Out-of-state persons moving to Maine during the July through December period of either 1980 or 1983 were queried to determine why they chose Maine, what their levels of satisfaction were with life in Maine, and in what activities they participated or planned to participate. The majority of the 417 survey respondents were from large counties in the northeastern United States, highly educated, employed in upper level white collar occupations, had small households, preferred to locate in small communities, and had come to Maine voluntarily. Unlike the economically motivated moves characteristic of most American migration, economic forces and occupational opportunities played little role in decisions to move to Maine. Environmental and ecological attributes, opportunities to escape corporate and suburban living and to enjoy small town life, and family related motivations such as desire to live in a safer place were of major importance in relocation decisions. Inmigrants tended to be satisfied with life in Maine. They reported increased interaction with neighbors and friends, improved family relationships, increased participation in civic and community activities, and increased outdoor and home related activities. Implications of the impact on small communities of inmigrants with the respondents' characteristics are discussed. Numerous tables present survey data throughout the text. (LFL)