8 Best Small Towns to Retire in Maine in 2024
Maine, the largest state in New England, is one of America's favorite states to retire in. It boasts the nation's lowest violent crime rates, a coastal setting beautified by lush surroundings, and an endless array of small communities for seniors to choose from. Thanks to The Pine Tree State's relaxed, eco-rich ambiance, top-notch healthcare amenities, and more, over 22% of the state’s population are seniors.
Maine has an ideal retirement town for everyone, whether looking for a calm beach town to spend one's golden years or prioritizing the community element in search of a new hometown. From the touristy Bar Habor and its lively ambiance to the laidback college town Ellsworth, read along to find your ideal retirement town in Maine.
Camden
Camden earns its nickname as the "Jewel of the Maine Coast," and visitors flock to this popular summer escape town with a rich history as a coastal manufacturing hub, inheriting its beauty and development from early economic prosperity. Incorporated in 1791, there are plenty of public amenities, things to do, and entertainment options in town. The Camden Opera House, Antiques @ 10 Mechanic antique shop, and the old French & brawn Marketplace that dates over 150 years back are a few of the iconic places in town. With its many attractions, beautiful waterfront setting, and more, Camden is one of the most expensive small towns to retire in Maine, with an average home price of $432,600 in the most recent census.
Despite the high prices, Camden still attracts many new retirees every year, with over 34% of the town’s residents over 65 years old. Quarry Hills retirement community, Merry Gardens Assisted Living, and Bella Point Camden are a few alternatives to purchasing private property, also compensating with attentive medical care for the town’s lack of a main medical facility. Some of the nearest hospitals to Camden are Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport and Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor blends a tourist-tailored allure with endless recreational potential and proximity to the state’s most iconic natural destination, Acadia National Park. Nature-loving seniors can own their own boat, regularly embrace the aquatic richness, and delve deeper into their passions with insightful attractions depending on their interests. Walking and hiking paths in Compass Harbor Park, Shor Path, and Ocean Trail make for the perfect destination for seniors aiming for a healthy, active lifestyle. Meanwhile, those interested in history love to spend time in the George B. Dorr Museum Natural History Museum.
Adding to the town's appeal is its community of like-minded residents and business owners drawn to Main Street, its primary meeting point and business hub. Here, one can find everything from local shopping to restaurants and cafes. Geddy’s, Galyn's Seafood Restaurant, and Choco-Latte Coffee Shop are a few of the town's most iconic dining spots. While these spots are around all year, there are also plenty of events lined up in town. From the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance in June to the Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Easter, there is lots to do in town. To top it off, there are 1,500 seniors in town, so it is easy to find like-minded people.
Hallowell
Hallowell stands out as an excellent town for retirement due to its artistic atmosphere, affordable living expenses, and stunning historic architecture. Hallowell’s distinctive allure can best be experienced at places like the historic Hubbard Free Library, Hallowell Antique Mall, and the Hallowell Historic District featuring over 400 19th-century buildings.
Located a short drive from the capital city of Augusta, Hallowell is one of the most affordable small towns to retire near major metropolises, with an average home price of $237,000. Woodlands Senior Living of Hallowell, Granite Hill Estate, and Hillside Terrace stand as some of the top-rated senior living communities, offering a blend of assisted and independent options. At the same time, major medical facilities like the Maine General Medical Center are accessible by visiting the nearby city of Agusta.
Brunswick
Home to Bowdoin College, Brunswick is a college town full of vibrance. To this end, it tailors to residents of all ages, from endless entertainment options contributing to its liveliness, serving the student population to senior clubs, and more. Public educational lectures at the famous Bowdoin College, events, and concerts are significant in the town’s engaging social setting. For example, the Ying Quartet at Nomad, the Subscription Series, and the Pacifica Quarter are set to take place for music enthusiasts in 2024
Considered a much busier and more populous option than other of the best small towns to retire in Maine, Brunswick is home to top-notch healthcare facilities like the Mid Coast Hospital, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Senior living communities in town include Thornton Oaks Coastal Landing for independent living, while Donnie Commons Health Care and Mid Coast Senior Health are some of the best assisted living options in town.
Kennebunkport and Kennebunk
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are two tourist towns resting 4 mi from each other, sharing a similar founding history. The difference between the two communities lies in their proximity to waters and major amenities, but they’re often referred to collectively as the Kennebunks.
Enjoying a senior population that accounts for over 35% of local residents, the town offers a vast array of different senior living options. For example, the region is enhanced by art galleries and historic businesses like the Clam Shack and Alisson's Restaurant. Parallelly, major healthcare facilities like the Southern Me Med Center Visiting and South Maine Health Care are situated in Kennebunk.
From independent retirement communities that embrace the waterfront setting like the Center in Kennebunkport to more medically attentive nursing homes like RiverRidge Center and Atria in Kennebunk, both small communities are retirement-first destinations that prioritize senior wellness, considering all aspects.
Rockland
Rockland is where the mountainous atmospheres meet shorelines. It is a small community best recognized for its endless watersport potential for fishing, boating, and more. In addition to the maritime allure, Rockland boasts a vibrant artistic edge, a booming culinary scene, and a tight-knit community of endless events. Restaurants like Rustica Cucina Italiana and Home Kitchen Cafe are some of the top-ranked dining destinations in town. At the same time, the Maine Lobster Festival is a standout event that amplifies the town’s culinary scene, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
On the other hand, seniors interested in the local art scene opt for the Art Space Gallery, Center For Maine Contemporary Art, and Dowling Walsh Gallery. These are a few destinations where one can embrace the town’s artistic edge and learn more about local culture with tens of other displays. From a retirement perspective, Pals for Living is a nursing home near the waters for seniors prioritizing their science morning walk through the town’s center. Similarly, MaineHealth Care at Home Rockland accommodates a relaxing, nature-centered experience. Meanwhile, seniors seeking private property in Rockland can expect an affordable average cost of $196,000, far below the state average of $245,000.
Ellsworth
The small-town experience in Ellsworth houses shopping, entertainment, and a diverse economic scene. From local breweries like the Airline Brewing Company to a lively main street with iconic businesses like The Rock and Art Shop and the Rooster Brothers Coffee, Ellsworth is a toned-down version of Maine’s major cities. To this end, the town attracts retirees who want the benefits of urban living without the hustle and bustle.
In terms of activities, Ellsworth boasts a laid-back experience beautified by New England Redbrick buildings and natural attractions like the Forest Ridge Campground and Branch Lake Public Forest. For a glimpse into local culture, the Grand Theater for Performing Arts, the Old Creamery Antique Mall, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, and the Great Maine Lumberjack Show are a few iconic fun spots in town.
Seaport Village and the far-out Heath Haven Residence are some of the town’s top-rated assisted living communities. At the same time, One Step Home Care offers seniors on-demand care services and other local providers. In case of significant medical concerns, the main healthcare facility in town is the Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital, which boasts great facilities. Those who want to buy their own home are delighted at the median housing value of $197,000, much more affordable than Maine’s average of $245,000.
Auburn
Auburn is known for being a lively community that blends historical elements with natural attractions and student-tailored businesses for its University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn Campus and Central Maine Community College. The Youthful atmosphere adds an aspect of bustle to the calm town during study seasons, while entertainment destinations like the Community Little Teather and the town’s multiple golf courses are a few of the town's social spots where seniors can engage with one another.
Natural trails like the Spring Road Trail and Auburn River Walk make for the perfect daily exercise destination, while the Auburn Senior Center attracts retirees and seniors of the area for gatherings of craft nights and yoga. Some of the town's best care homes include The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs’, Clover Health Care, and The Sarah Frye Home. With an average home price of $227,000, Auburn is one of Maine's most affordable towns to retire.
Ultimately, there is no debate that Maine is one of the most desirable states to retire. With its scenic waterfront communities, tourist hubs, and calm small towns, there is something for everyone in the Pine Tree State. However, due to popular demand and being one of the safest states in America, Maine is also a relatively expensive state to call home, with property prices that match its inclusive senior lifestyle.
