Why Are People Leaving the County in Droves?

I was reading the status of a friend of mine on Facebook who happens to be in real estate.  He stated that there are 105 residential units (houses) for sale in Presque Isle, Maine and only 2 are under contract.  On top of that there are 39 units in the neighboring town of Mapleton and none of them are under contract.  He went further to say that there are 148 houses under contract in Portland, Maine.  He then made some joke about getting into real estate in Portland.  Again I ask, ‘why are people leaving?’

When a student graduates high school and moves on to higher education they often want to leave the nest.  That’s understandable.  There are those that leave their hometown for greener pastures and stay away because they’re happier somewhere else.  Not a crime.  Then why do I feel the need to defend my hometown?  People tell me there's no money or jobs.  There is an Aroostook County mentality that needs a makeover.

Our area is a fantastic place to raise a family.  Sure, there are quirks and things that make it tough sometimes, but it won’t grow unless there are people in place to help it grow.  Maybe I’m reading too much into this Facebook status but to me it seems like people are leaving this place in droves.  If we don’t start turning things around there won’t be much of a place left to leave. 

What do you think?  Why are people leaving the County?  Tell us on Facebook.