The reversal in migration patterns in the 1970's resulting in a net population flow from metropolitan (urban) to nonmetropolitan (rural) areas may have a variety of rural development consequences. Sizeable population increase in rural communities which traditionally have experienced net out-migration or very slow increases is evident in Maine where the data indicate this process is currently taking place. These data indicate that the majority of the in-migrants are characterized by: high levels of education; training and experience in professional and managerial occupations; small families; and migration from a more urban area to a rural or semi-rural area. The motivations of Maine migrants tend to center on quality of life considerations (reasons for preferring rural areas include: simple lifestyle-slow pace of life; peacefulness; serenity; friends; relatives in Maine; qualities of people; general environmental quality; lack of pollution; natural beauty; and the ocean coast). If Maine's in-migrants are at all indicative of a national norm for the urban to rural migrant, there are definite implications for rural development policy making decisions, because Maine in-migrants are both stimulating local economies and up-grading local services (they are demanding better and more varied education, better libraries, etc. and they are contributing to cultural activities, small businesses, the publishing fields, the development of local crafts, and the health services). (JC)