“Life here is awesome,” he said. “I hike every morning. I’ve lost 30 pounds. It’s much more relaxed, but still productive.”

Other tristate-area denizens decamped to the Pine Tree State for peace — and peace of mind.

“Probably 70 percent of my guests this summer were New Yorkers,” said James Lott, of vacation rental firm Camden Accommodations. “Usually it’s sporadic, but New York was definitely in Maine this summer.”

Prospective renters and buyers were desperate, according to brokers on the frontlines. “People have called and said ‘Get me any house in Maine,’ ” said Gwyneth Freeman of Better Homes & Gardens, The Masiello Group.