The shift to remote work has enabled my family to think seriously about moving away from the Boston suburbs. We have two kids, late elementary/early middle school aged, so this is probably about the last logical transition year as our oldest will be changing schools next year even if we stay. Motivations include relatively more house for the $$, relatively easier access to outdoor recreation (esp. skiing, but also running of course, cycling and hiking), more robust middle school sports options for the kids (and therefore hopefully less need for club sports and the parental taxi service required to enable them), and desire to separate a bit from the Boston rat race. We've landed on the suburbs of Portland, ME as the leading contenders, specifically Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Cape Elizabeth, probably in that order, due to excellent schools + proximity to Portland. Planning to keep our current (and relatively high-paying) jobs, which are based out of Boston (I'll probably commute in once a week or so, spouse probably a couple times/month). We did live up in NH for a year during the pandemic and loved it, which was sort of proof of concept in terms of kids' adaptability, but have never lived in ME.
Especially for folks familiar with the area, what should I know before making the jump? Would you do it if you were in my shoes? Any other places we should consider that are commuting distance to Boston? How's the running scene for a strong masters runner?