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December 15, 2014 Edition
Opinion

Another thing about Maine: It doesn't shut down after Labor Day

Peter Van Allen

If you're a summer visitor to Maine, as well as you think you know the state, there are often some commonly held misconceptions.I have been guilty of harboring some of those assumptions.

Today's Poll

Do you rent or own a home?
Poll Description

Maine's housing shortage is fueling the cost of buying a home. In March, Maine's median home price was $381,500, up 9% from a year ago, according to Maine Listings. In Cumberland County, including the Portland area, the median sales price was $565,000 last month. 

Higher prices are also putting pressure on the rental market. Young people, singles and families new to Maine are looking to get rentals, but so are potential home buyers who can't find a home in their price range. Higher interest rates are also an issue.

As a place to rent, Maine ranks No. 13 in the U.S., with average monthly rents reaching $1,971, according to a new Ipsos iSay survey of American renters.

With so many people shut out of buying a home, we're curious what alternatives people are finding. 

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