Returning to Maine with Molly Platz (Part 1): How and When to Come Home & Build a Lifestyle

Send us Fan MailMolly Platz’s story is one that will resonate with so many young adults who grow up in Maine, leave to explore the world, build careers and relationships elsewhere—and then eventually begin asking themselves an important question: What would it look like to come back to Maine and build a life here as an adult, on my own terms?In this first half of my conversation with Molly, we talk about the experience of leaving Maine to discover who you are outside the expectations and familiarity of home. Molly shares how moving away gave her the freedom to grow independently, create new communities, and better understand the kind of life she ultimately wanted to build.After years living in Austin, Texas, Molly and her partner Nick began thoughtfully considering a return to Maine—not out of nostalgia, but out of a desire for a different kind of lifestyle, stronger connection to family, and a more intentional way of living as they thought about their future and starting a family of their own.Together, we discuss: Why leaving Maine can sometimes be an important part of ultimately returning  Building identity and confidence away from home  Creating community as a young adult in a new city  The push and pull many people feel between opportunity, lifestyle, family, and belonging  How relationships and priorities evolve in your late 20s and 30s  The early conversations Molly and Nick had about moving back to Maine Molly grew up in Auburn, Maine, in a multigenerational Maine family with deep roots in design, community, and philanthropy. She attended Connecticut College, later studied design through Parsons School of Design, earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas, and built a career blending communication, design, and social impact work before returning to Maine.In the second half of our conversation, we discuss what happened next: choosing the Willard Beach neighborhood in South Portland, purchasing a home remotely without seeing it in person, building community while working from home, and what surprised her most about returning to Maine at this stage of life.Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.Connect with Elise🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at [email protected], share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.