We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.
Maine, the Way Life Should Be
Maine: Congressional District 2
Located across Maine's vast rural landscape, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses vibrant communities including Lewiston, Auburn, Bangor, and Augusta, along with Acadia National Park and thousands of lakes and forests. This diverse, affordable region offers an excellent blend of small-town community feel with access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation that makes Maine famous—all while enjoying Maine's comprehensive LGBTQ+ legal protections and serving as an ideal home for families, professionals, and retirees in one of the most politically competitive districts in the nation.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS
Bar Harbor & Tremont, Hancock County
For Sale
Some Bar Harbor & Tremont Stats:
Suburb ● $$/$$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Living in Bar Harbor offers a quintessential coastal New England experience, marked by stunning natural beauty as it borders Acadia National Park, and a bustling, tourist-driven summer season. Year-round residents enjoy unparalleled access to hiking, biking, and ocean activities, but must adapt to a quieter "off-season" when many businesses close and the town's population significantly dwindles, alongside the challenge of finding affordable year-round housing. Tremont located on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island, provides a more rural and traditionally maritime lifestyle, with a focus on fishing, boat building, and a slower pace, appealing to those seeking tranquility away from the summer crowds.
For LGBTQ+ individuals, Bar Harbor has a well-established reputation as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, often recognized for its progressive values, supported by institutions like the College of the Atlantic, and its strong historic support for marriage equality. While Tremont, being a smaller, more conservative town, may not have overt LGBTQ+ specific venues, both communities benefit from Maine's statewide LGBTQ+ protections and the general "live and let live" ethos often found in the state, allowing LGBTQ+ residents on Mount Desert Island to find community and support within the broader regional network.
Cool Fact: Mount Desert Island, especially Bar Harbor, has a rich, though often quietly documented, history as a summer retreat for prominent women in same-sex partnerships, often referred to as "Boston marriages," dating back to the Gilded Age. These financially independent women built grand "cottages" and found community and freedom on the island. The "Lesbian History Trail of Mount Desert Island" is a fantastic initiative that highlights the homes and stories of these significant women – including authors, artists, activists, and philanthropists – who lived in long-term same-sex relationships on the island.
Bangor, Penoboscot County
For Sale
For Rent
Some Bangor Stats:
Suburb ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Small-Town Charm
Living in Bangor, Maine, offers a blend of urban amenities within a more relaxed, small-city atmosphere, serving as the commercial and cultural hub for central and eastern Maine. Residents benefit from a lower cost of living compared to national averages, access to a regional airport, and a diverse job market rooted in healthcare, education (with the University of Maine nearby in Orono), and retail, alongside a vibrant arts scene and easy access to outdoor recreation. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Bangor is generally considered a welcoming place, with a visible and active Bangor Pride celebration, support from local organizations like Maine Health Equity Alliance, and statewide protections, fostering an environment where many LGBTQ+ people feel comfortable and find community.
Cool Fact: One quirky legend is about a local drag performer known affectionately as “The Pine Tree Queen”, who was famous in underground circles for her witty political satire and dazzling performances in small, tucked-away venues.
We have put together a comprehensive guide for Maine that includes:
Safety and Legal Protections for LGBTQ+ People, including comprehensive anti-discrimination laws through the Maine Human Rights Act.
Political Context and Competitiveness; the last election was decided by 2,700 votes.
Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods, mostly rural dotted with vibrant towns.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Real Estate Brokers Serving the Region
Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; more affordable than most of the country combined with a growing economy.
Schools and Education, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Families; state level supports for students, families, and staff.
Healthcare Access, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Minors and Seniors, including strong LGBTQ+ affirming medical and mental health providers.
Civic Engagement Opportunities, including state legislative races and school boards.
Complete the form below to access everything the Maine Guide has to offer.
By sharing your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from PowerMoves.
By providing your cell phone number, you have provided us with consent to send you text messages in conjunction with the services you have requested. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for Info. Text STOP to opt out. No purchase necessary.
Why ME-02 Represents the Future
Maine's 2nd Congressional District embodies the kind of place where LGBTQ+ people can thrive while making a real difference. It's a community where:
Your safety is protected by comprehensive state laws and welcoming small-town communities
Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive districts where margins are measured in hundreds of votes
Your voice can influence policy through accessible town meetings and direct democratic participation
Your life can flourish with affordable living, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong community connections
Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need
This isn't just a place to find refuge—it's a place to build the future.