9 Towns in Maine that Are Ideal for Seniors
The small towns in Maine are a unique collection of cape towns, beachside villages, and lighthouses on rocky cliffs. These small communities are perfect for those looking for a relaxing change to life from busy city living to rural Maine. The sights from these towns are like nowhere else, with vibrant parks and beaches and the occasional view of the Northern Lights. Some towns along the coast, like Old Orchard Beach and Wells, are bountiful with fish and water activities, while towns like Lewiston and Waterville are big on cultural development.
The history and culture of these small towns can be seen best in local museums like the Bates College Museum of Art or Colby College Museum of Art. Another thing about these small towns is their robust community of retirees and seniors. Even in small rural towns, there are pristine healthcare facilities that cater to seniors. Below are ten of the most relaxing towns in Maine for retirees and seniors.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach in Saco Bay is one of the prime locations for retirees looking for beachside living on the Atlantic Ocean. Here, visitors can enjoy ocean breezes and the sound of waves right from their rooms in one of the many hotels or rental cottages like The Brunswick. Besides the unique oceanfront, Old Orchard Beach has many historical sites from the town's long history, like the Veteran’s Memorial Park and Old Orchard Beach Historical.
A popular activity in this town is the Dunegrass Golf Club, with over 300 acres of greens and fairways. Next to the Golf course, there is Powder Horn Family Camping Resort for luxury camping. With a below-national-average crime rate and living cost (about 5% less), the town is just right for seniors.
Gorham
The township of Gorham is the ideal small-town scene for retirees and seniors, with easy-to-walk paved nature trails, regular community events, and a laid-back and relaxing lifestyle. Sporting events at the USM Ice Arena are a constant part of this community and provide fun to all ages.
Although with a slightly above-average cost of living, housing in Gorham can range in price depending on when a home was built, but on average, a new home will cost around over $500,000 to buy or more than $1,500 a month to rent. Gorham House is a fairly priced community of seniors and retirees that provides apartments, daily meals, housekeeping services, and transportation.
Wells
Wells is a beautiful beachside town with an abundance of marine life. The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is a scenic place to walk and observe wildlife that has been carefully preserved. For seniors and retirees looking to keep up their golf skills, there is the Old Marsh Country Club with great, easy-to-access holes, plus a great community of golfers to share stories with.
The cost of living in Wells can go anywhere near $50,000+/year and can get expensive, with a higher cost for transportation, food, and housing than the national average, but with careful budgeting, Wells can be an excellent place to retire. Avita of Wells is an assisted living community that takes care of all the necessities like transportation, three daily meals, housing, and housekeeping; however, their starting rate reflects this at $8,940 a month.
Eliot
On the Maine–New Hampshire border, Eliot is a small town with a big view of the Piscataqua River which makes for an excellent fishing spot. Here, seniors and retirees can find time to enjoy hobbies and relax, surrounded by scenic views of the river and local farms like Sandy Hill Farm. Seniors with a love for fishing and hunting can join the nearby Southern Maine Fish & Game Club, established in the 1900s, to share stories and participate in events; members also have access to a private fishing pond and multiple shooting ranges.
The cost of living in Eliot surpasses the national average by 15%. For a financially friendly and community-centered style of living, the Residences at Eliot Commons is a senior citizen center dedicated to making the life of seniors and retirees easier with handicap-accessible apartments with elevator access, community laundry, a kitchen, and a fitness area.
Bridgton
Bridgton is an ideal small town for Seniors looking for a relaxing retirement in rural Maine, as there are numerous natural attractions to explore. Seniors can walk the Woods Pond Beach area and enjoy community charcoal grills, swimming areas, and fishing; there is also a lifeguard on duty to ensure safe practices. Bridgton Highlands Country Club is a great place for retirees to practice golf, and tennis and spend time with local enthusiasts.
The cost of living in Bridgton is higher than the standard at around $43,372 a year for necessities, but the cost is well worth the beautiful scenery and welcoming community. Woodlands Memory Care of Bridgton is the best option for seniors living on their own as here seniors can live independently but with help close by when they need it.
Lewiston
There are few places in Maine as nice as the small town of Lewiston, with the famous Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary offering 450 acres of walking paths and bird-watching opportunities. There are also countless trails along the Androscoggin River, like Heritage Park, where seniors can walk paved paths to view waterfalls while also getting a taste of the town's history, from the various monuments.
The cost of living in Lewiston is lower than the state and national averages and comes at about 4% lower. Buying a home in Lewiston is far less expensive than other places, with the average home value going $250,000+ and the average cost of rent being $ 1,000+ a month. Seniors can also take advantage of the many retirement communities in Lewiston, like Woodlands Memory Care of Lewiston, a popular choice for assisted living and independent living housing.
Bangor
The thriving town of Bangor is home to countless attractions like the Zillman Art Museum, featuring prints and photography of local and national artists, and Bass Park, featuring a race course and amusement park. Senior golfers will also enjoy the Bangor Municipal Golf Course, with 27 holes open to the public, plus a driving range and numerous practice areas, including expert instructors.
The cost of living in Bangor is at par with the national and state averages, making it a fine location for seniors and retirees looking for a low-maintenance, relaxed lifestyle. Freese's Building Apartments offers senior apartment living with optional assisted living services, easy access to public transport, and local eateries like Harvest Moon Deli.
Ellsworth
Named after United States Founding Father, Oliver Ellsworth, the township of Ellsworth is one of the thriving small towns in Maine with an abundance of natural and historical wonders. Residents can choose from scenic walking paths at Branch Lake Public Forest, Jesse Beach, or Sand Beach, all of which include road access and easy-to-walk paths.
The cost of living in Ellsworth is about average for the state of Maine, which is slightly above the national average, however, housing in Ellsworth is substantially less than the national average with the median home value reaching around $399,000. Seniors can also take advantage of the Seaport Village assisted living facilities, which offer round-the-clock care and rehabilitation programs.
Waterville
On the west bank of the Kennebec River, the town of Waterville boasts cultural wonders like the Colby Museum of Art, featuring intimate art exhibits of American, Chinese, and European works. Waterville is truly a community of artists, new and old, like the local works of Matthew Russ’s landscapes or Rosie’s pet portraits. Seniors may also enjoy the Pine Ridge Municipal Golf Course with scenic views of the forest wildlife while enjoying the short par 3 golf holes.
The cost of living in Waterville is considerably lower than the national average by around 7% for a single adult. Seniors looking for housing in Waterville can take advantage of Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville, which offers independent senior living with Assisted living facilities to make for low-maintenance living.
In Conclusion
Maine has some of the most ideal small towns for seniors and retirees, whether they are looking for a long-term relocation, a short weekend getaway, or a vacation home. With all of these towns in Maine, one thing is certain: community is key. Each of these towns values their communities and is constantly making efforts to improve.
For seniors who love the outdoors, there simply is no better alternative to Maine, as there is so much untouched wilderness to take in. From lakeside beaches to forest preserves, the scenery and wildlife of Maine never fail to disappoint. The historic side of these small towns may also be surprising; however, many boast impactful histories that have left imprints on the nation. Seniors can explore countless local libraries and museums or even join historical societies to discover all there is to learn about Main’s historic monuments.
