8 Best Places to Live in Maine in 2024
Maine, the northeasternmost state in the US, is both quaint and vibrant, home to over 1.35 million residents. Boasting an impressive coastline stretching over 3,500 miles, Maine offers sandy shores for relaxing sunbathing and rocky crags for adventures. The charming island town of Bar Harbor, located on the magnificent Mt. Desert Island, is home to Acadia National Park, one of the nation's finest and most unique parks, accessible right from your doorstep. Venture just outside downtown to experience the rugged, proud, and raw Atlantic coast, with scenic hikes leading to the choppy waters below, which become tame in pleasant weather for beachy enjoyment.
This comprehensive list highlights the best towns and small cities to live in across the state, catering to every demographic, from those seeking the safest streets to affluent areas like Scarborough, renowned for its top family and economic offerings. Portland, vibrant and youthful, attracts an outgoing crowd that cherishes experiences as well as the glitz and glamour of a prominent city, including high-tech gadgets and gourmet cuisine. Former city dwellers report feeling welcome and relaxed in Bath, a small town brimming with wit and charisma, home to Maine's First Ship and the Maine Maritime Museum.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, one of America's favorite small towns, is a gem on Mount Desert Island and features prominently on nearly every tourism list in Maine. It's unsurprising that it's one of the best places to live, especially for retirees, with a 22.6% retirement rate within its intimate population of 6,000. Nestled along the spellbinding Mt. Desert Island, with Eagle Lake and Cadillac Mountain within reach, its downtown area, overlooking the boundless waters, inspires a sense of idyll. Locals enjoy the Cadillac North Ridge Trail with its panoramic views and the Bar Island Land Bridge, leading to a tranquil small island. Major employers include The College of the Atlantic and several significant biotech enterprises, along with lobstering and some of the state's finest dining establishments offering unique tasting menus.
Maintaining tranquility along its scenic beaches, visitors and locals alike can enjoy picturesque views of the Maine coast, with Acadia National Park right at their doorstep, rightfully known as the "Crown Jewel" of the area. Offering activities such as trekking, hiking, biking, boating, and winter skiing, the Highroller Lobster Co. is a must-visit for seafood lovers. If you adore nature, crave lobster in every form—be it rolls, mac & cheese, bisque, or quesadillas—and can manage the slightly higher living costs, then Bar Harbor welcomes you! With a median home price of $433,000 and a cost of living 14.8% higher than the US average, the area's plethora of architectural, artistic, and scenic treasures justifies the expense. The large number of local biological researchers, astronomers, social scientists, and geographers reflects the pristine and diverse natural environment, encompassing both sea and land.
Bath
This charming community of approximately 8,335 residents, with a median home price of only $222,900 and a cost of living 10% lower than the US average, is known intriguingly as "The City of Ships.” Bath offers a slower pace of life and a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Its narrow, winding streets connect to tree-lined avenues, leading through the nationally designated Main Street downtown area. The downtown evokes a sense of nostalgia with its unique mix of shops, restaurants, and museums, often housed in 19th-century traditional American buildings. The beautiful Bath Waterfront, with Front Street as its main thoroughfare, caters to all desires, featuring more locally-owned shops, restaurants, and bars.
Whether you're in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite, even the small, hidden eateries in Bath are helmed by top chefs, preparing magical dishes. Former city dwellers appreciate the relaxed pace, unpretentious atmosphere, historic ambiance, and proximity to nature, catering to every type of outdoor enthusiast. Notable attractions in Bath include the Linwood E. Temple Waterfront Park, Maine's First Ship, and the Maine Maritime Museum. For nature lovers, the Thorne Head Preserve Trail Head and Nequasset Park, just minutes east, offer beautiful hikes. The local Library Park, densely forested walking and running trails, and nearby beaches with trails and pristine sands provide intimate spots to enjoy views of the Kennebec River’s icebergs.
Cape Elizabeth
Home to around 9,500 residents, Cape Elizabeth is a suburb of Portland and part of Cumberland County, offering a distinct, small-world charm. Frequently hailed as one of the best places to live in Maine, it embraces a rural lifestyle. Predominantly inhabited by homeowners, the community enjoys an array of casual dining options, coffee roasters, and green parks. Known for its strong educational system with top-notch public schools, Cape Elizabeth attracts retirees, left-leaning liberals, and affluent families. The median home price here is $684,200, and the cost of living is 26.1% higher than the US average. However, the stunning shoreline and an artistically vibrant downtown area more than compensate for the higher costs.
The verdant and picturesque village, situated along the Casco Bay shoreline, features the magnificent Fort Williams State Park and offers sunset views of the iconic Portland Head Light. Residents value more than just aesthetics; they enjoy fun, good food, and the company of friendly newcomers at local spots like The Good Table. With miles of pristine coastline, Cape Elizabeth is a prime tourist destination, yet its popular beaches are never overcrowded. Residents experience an upscale yet relaxed lifestyle with low crime rates, perfect for slowing down and soaking in the picturesque scenery. The town offers easy access to mesmerizing salty marshlands and rugged beaches, with the vibrant city of Portland's entertainment and nightlife conveniently close by.
Freeport
Imagine living in a town with the sprawling L.L.Bean campus and its bustling flagship store. Freeport, home to 8,633 residents, boasts a median home price of $536,800 and a cost of living 16.1% higher than the US average. With a median income of $72,526, residents find the higher cost of living manageable. The town is famous for its nationally recognized shopping scene, including the renowned Freeport outlets along Main Street and independent shops housed in charming brick buildings, many dating back to the 18th century. Historically thriving on fishing and shipbuilding, residents enjoy the harbor for strolls and the sailing club, with local fishermen supplying fresh catches that complement the town's vibrant craft beer culture. There are many great restaurants with inviting outdoor seating. Don't miss the unique Casco Castle resort, created by the Electric Railway King of Maine. Boston is just a scenic train ride away, easily accessible from the town's quaint station via the Amtrak Downeaster.
Drawing annually 3.5 million visitors, Freeport offers more than just a shopping paradise. L.L. Bean hosts the free Summer in the Park concert series on its campus and offers L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery Programs. These programs provide opportunities to learn new skills like archery, fly casting, or shotgun shooting, often for free. Just a short distance from downtown, the scenery transforms into natural beauty along the wooded trails of Wolfe’s Neck State Park or the picturesque Casco Bay shore with nesting osprey. The peaceful atmosphere and diverse leisure activities appeal to families, as exemplified by the historic saltbox farmhouse from 1810 at Freeport Historical Society’s Pettengill Farm, featuring 140 acres of fields, woods, antique orchards, and a salt marsh.
Hallowell
This small town along the Kennebec River is big on charm, boasting a significant 19th-century feel with its architecture along Water Street, the town's central hub. Hallowell offers shopping, antiques, old-fashioned candy shops, and numerous outstanding restaurants, all set against beautiful river views. With a population of only 2,385, about 20% hold a master’s degree or higher, reflecting the town's strong educational background and the state's 8th lowest high school dropout rate. Hallowell's median household income is $62,990/year, ranking it as the 7th highest in Maine, with a poverty rate of just 11.8%, the 6th lowest, and the 3rd lowest crime rate. With a median house price of $275,100, the 10.3% higher cost of living than the US average is more palatable.
Hallowell is known for its wit, charisma, and safety, allowing families to let their children play outside with peace of mind. Vaughan Woods, affectionately nicknamed Hobbit Land, is one of Maine's best nature spots. The town also boasts a disproportionately large art scene, from local artisan shops to the Gaslight Theater and art events at the Harlow Gallery, which offers clay work classes for aspiring artists. Hallowell's historical connection to the Kennebec River adds to its unique community charm, once known as Maine's antiquing center. The Hubbard Free Library, the state’s oldest library still in use and resembling an 1800s English church, stands as a proud emblem of the town.
Portland
Portland, a youthful city, embodies the essence of Maine's prominent hub without being the state capital. With a median age of 36, it might be 15% more expensive to live here, but its trendiness and polished charm attract outgoing individuals with a dynamic blend of creativity and outdoor activities. Authentic and unpretentious, where experiences are valued more than material wealth, residents also relish in cutting-edge technology, glamour, and gourmet cuisine. The city's youthful population, its strong sense of community, and a "do it yourself" spirit contribute to this vibrant mix. Besides its exceptional nightlife, residents can enjoy fresh vegetables from community gardens.
The city is adorned with charming old coastal neighborhoods, lighthouses, cozy pubs, artisanal and celebrity chef-driven restaurants, vintage shops, and lively street entertainment. Full of contrasts, Portland's intrigue is enduring, an essential consideration when choosing a place to live. If Portland had a dating profile, it would be attractive to singles, with half of its population holding a college degree and a fifth possessing a master’s, PhD, or professional degree. With a median income of $71,498, Portland ranks as the 4th highest-paid city in Maine and has the 8th lowest unemployment rate in the state at 4.0%. While the crime rate is slightly above the national average, owning a home in a safe neighborhood comes with a median price of $524,544, or an average rent of $1,377 per month.
Saco
Saco, home to a population of 20,446, boasts a median home value of $473,741 and a median income of $81,326, both higher than the previous year, indicating a dynamic community. As one of the state's more affluent cities, the 3.4% higher cost of living is easily offset by its desirability as a place to live. Saco, Maine's earliest documented village near the Canadian frontier, features beautiful architecture in its historic area and a pristine environment, only seven miles from the sandy ocean beaches to the east. Proud of its educated populace—38% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree—Saco offers cultural enrichment at the Saco Museum and quiet study or work spaces at the Dyer Library. Residents also enjoy easy access to Ferry Beach State Park, where the seaside shoreline remains uncrowded even in peak season.
Locals can explore unique northern black gum trees along recreational paths or wander through the scenic Saco Bay Trails by the sea. Home to Maine’s largest water and amusement park, Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco is a beloved destination for families, offering endless entertainment options. The historic Saco Drive-In, with its nostalgic ice cream and movie experiences, adds to the local charm. Excelling in various metrics, Saco boasts a 1.1% unemployment rate and an 8.0% poverty rate, both ranking as the 2nd best in Maine. This makes Saco a very safe and stable town to live in and plan for the future, with the state's 8th lowest crime rate at only 0.0170 per capita.
Scarborough
Scarborough, a picturesque town in southern Maine, is highly regarded as a great place to live, especially for those who enjoy beautiful weather and outdoor activities. The town boasts three distinct coastal areas, each offering spectacular beaches to suit every preference, from traditional Maine rocky coastlines to sandy stretches. Higgins Beach, in particular, is a family-friendly destination perfect for spending a summer day. This attractive town offers a suburban lifestyle, excellent schools, and is conveniently located just 6 miles from Portland. Despite its proximity, Scarborough maintains a relaxed vibe distinct from the city, with abundant outdoor activities along its stunning coast. Surrounded by water on three sides, residents can enjoy shoreline strolls from Pine Point Beach to Ferry Beach and explore the marshy areas. For those seeking thrills, the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway offers excitement.
Named ‘eCity’ by Google in 2013, recognizing it as the digital capital of Maine, Scarborough boasts a thriving small business scene. As one of the wealthiest communities on this list, with a median income of $78,359, it's considered a top area for families and economic opportunities in the state. Houses here have a median price of $539,800. Although the cost of living is 43.5% higher than the US average, this seaside community of 21,527 residents appeals to nature enthusiasts for its pristine beaches and extensive marshlands, promoting a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. The Scarborough Marsh, encompassing 3,100 acres of wetland along the Dunstan River, is a haven for hikers, water enthusiasts, and bird watchers, offering a nature-immersed experience that feels a world away from civilization.
The diversity of towns in Maine ensures there's a perfect fit for every preference, whether it's lighthouses, castles, or proximity to the L.L. Bean headquarters and flagship store. Each town is uniquely connected to the water in some way. With generally high incomes, relocating to Maine presents an opportunity to establish a home and plan a future in a stable community.
Maine, accounting for nearly 90% of the United States' lobster yield, is ideal for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts. It's a place where you can embrace the wild outdoors and enjoy all the benefits of living in a state known for its excellent public schools, job opportunities, and abundant green spaces.
