Quality Of Life
The quality of life where you live affects your happiness and personal success. Essentially nine
factors influence your quality of life: economy job outlook); costs of living (primarily housing and taxes);
transportation (area access and commuting time); education (public and private schools, colleges and
universities); climate (temperature and weather conditions); crime; the arts; health care (practitioners,
facilities); and recreation. As you choose from among the nine factors that are important to your quality
of life, you'll see why the Ellsworth area rates your top consideration. Our environment is healthy for
families and for business.
Economy (Business Opportunities)
Statistics show that this region has experienced an increase in jobs annually in recent years. The
threats of unemployment remains steady with most unemployment the result of seasonal layoffs. Job
growth has increased in both the white collar and blue-collar sectors. This is a growing area with a pool
of workers possessing a variety of skills.
Costs of Living
The two largest factors affecting the costs of living are housing and taxes (income, sales, and
property). Maine has a state income tax and a sales tax of 5.5% on most purchases (excluding food and
health care costs, among others). Housing costs are usually lower than the national average, although
there is a wide variation within this geographical area, with higher costs being on water properties.
Property taxes vary from town to town but are generally considered low. Many good properties are
listed for under $100,000. Local banks and credit unions offer competitive mortgages rates. A variety
of properties at reasonable prices make this area highly desirable.
Transportation/ Telecommunication/Technology
Both a regional airport (Trenton) and an international airport (Bangor) serve this area. Coastal US
Route 1 comes directly into Ellsworth and Interstate 95 goes through Bangor with local access via Route
1A. Because of the availability of many local roads and the largest nearby metropolitan area (Bangor) 18
miles away, as well as the lack of any rush hour congestion, the ease of driving to work, shopping or
recreation is convenient. A local bus service provides stops at shopping centers and hospitals. A major
bus company has a terminal and daily service from Bangor to most US cities.
Education
Several public as well as private grade schools and high schools offer excellent educational choices.
Several accredited colleges and universities awarding bachelors degrees serve the area. The University
of Maine has an Ellsworth center (its main campus is in Orono, only a 45-minute drive) and the College
of the Atlantic is in Bar Harbor (20 minutes). Bangor, only a 30-minute drive, has Husson College and
Eastern Maine Technical College, the latter offering associate degrees. Excellent choices and
opportunities await Maine students.
Climate
Geographically the Ellsworth area boasts some of the best vistas in the state (and country). Much of
the local topography is the result of glacial activity. With a mixture of lakes, forests, fields, hills, and the
Atlantic coast, the temperature is moderate. Accordingly, winters are milder than further inland (Bangor)
and summers are cooler. There is generally a 20-30 degree difference between day and night
temperatures. Most of the snowfall usually occurs from January through March. Thunderstorms are
infrequent; hurricanes are rare; tornadoes and earthquakes are virtually non existent. The lack of severe
variations in weather and its predictability from season to season make this a desirable four-season area.
Crime
Maine ranks among the top five states in the nation for public safety, with Hancock County among the
safest. Most crimes that occur tend to be of a domestic nature. Crimes of a violent nature are rare. This
is indeed a very safe place in which to live.
Arts
Generally speaking, the arts in an area are proportionate to the size of the city. The Ellsworth area
proves to be an exception, offering a plethora of choices, considerably more than the norm. Ellsworth is
home to The Grand Theater, a restored Art Deco style community theater, which offers live national
performers plus many local theater productions on a year round basis. In the immediate area is an opera
company, an international award-winning Gilbert and Sullivan Society, several art museums and galleries,
choral groups, a theater company, a club which showcases nightly well known entertainers, and the
addition in the summer of another opera company as well as two chamber music companies. The public
library in Ellsworth has convenient hours, including evenings and Saturdays. Nearby in Bangor is the
Bangor Symphony Orchestra and at the University of Maine in Orono is the Maine Center for the
Performing Arts. Also in Bangor is a professional theater. An additional summer theater also offered.
Indeed the arts in this area are a vital part of the community.
Health Care
Our area is fortunate to be served by three local and accredited hospitals (Ellsworth, Blue Hill, and Mt.
Desert Island). Local practitioners have offices either at the hospital or at other locations. There are also
clinics available and walk-in medical offices. Nearby in Bangor are two teaching hospitals, Eastern Maine
Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Hospital. Quality care is easily accessible.
Recreation
Because of the proximity of Acadia National Park, the second most visited national park in the United
States, we can boast of almost unlimited recreational activities just within the park itself, such as hiking,
boating, biking, picnicking, nature walking, sight seeing, bird watching, and cross country skiing and
snowmobiling (winter). The waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the many lakes and ponds offer swimming,
sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and nature excursions including whale watching. There are several public and
private golf courses, a zoo, lumberjack show, miniature golf, go-carts, water slides, aquariums, movie
theaters, the second largest indoor arcade in the state, and fitness centers, including tennis courts and
swimming pools. There are many restaurant choices, offering a variety of foods and some providing
entertainment as well. Fishing and hunting opportunities are available. Nearby in Orono, at the University
of Maine, college sports games are a major attraction, and there is also a semi-pro baseball team in
Bangor. In the summer and fall many communities and groups host fairs, festivals and other activities.
Recreational pursuits are a prime area attraction.
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