scandinavian influences. This diversity is reflected in local traditions, food, and festivals, in addition to the varying lifestyles that we choose. We are home to small Amish communities in Maine, where traditional farming methods and a slower pace of life are cherished. Many people who choose to live in Northern Maine embrace homesteading, cultivating their own food and living off the land, surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Post-covid, many city dwellers have traded in their close quarters in favor of our lakefront cabins, and now choose to work their jobs remotely from Aroostook County.
But life in Aroostook doesn’t have to be quiet! We have many bars, restaurants, and indoor recreation facilities around. If you’re a thrill seeker, check out our 3 ski slopes, our extensive waterways, and our atv & snowmobile trails! We are known for making our own fun, by holding different festivals just about every week in different parts of the county. Canada is just a few minutes away, with so many shopping centers, different restaurants, and nightlife! Younger adults will often cross the border on weekends to go to the casino or clubbing.
No matter your preferred lifestyle, Aroostook County is a place that celebrates family, community, and a connection to the land.
A Day in the Life
I wake up to an early sunrise, sit on my front porch with a cup of coffee, and take in the view of my yard while watching my dogs run free. On my drive to work, there are no traffic stops—just the gorgeous, winding roads that make the trip into town so enjoyable. When I arrive, I’m greeted with smiles from my coworkers, who ask about my weekend, the kids, and how Jamie’s soccer game went.
For lunch, I might stop by a local coffee shop or diner, where the meals are quick, delicious, and remind me of something only my grandmother could make. After work, I meet up with my buddies for a round of golf.
When I get home, I take the family out for a boat ride to watch the sunset. Later, we enjoy a family game night, without worrying about neighbors complaining about the noise or having to work late, because our employers truly value work-life balance.
On a typical Friday morning, I’ll be woken up by my roommate and best friend playing a prank on me. After that, I head to the dining hall at UMPI and enjoy a delicious breakfast, and I make sure to say hi to my favorite line cook, Joanne. I go to the gym and play a pick-up game of basketball on the court at Gentile Hall.
To get ready for a night with my partner, I window shop Main St, to find her a gift from Wilder’s, Flannel and Barrel, Home Ec. Market., or any other shop that catches my eye! We always go out to dinner on Fridays, Boondocks and Rodney’s at 436 Main are two of our favorites. Afterward, we’ll meet up with friends across the street to grab drinks at the local bars, the Lotus and MaiTai, before heading to the bowling alley.
By the time I get to bed, I set my alarm for 7:00 a.m. – I’ve got work at the farmers market tomorrow!
Most days here are so much fun! I wake up and help mom make breakfast—it’s my job to get fresh eggs from our next door neighbor. After we eat, I run outside to play with my neighbors. We always come up with the best games! Sometimes we take turns pulling each other on a sled, or we just make up silly things to do before school starts.
At school, all my friends are in my class, which is awesome. Today, I even got to be the line leader, and that made me feel super important! On the bus ride home, we trade Pokémon cards and share candy—we all have different ones, so it’s fun to see what everyone brought.
After school, I got to go to Lonesome Pine Trails to ski for a little bit. Skiing is my favorite, especially when I get to have a poutine with my sister afterward—it’s so cheesy and delicious! And tonight is extra special because I get to stay up late to watch the aurora borealis. The colors in the sky are the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen. I feel so lucky that we can see them right from here!
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Guidebook
Discover what makes Aroostook a great place to live, work, and play in our informative 60-page relocation guide.
