When Antonio was 4.5 years old, his family relocated from the 'burbs of Boston to Northern Maine. According to his father, there were many factors that lead to this decision with the larger concerns being crime and costs.
By the time Antonio was 4-5 years old, the family had two older children aged 12 and 10. Antonion's parents worried about the life they would be able to provide their growing family if they remained in the suburbs of Boston.
In Maine, the family would have more. More room to grow, more room to learn without overcrowded classrooms, more freedom to have hobbies and passions and their parents would be able to give their children more as costs were lower. Antonio's father was a welder and his mother worked in a manufacturing facility, so the family did not struggle for the necessities.
Antonio remarked, "I knew that we weren't rich growing up but I also knew that at no time, did we not have a meal to eat. We were able to play sports and had bikes and toys."
** The family did not move to Bangor, ME. The town has been changed to protect privacy.
The Boston suburbs have had a dramatic in- and out-migration since the 1980's. According to BostonPlans.org, in 1950, the population was as high as it has ever been - over 800,000. 30 years later, the population had dwindled to 560,000. Just as Antonio's father had said, many factors have led to these migrations. In addition to crime and costs, weather plays a factor in relocation. Boston has one of the highest median rates of people holding a bachelor's degree or higher which also would lead to a higher demand in higher paying salaries that the market cannot accommodate so many graduates leave. Housing costs are expensive as well as the weather is no small feat to acclimate to. It can also be costly to heat a home in the winter months while residing in a cooler climate.
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