9 Best Places To Retire In Maine
Maine is a charming destination that checks all the boxes of a quintessential retirement paradise. This state does not tax Social Security benefits, and it has a good healthcare system, with some of its hospitals ranking among the best in the country. Plus, the state has iconic attractions and natural features like Acadia National Park, the Gulf of Maine, and Penobscot Bay, all offering endless recreation and breathtaking scenery. These features and the fact that most of its settlements are along the coast with considerable populations of seniors make the Pine Tree State a sweet destination to enjoy a fulfilling retirement. From Rockport to Ogunquit, uncover nine top places in the gem state of Maine to call home in your golden years.
Belfast
The small city of Belfast blends the allure of small-town vibes, a friendly community atmosphere, a safe environment, and photogenic natural beauty in one destination for retirees. Its scenic charm comes in the Passagassawakeag Estuary on Belfast and Penobscot Bays, while its friendly retiree atmosphere is seen in the 36% of seniors(65+) that make up its approximately 7,000 population. Additionally, the town is home to several healthcare organizations like MaineHealth Waldo Hospital and ConvenientMD Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinic, which are always ready to cater to health emergencies.
While living here, retirees can always go to the Belfast City Park overlooking Penobscot Bay to enjoy picnics, sightseeing, leisure walks, and less strenuous recreational activities like playing tennis. History buffs may appreciate stopping by the Belfast Historical Society and Museum to learn about the town's yesteryears through various artifacts, exhibits, and programs. The Belfast Harbor Walk is also ideal for stretching your feet at sunset with views of sailboats and ships. Furthermore, the Belfast Art Market is open every Friday in the summer and is an ideal place for seniors who want to stimulate their minds with some creative artwork. For retirees seeking special care, the town hosts several senior living communities, some of which include Commons At Tall Pines and Penobscot Shores Retirement.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth, one of the oldest towns in Maine, sits by the Royal River that flows into Casco Bay, offering a strong sense of community (with 18% of the population 65+) and a scenic and serene ambiance for retirees. The town offers many parks and recreational areas for retirees to relax against the backdrop of nature and enjoy their work-free days. First off, the Royal River and Grist Mill parks are two urban parks in the town where retirees can enjoy leisurely walks and picnics with river views while capturing the scenery with a camera. Beth Condon Memorial Pathway is also recommended for promenades, featuring a pedestrian bridge over the Royal River.
Meanwhile, Sandy Point Beach is a small beach for brooding while admiring the sunset. Other parks to visit and explore include Village Green, Pratt's Brook, and Latchstring Parks. In the case of any injury or health emergency, Northern Light Mercy Primary Care is always available to offer service. In addition, the town hosts the Brentwood Center for Health and Rehabilitation, where seniors can go for physical therapy, diagnostics, and other services aimed at improved health.
Lewiston
Lewiston is one of the biggest cities in Maine, yet it is perfect for retirees, especially for those still craving big-city vibes. This city has the advantage of access to quality healthcare facilities like Central Maine Medical Center alongside historical, cultural, arts, entertainment, and recreational sites. Plus, housing is highly affordable (with median home listing prices around $330,000), and retirees can pick any of its quieter neighborhoods to settle in. However, the town is more historic and ideal for retirees with a passion for the past. It is home to several historical sites like the Veterans Memorial Park by the Androscoggin River, Maine Mill Museum, and Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, all lavish with stories of the past, artifacts, and exhibits.
The Androscoggin River is a scenic spot to walk along the Auburn Riverwalk, enjoy picnics, and kayak on the water. In addition, the town is home to Montello Heights, a community dedicated to offering seniors a quality lifestyle.
Rockport
Rockport is a serene, small town located beside Penobscot Bay and the Gulf of Maine, a gulf of the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque town promises a peaceful atmosphere, a sense of community, scenic natural beauty for retirees, and easy access to healthcare facilities like MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital. The town also hosts Broadway North, an assisted living facility dedicated to helping seniors live healthy lives.
For outdoor lovers, the town's harbor is a cool spot to enjoy strolls and sightseeing experiences. At the same time, Rockport Marine Park offers picnic benches to enjoy the bay views and picnics, including boating and sailing cruises. Andre the Seal statue can also be found in this park, commemorating this sea animal that spent most of its summers in Rockport’s harbor with Harry Goodridge, the then Harbormaster who took care of it. Hikers can explore the easy Beech Hill Trail, which is around two miles long, to spot the Camden Hills, Penobscot Bay, and St. George's Peninsula.
Cape Elizabeth
Retirees will be glued to Cape Elizabeth, a visually arresting coastal town in Cumberland County, renowned for its enchanting beaches, lighthouses, history, and recreational parks. Retirees flock here, with over 25% of the population 65 years and older. First off, it hosts top-notch health facilities like Cape Integrative Health and Cape Elizabeth Family Medicine, while offering assisted and independent living at Woodlands Senior Living Cape Memory Care, and the Landing at Cape Elizabeth.
The town is home to several coastal parks, including Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, and Fort Williams Park, where retirees can enjoy incredible scenery and exciting adventures. Crescent Beach and Two Lights State Parks are best for recreational pursuits like sightseeing, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and hiking beautiful coastal trails. Fort Williams is more historic, housing Portland Head Light, the state's oldest lighthouse built in 1791, the Goddard Mansion, and Fort Williams, which is a World War Two fort. It is also home to the Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Museum, where the town's history comes alive in documents, artifacts, and exhibits. Aside from the history, seniors can always enjoy seafood at the Lobster Shack, which has ocean views.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport, once the summer home of the Bush Family, is one of the best towns for retirees in Maine. The town is naturally charming as it sits about a mile from the Atlantic Ocean along the Kennebunk River. Plus, it is near senior-centric facilities like RiverRidge Center, Kennebunk Center for Health & Rehabilitation, the Center for Mindful Health, Hungtington Common, and Kennebunks Senior Center.
Seniors also have plenty of options when it comes to attractions and things to do here. For starters, history comes alive at the Seashore Trolley Museum, featuring a collection of antique street cars. St. Ann's Episcopal Church, built in 1887, overlooks the sea and also beckons history buffs to explore. Goose Rocks Beach and Arundel Beach are outdoor havens for picnicking, promenading, sunbathing, and water sports. Elsewhere, Maine Art Hill is a gallery that hosts some of the state's finest art creations.
Ogunquit
The town of Ogunquit is yet another retirement destination with gorgeous scenery and recreational attractions for retirees to indulge in and feel more in tune with nature. This picture-perfect town lies on a sandy peninsula between the Ogunquit River and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a decent population of just above 1,500, making it serene, laid-back, and peaceful for retirees. Beyond its natural charm, the town is also ideal for retirees who love arts, with the Ogunquit Playhouse Summer Theatre offering musicals and various shows. The Ogunquit Museum of American Arts is another worthy attraction in town, featuring various sculptures, artworks, and paintings by Maine artists. For recreational pursuits, Ogunquit Beach is a lovely outdoor playground where seniors can bask in the sun, enjoy picnics, stroll, and watch time move by slowly. Otherwise, a stroll along the 1.25-mile Marginal Way along the coast to Perkins Cove is always a visually inspiring thing to do.
When it comes to wellness, Ogunquit is near York Hospital, and senior-centric organizations include Wells & Ogunquit Center At Moody and Avita of Wells.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a scenic coastal town on Mount Desert Island, ideal for retirees with a love for nature and a laid-back, peaceful community. The population is just above 5,000 (with almost 25% 65 years and older), accounting for a serene and charming ambiance where safety, intimacy with nature, and a friendly aura abound. Evenings here can be spent enjoying the sunset at Sand Beach or strolling along the Town Pier for sightseeing, while sailing, nature cruising, and lobster fishing tours are available from here. Alternatively, retirees can walk on the Shore Path, a scenic level walking path along the edges of Frenchman Bay, with views of the Porcupine Islands, Egg Rock Light, and the Schoodic Peninsula. Seniors with a love for history can learn about the lives of the Wabanaki Indigenous people of the island through artifacts and exhibits at the Abbe Museum.
For adventures, retirees can explore sections of the wheelchair-friendly Acadia National Park on relaxing hikes like Jordan Pond Path (3.3 miles) and the Ocean Path Trail (4 miles). Thankfully, there are several medical organizations in town to cater to the needs of seniors in case of any physical injuries or health emergencies. Some of the top ones include MDI Hospital and Cooper Gilmore Health Center. Additionally, retirees seeking a more enjoyable lifestyle are always welcome to Birch Bay Retirement Village or Harbor Lights Retirement Community.
Camden
Camden is a quintessential New England gem town on Penobscot Bay, perfect for retirees who seek comfort in nature's picturesque ambiance and love to enjoy fresh seafood. In addition to hosting several healthcare facilities like Windward Gardens, Camden Whole Health, and Bella Point Camden, the town's small-town population of just above 5,000, with 36% in the 65+ age bracket, means its sense of community is strong. Living here will be relaxing and scenic as retirees can always enjoy an airy evening stroll along the harbor, taking in the picturesque seaside charm and sights of sailboats and yachts.
For those feeling adventurous, sailing and fishing tours are available on the water right from the harbor. Meanwhile, Peter Ott’s on the Water is a cool seafood restaurant along the harbor for lunch and dinner. More adventures beckon at the Camden Hills State Park, where physically fit retirees can ascend to the summit of Mount Battie to relish sweeping views of Penobscot Bay, Camden, and nearby islands. For history buffs, the Conway House Museum is always a delightful stop, while those interested in arts and entertainment can catch shows at the Camden Opera House.
To further enhance retirement enjoyment, Camden hosts several senior living centers, some of which include Quarry Hill and Merry Garden Estates.
It is easy to fall in love with Maine, thanks to its amazing coastal and mountainous landscapes that seamlessly combine to spoil visitors with dreamy scenery. For retirees, the state is even more appealing, especially as it hosts cities and towns like Lewiston, Camden, and Bar Harbor. These destinations are particularly great for seniors because of features such as easy access to healthcare, spectacular natural beauty, recreational opportunities, historic draws, a sense of community life, a peaceful atmosphere, and rich culture. Whether you are looking for a peaceful coastal town or city vibes where medical facilities are just as near as recreational hot spots, these best places in Maine will give you the utmost satisfaction in your glorious years of retirement.
