Examines rural growth of 1970s and 1980s, suggesting ongoing movement of middle class to small towns and rural areas. Describes benefits and problems associated with increasing urban to rural migration. Describes community responses designed to preserve rural integrity. Includes statistics and maps showing population changes. (TES)

Inmigration to Maine was found to have altered population distribution, increased the proportion of younger, highly educated persons, and provided a pool of professional/managerial persons for community involvement. Data gathered from 417 persons moving into Maine during the July through December period of either 1980 or 1983 showed inmigrants to…