In order to cut it in Rockland, Maine's way of life, you're just gonna have to "survive" on fresh caught lobster and most other seafood goodies found in the sea. Before you think you've died and gone to heaven imagining this windfall, a local factoid to remember is that a majority of U.S. consumed edible fish and shellfish from its territorial sea waters is actually caught and landed in the winding, challenging Rockland coastal area.
If you want a true taste of Maine -- as in a huge gourmet feast fit for a king -- head straight for the city limits of Rockland
In order to cut it in Rockland, Maine's way of life, you're just gonna have to "survive" on fresh caught lobster and most other seafood goodies found in the sea. Before you think you've died and gone to heaven imagining this windfall, a local factoid to remember is that a majority of U.S. consumed edible fish and shellfish from its territorial sea waters is actually caught and landed in the winding, challenging Rockland coastal area.
If you want a true taste of Maine -- as in a huge gourmet feast fit for a king -- head straight for the city limits of Rockland. While you're there, you can soak up some of the local lore that permeates this neat little spot that's sure to have landed on Mother Nature's top ten list of pure, unadulterated, and natural New England coastal wonders. The city of Rockland occupies 15.07 square miles of Knox County turf and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 report, 7,297 residents. In the spring, summer and fall months, it attracts significant tourist interest. Such is the culture and history of this little Penobscot Bay coastal burg that the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation has named a "Distinctive Destination." Besides seafood and tourism, Rockland's economy has been sustained by lime production (the mineral, not the fruit variety) and shipbuilding. It was originally named East Thomaston, but the name was changed in 1850 to its present handle.
Moving to Rockland
Due to a tightly wrapped downtown area, you can initially fend quite well for yourself without a set of wheels. That is, of course, if you're able to find a downtown area apartment for rent in Rockland. An online search will reveal many great opportunities, many on a month to month or even a weekly basis because of its seasonal family tourist appeal. If you need to spread your wings with more space, rental houses can provide an immediate feeling and lifestyle that'll make you fit in like a native in no time. If you go the rental route, make sure you have all the paperwork ready such as copies of your ID, letters of reference and something type of paperwork that proves you have the funds to afford rent every month.
Neighborhoods
Perhaps your contemplated relocation to Rockland is prompted by a career-minded move, or you may have the desire to live out retirement in an idyllic, laid-back setting that few New England areas can match. Either way, your life is about to change dramatically.
Downtown: One of Rockland's best features is that most happenings take place within its only actual neighborhood -- the harbor-side downtown area -- and once you find that special apt or home for rent without plunking down a king's ransom, you'll be able to kick back, eat to you heart's content at Cafe Miranda or the Landings Restaurant, and live a life that most people can only dream about.
Living There
Rockland, 64 miles northeast of Portland and 155 miles above Boston, rocks with a varied assortment of unparalleled goings-on that will lock-in even the most jaded participants' undivided interest. On its exotic plate of attractions, you can find ancient, historic lighthouses that are still functional, the Farnsworth Art Museum, an assortment of quaint boutiques stocked by local artisans, and charming and unusual thrift shops and art galleries.
In August, Rockland's world famous annual seafood festival's high point is the 20,000 pounds of fresh lobster brought straight from the dock to the world's largest lobster cooking cauldron, followed by a parade and coronation of a local sea goddess. You can even dig in and scarf down those delectables at a seaside picnic area.
