Best Places to live in Maine
Located northeast of the country, Maine is home to an impressive Atlantic coastline. With rugged scenery and a varied landscape, Maine is known as the Pine Tree State, thanks to its forest land. These lush forests cover approximately 98% of the state, which is ideal for any nature lover.
If you’re a Stephen King fan, you may already know about Maine’s unique atmosphere, thanks to the famous novelist setting many of his stories in the state. However, if you’re not a Maine native, keep on reading. We’ve gathered the best places to live in Maine to help you decide. Enjoy!
Portland
Located on the Casco Bay peninsula, Portland is one of the best places in Maine to live. The largest city in Maine, Portland, offers a big city vibe with the addition of a unique waterfront area. This city is also close to green spaces and views of mountains, providing a natural feel. You won’t get the claustrophobic city feel here!
With a fusion of old Victorian-era homes and new warehouse developments, Portland combines the past and the future. There are countless new bars and restaurants to try here, and locals enjoy traditional bean hole beans, lobster rolls, and fresh chowder. If these local classics aren’t your thing, Portland offers diverse cuisines and alternative options.
Portland is the center of tourism and business within the state of Maine. If you’re starting your career or on a job search, there are many opportunities here. Portland also offers fast Wi-Fi, with the top providers being Spectrum, HughesNet, and Viasat. However, if you need to get away on a business trip, the closest airport is Portland International Jetport.
The weather in Portland sees distinct seasons, but you can expect moderate cloud coverage all year round. Summers in this coastal location are comfortable but never humid. Winters in Portland see snow and freezing temperatures, so bring your scarf!
The cost of living in Portland is slightly higher than other cities in Maine, but you can expect a high quality of living and numerous career opportunities. This city offers a cross between big city life and rural living, attracting families and young professionals alike.
Portland might be your new home if you’re not interested in super cities but want to avoid living in the sticks.
Falmouth
Situated in Cumberland County, Falmouth is one of the best places in Maine to live for retirees and families. With a smaller population of approximately 12,400, this town offers a laid back pace of life and attractive natural views. However, Falmouth is situated very close to Portland, allowing residents to visit the city on their terms.
Falmouth covers 32 miles of coastland and rural areas, providing peace for all residents. Here, locals enjoy walking across the coastline and enjoying spectacular sunsets across the Atlantic ocean.
This area may be quieter, but there’s still a lot to do! Falmouth boasts a range of restaurants with all cuisines. From Mexican to Thai, there are always new tastes to try. Grills are also popular here, especially in the summer months.
Falmouth boasts some of the best K-12 schools in the state, and the high schools frequently receive top reviews. Though Falmouth isn’t a tourism hub, it’s popular with families for the safe neighborhood and excellent educational opportunities. Parents tend to commute to Portland for work, or it’s common to work remotely. If you need to travel for work, the Portland International Jetport is the closest stop, and the town is situated on Highway 295.
However, the cost of living in Falmouth is 27% higher than the national average. Homes here don’t come cheap, but with outstanding schools, natural beauty, and proximity to Portland, living in Falmouth is worth the price.
Whether you want to raise a family or slow down, Falmouth is an idyllic town to consider.
Brunswick
Do you want to live in Maine but looking for an area with nightlife and an alternative buzz? Meet Brunswick, a town in Cumberland County. Brunswick is one of the best places to live in Maine 2022 due to its diverse arts scene, evening events, and general college town atmosphere. Whether you’re a student or just looking for a lively Maine location, schedule a trip here in your diary.
Residents of this town enjoy a variety of theaters, galleries, and museums. If you enjoy the arts, there’s always a Brunswick exhibition to enjoy. Other popular Brunswick activities include outdoor sports and hikes in local state parks, such as Bradbury Mountain State Park.
Food and drink in Brunswick are varied, allowing locals to enjoy a range of culinary delights. From American-inspired plates to Japanese sushi, locals have a lot of choices here. Brunswick also boasts a range of clubs and bars, allowing you to dance the night away on the weekends. If you need to leave the town, the closest airport is Brunswick Executive Airport or Portland International for flights that leave the country.
The weather in Brunswick reaches freezing temperatures in the winter, and the cold season lasts from December to March. This northern city does warm up in the summer, though. Locals enjoy comfortable temperatures and long, bright days at the season’s peak.
Overall, Brunswick’s cost of living is 3% higher than the national average. While it’s not the most affordable option, Brunswick is cheaper than cities like Portland and offers a lively college town vibe. Here you can enjoy Maine’s signature nature and coastline without the hefty price tag.
Brunswick is a great place to meet like-minded people if you’re a young professional or student.
The Bottom Line
The best places to live in Maine offer stunning views, local delicacies, and a range of employment opportunities. This state may not provide sunshine all year round, but you can expect friendly communities and excellent quality of life for families.
