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Best Places To Live in Maine

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Best Places To Live in Maine

Maine's breathtaking scenery is matched by a vibrant culinary scene, a diverse economy and plentiful recreation. Here are the 5 best cities to call home.

By Livability on December 6, 2023

With its rugged coastline, scenic wilderness and array of charming small towns, Maine is truly an exceptional place to call home. Residents of this northeastern state enjoy a high quality of life thanks to its natural beauty, strong communities and slower pace of life. The diverse landscape provides an abundance of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking the peaks of Acadia National Park or sailing amid the picturesque harbors. Maine’s rich cultural scene, famous seafood restaurants and historic architecture only add to its appeal. Whether you want a quieter life in the tranquil woods or a vibrant social schedule in a coastal town, Maine’s charming blend of scenery and culture makes it a great place to live.

Augusta

The skyline in Augusta, ME, overlooking the Kennebec River. Augusta is a great place to live in Maine.
iStock/Sean Pavone
The skyline in Augusta, Maine, overlooking the Kennebec River.

What makes Augusta a great place to live in Maine?

Augusta, Maine, is a capital city that combines historical charm with modern convenience. Tucked along the Kennebec River, Augusta boasts a scenic landscape alongside its thriving downtown. The city’s historic architecture, including local gems like the Maine State House, add to its character and appeal, as well as offering a glimpse into its storied past. The welcoming communities and excellent schools make it an ideal place to raise a family, especially considering the number of parks and outdoor recreational opportunities at places like Capitol Park and the Kennebec River Rail Trail. The proximity to Acadia National Park and Belgrade Lakes can’t be overlooked either. 

Environmentalists will appreciate life in a city that is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. From community gardens and recycling programs to green building practices, the city stands out among the crowd for actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. Residents also enjoy the benefits of a vibrant local food scene, complete with farmers’ markets and a satisfying number of farm-to-table restaurants. 

Is Augusta a family friendly place to live?

Augusta offers several amenities that cater to families with children, including quality public and private schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities such as parks, trails, and playgrounds, and plenty of events, festivals, and museums that offer a rich combination of education and entertainment. The local activities paired with the proximity to nature make it an even more appealing place for families to put down roots. 

Read more about living in Augusta, ME.

Bangor

A view of downtown Bangor, Maine.

Why Bangor is a best city in Maine.

Bangor, Maine, is a great place to live thanks to its balance of culture, natural beauty and community. The city’s location along the Penobscot River provides an abundance of opportunities to engage in activities such as hiking, fishing and kayaking, especially when you consider destinations like Bangor City Forest and Indian Trail Park. Paired with the easy access to the state’s breathtaking coastal regions and renowned Acadia National Park, Bangor makes it easy to enjoy everything from fun-filled day trips to leisurely weekend escapes. 

The city’s cultural scene is another major appeal. Residents often flock to the vibrant downtown for events, festivals and the chance to enjoy the growing art community. The Bangor Waterfront Pavilion regularly plays host to live musical performances, while the Penobscot Theatre Company and the Maine Discovery Museum appeal to guests of all ages. Excellent schools and health care facilities attract a number of young families, too, as well as those hoping to build a career with any one of the city’s major employers, such as Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Husson University and Bangor Savings Bank. Bangor also ranks as one of the 5 Most Affordable Cities in Maine.

What is Bangor known for?

Bangor, Maine, is known for many things, one of which is its rich heritage in the timber and lumber industry during the 19th century. The city was once known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” because of its location along the Penobscot River, where the logs were transported and processed. Today the city is more often associated as the home of Husson University and known for its natural beauty and proximity to places like Acadia National Park. 

Read more about living in Bangor, ME.

Lewiston

Lewiston is a city in Androscoggin County in Maine, and the second-largest city in the state.

Lewiston is a great place to live in Maine.

Lewiston, Maine, possesses a unique charm that makes residents happy to call it home. Its scenic location along the Androscoggin River makes it a beautiful place to live, and the rich natural beauty that surrounds the city means locals have plenty of chances to engage in all manner of outdoor recreation. Kayaking on the river and exploring the trails of Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary are popular pastimes among nature enthusiasts. Moreover, the easy access to other stunning destinations such as Baxter State Park and the western Maine mountains makes Lewiston a convenient base for weekend getaways and outdoor adventures.

Natural splendor aside, Lewiston is considered to be a welcoming and diverse community. The city’s rich culture is reflected in its sweeping culinary scene, where residents and visitors are able to enjoy a surprising array of international cuisines. Downtown is home to historic architecture and local shops, which residents take great pride in, and the many well-regarded schools and access to higher education institutions like Bates College appeal to families and young adults interested in putting down roots. Paired with the reasonable cost of living and low crime rate, Lewiston, Maine, is an obvious choice for anyone wanting to live somewhere that blends outdoor recreation with modern comfort. 

What family-friendly activities are there in Lewiston?

Lewiston offers an abundance of family-friendly activities to keep locals and visitors entertained year-round. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, a 357-acre nature preserve, is a great place to learn about native birds while enjoying a leisurely hike. Sunnyside Park is a popular green space known for its picnicking and sports fields. Local families also enjoy the annual Great Falls Balloon Festival held each August as well as opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts such as Lost Valley and Sunday River. 

Read more about living in Lewiston, ME.

Portland

An aerial shot of residential streets in Portland, Maine, looking towards the islands in Casco Bay.
iStock/halbergman
An aerial shot of residential streets in Portland, Maine, looking across rooftops in the East End towards the islands in Casco Bay.

Why Portland is a best place to live in Maine.

Portland, Maine, surpasses many cities as a great place to live thanks to its rich combination of artists and foodies, winter sports enthusiasts and sunbathers, tourism and localism, all while maintaining that much-appreciated small-town feel. Summer bursts with visitors from all around the country who flock to the area to indulge in everything from sailing and festivals to seafood and hiking. Winter sees an average of 60 inches of snowfall per year, which is more than twice the national average. But activities such as the Portland Maine Winter Festival, with its live music and ice sculpture demonstrations, make keeping a winter coat on hand well worth the effort. 

As far as cost of living is concerned, residents pay close to the national average to make their home in Portland, Maine. Life here costs about 12 percent more than the overall state average, but locals wouldn’t argue that the quality of life available makes it worth the expense. Competitive housing prices hover around $464,000 but many suggest the properties hold their value well and are often snapped up quickly, making the market an attractive place for anyone interested in investing in real estate. 

What is the job market like in Portland? 

Unemployment rates at the end of 2021 saw a 3.8 percent average, a lower number than the national 4.2 percent. The median household income is just a touch below the national median but the job market is thriving. As the state’s largest city and a vibrant coastal hub, Portland boasts a diverse economic landscape with key industries such as health care, education, tourism and technology. The area’s coastal landscape and high quality of life have a history of attracting a diversity of job seekers, entrepreneurs and start-ups to the area. It’s easy to see why Portland landed a spot on Livability’s Top 25 Best Places To Live in the Northeast.

Read more about living in Portland, ME.

South Portland

A view of South Portland, Maine, at the Portland Breakwater Light.
iStock/Sean Pavone
A view of South Portland, Maine, at the Portland Breakwater Light.

Why South Portland is a top city in Maine.

You could write an entire chapter on why South Portland, Maine, is a wonderful place to live. One of its standout qualities is inarguably the wealth of recreational activities available to residents. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Casco Bay, South Portland affords locals endless opportunities to get outside. Sunbathing and swimming at the picturesque Willard Beach or admiring the iconic Portland Head Light from one of its many hiking trails are just a few favorite local pastimes. Water enthusiasts will delight in kayaking, paddleboarding or sailing on the bay’s pristine waters, while runners will appreciate the winding paths along The Greenbelt Walkway. 

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational offerings, South Portland also boasts a thriving dining scene and excellent schools, both of which make it an attractive destination for young professionals and growing families. The city’s diverse culinary landscape includes everything from seafood shacks dishing up the latest catch to trendy farm-to-table restaurants offering innovative dishes sourced with local ingredients. Moreover, South Portland’s schools are renowned for their commitment to academic excellence. The city is home to a range of public and private schools, many of which provide a quality education and a supportive environment designed to help students thrive. And it doesn’t hurt that South Portland is one of the most affordable cities to live in Maine.

What is the difference between Portland and South Portland?

The primary difference between Portland and South Portland, Maine, lies in their size and character. Portland is the larger of the two cities and known for being a bustling coastal center with a diverse economy, vibrant arts scene, historic architecture and renowned dining establishments. In contrast, South Portland, located south of Portland along the water’s edge, is smaller in size and population. It offers its own wealth of amenities and attractions, including the Maine Mall and various parks along the coastline, but retains a quieter and more residential atmosphere than its larger neighbor. 

Read more about living in South Portland, ME.

Thinking of moving to Maine?

Choosing a great place to live in Maine might be easier than you think. We have several resources for moving to Maine as well as other best places to live in the Northeast. No matter where you want to end up, we can help you decide where to move and learn more about the best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places To Live Near Maine

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