As far north as one can get in New England, Maine has a lot to offer in terms of scenic beauty, cost of living, outdoor activities, school systems and safety. With large cities like Portland and Augusta close together, you are never far away from something new to try. You can visit one of the over 60 lighthouses it is famous for, go whitewater rafting on the Kennebec river, enjoy world renown Maine lobster, visit one of 32 state parks, go sailing in the summer, or ice fishing in the winter. The schools in Maine are in the top third in the nation, cost of living is at the national average, and is continually ranked as one of the safest states in the country. You can’t go wrong with Maine.