9 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Maine
Maine, the northeasternmost state on the US mainland, is more than a beloved tourist destination bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This state, with a rugged coastline and vast pine forests, is also an amazing place for affordable living and retirement, with an average home value of $395,931. Even more exciting, Maine is home to several charming small towns, many of which offer even cheaper housing markets, making homeownership within reach for many retirees.
These towns are excellent places to retire and enjoy the state’s acclaimed high quality of life, which stems from several factors, including low crime rates, top-notch healthcare, and proximity to nature. In one town, retirees will even have access to an international airport with flights to several major cities around the country, including New Jersey’s Newark and Florida’s St. Petersburg. A pleasant retirement on the Atlantic coast does not always have to be pricey, and these towns in Maine are strong reasons why that is true.
Lewiston
Lewiston, Maine’s second most populous town, is the ideal place for an affordable retirement, with some college vibes, as it is home to Bates College. Located on the Androsscoggin River, less than 40 miles from Casco Bay, this naturally endowed town boasts a home value significantly lower than the state average at $286,725, but that’s not all. It is also where to find some of Maine’s top-notch facilities, a factor that further makes it cost-effective by removing the need for frequent out-of-town travel. Lewiston is the proud home of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, a highly rated hospital on Campus Avenue with 220 beds and a wide range of services, including cancer care, rehabilitation, and mental health care.
Just a short distance east of this medical center, the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary is a highly sought-after natural attraction in the region, where retirees will love to hang out. This 450-acre sanctuary is defined by lush woodlands, meadows, and wetlands full of birds and other wildlife, and sliced through by over four miles of trails. The trails are open for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. For those who love art, the Bates College Museum of Art always has interesting artworks on display from its collection of over 8,000 contemporary works from the domestic and international art worlds, mainly drawings, prints, and photographs.
Bangor
This vibrant town on the Penobscot River checks many boxes for a pleasant life, but its affordability is particularly appealing. With an average home value of $272,601, Bangor is one of Maine’s lower-end places for retirement, with top-notch attractions and amenities to complement. Notably, it is home to Bangor International Airport, a major hub that provides easy access to major cities across the country, including Orlando, New York City, and Chicago.
Elsewhere, the Bangor Municipal Golf Course will delight golfers with a 27-hole challenge and picturesque scenery, while the Bangor City Forest will keep adventure-loving retirees busy with plenty of outdoor activities. Covering 680 acres, this working forest is a gem in town, with nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails and an abundance of wildlife, including beavers and porcupines. Additionally, the Orono Bog Boardwalk, a premier attraction in the area, can be accessed from the Bangor City Forest and will further delight retirees. This one-mile boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and winds through a bog surrounded by diverse vegetation and ecosystems.
Wiscasset
Wiscasset is a charming town near the coast of Maine, on the tidal Sheepscot River, perfect for a low-cost retirement. For one, it is a relatively affordable place to be a homeowner, with a median home value of $373,534. Plus, the town is the perfect example of a New England village, with its laid-back atmosphere, coastal scenery, historic architecture, and plenty of exciting attractions. Notably, this town is the proud home of Red’s Eats, one of the most sought-after restaurants in New England. Retirees in this town will appreciate living near this restaurant, which serves delicious seafood, including lobster rolls and fried clams, as well as chicken sandwiches and hamburgers.
Meanwhile, the famous Wiscasset Speedway is right in this coastal town, offering retirees the chance to witness the fastest races in Maine every Saturday evening from April to October. And like most authentic New England towns, Wiscasset is excellent for strolling, with a downtown area full of historic buildings, like the federal-style Castle Tucker, built in 1807 and still featuring original furnishings that reflect the daily life of an affluent family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sanford
At just $355,838, Sanford’s home value is lower than the state average, placing it among the more affordable places for retirement in New England. Situated on the Mousam River, it is also one of the state’s largest towns, with a wide range of amenities and attractions, including the highly rated ConvenientMD Urgent Care, which treats minor emergencies. Golf lovers have an 18-hole golf course to enjoy at the Sanford Country Club, and the Gowen Memorial Park is always a great place to unwind outdoors with fellow retirees who make up 19% of the town’s population. This park features a modern picnic pavilion, tennis courts, and walking paths, plus it offers access to the Mousam Way North, which stretches 3.9 miles along the Mousam River and through wooded areas.
Perhaps even more exciting, Sanford is less than 30 minutes from Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, one of the coolest natural attractions to visit in Maine. This refuge features diverse habitats, including forested uplands, tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, rocky coastlines, and estuaries. These habitats are havens for wildlife, particularly migratory birds, including the endangered piping plover. The mile-long Carlson Trail offers access to get up close to all of those natural treasures.
Augusta
Augusta, Maine’s capital, is one of the most unique places anyone can retire to. Located on the Kennebec River, this town features everything needed for a pleasant retirement, including one of the country’s lowest median home values at $264,714. Unlike many capital cities, Augusta is relaxing with a small population of 18,800, plus it is full of interesting attractions, including the Red Barn, which has been serving the community with fresh seafood, fried chicken, and other American favorites since 1977.
Those who love history will be thrilled to live here, as the town boasts a long list of historical treasures, one of which is the Maine State Museum. This museum features a diverse collection of exhibits, providing a comprehensive overview of Maine's prehistoric, cultural, and natural history, spanning a period of 12,000 years. Elsewhere, nature and outdoor lovers can enjoy the Viles Arboretum year-round for free. Covering a 224-acre area, this botanical garden and arboretum boasts five miles of trails, open for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, with impressive views of native and non-native plants, as well as birds, and other wildlife.
Gardiner
Just south of Maine’s capital, Gardiner is a peaceful place that retirees will be proud to call home. An unspoiled and authentic New England community located on the Kennebec River, life here is easy on the pocket, especially for prospective homeowners with a median home value of $280,692. The town is also exciting, with a charming waterfront downtown full of eye-catching attractions. Some of these include the Queen Anne and Romanesque-style Gardiner Public Library, built in 1881, and the Johnson Hall Opera House, the oldest of its kind in Maine, built in 1864. Year-round, this opera house hosts talents from around the world, who enliven the town with music, theater, comedy, and other entertainment.
Just a short distance from this opera house, the Waterfront Park is a cool spot to enjoy a riverside picnic, fish, and stroll, plus it features a boat launch and marina. Those who love hiking will appreciate the town’s Kennebec River Rail Trail, which stretches 6.5 miles along the river and through the neighboring cities of Farmingdale, Hallowell, and Augusta.
Presque Isle
The commercial center of Aroostook County, Maine’s northernmost county, Presque Isle, is anything but expensive. In fact, with a home value of $169,038, it is an incredibly affordable place to live, with access to a long list of amenities and attractions, including the Presque Isle International Airport. Several medical facilities are also in town to give retirees peace of mind, with the Northern Light AR Gould Hospital being a notable mention. This hospital provides a wide range of services, including advanced cancer care, dialysis, and behavioral health care.
Meanwhile, retirees will have plenty of adventures to enjoy here year-round, especially as the town hosts the Aroostook State Park, Maine’s oldest state park, established in 1938. In addition to Echo Lake, which is open for canoeing, fishing, and swimming, this 898-acre park features a 30-site campground with hookups, along with miles of hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails. Additionally, it’s almost impossible to go hungry in Presque Isle, as the town is full of reputable food establishments, including the Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery, notable for its relaxing atmosphere, seafood, and hearty breakfast servings.
Skowhegan
Skowhegan is a historic town on the Kennebec River that makes for an affordable retirement spot in Maine with one of the lowest median home values in the country at $214,607. Here, retirees will be met with pedestrian-friendly streets lined with pleasant hangout spots, one of which is the Old Mill Pub. This establishment is right on the waterfront in a historic building that was once a grist mill, and is a cool place to relax with a variety of drinks and American comfort food, including steaks and seafood. Moreover, the Lake George Regional Park is just outside the downtown area and offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing.
The Pinnacle Trail, located on the park’s east side, is particularly a delight to hike, stretching 2.2 miles with gorgeous views of Lake George and the surrounding forests. Additionally, the park hosts a couple of events, including the Somerset SnowFest, held in mid-February, which celebrates all things winter with activities such as dog-sledding, tubing, an ice-fishing derby, and downhill kayak racing. Speaking of events, this town is notable for the Skowhegan State Fair, arguably the oldest continuously held state fair in the US. Held every August, this event reflects the town’s strong community spirit and celebrates Maine’s agricultural history, featuring live music, livestock shows, food, fresh farm produce, and much more.
Orono
With a median home value of $291,793, Orono is one of Maine’s most affordable towns to retire to. Additionally, the town offers convenience from its location just north of Bangor, where some of Maine’s highly sought-after amenities are located. For one, Orono is a short 16-minute drive from Bangor International Airport, putting a long list of destinations across the country within easy reach. Within the town’s boundaries, retirees will also find several other notable amenities, including the Collins Center for the Arts, one of the most popular performing arts venues in Maine, which hosts world-class performances year-round. Located at the University of Maine in Orono, this arts center is home to the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest continually operating orchestras in the US, founded in 1896.Meanwhile, the Alfond Sports Arena is in town, keeping everyone entertained year-round with ice hockey games and other events like basketball and concerts. Outdoor buffs will have the Orono Bog Boardwalk to enjoy a peaceful hike through some of Maine’s natural treasures. This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk is about a mile long and stretches through a bog, with benches for relaxation.
Retire To These Towns And Enjoy The Best of Coastal New England Affordably
Maine, one of the most beloved coastal states in the US, is among the places for a truly fulfilling retirement. Arguably the most rural state in the country and one of the most sparsely populated, life here is peaceful and uncrowded, with plenty of natural treasures to enjoy. In these towns, retirees get to enjoy incredibly low living costs, as well as easy access to the state’s best attractions. From Bangor and Orono, for instance, it is just an hour’s drive to the beloved Acadia National Park, where over 150 miles of trails wind through an incredibly gorgeous landscape defined by rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, mountain summits, meadows, and heavily forested woodlands.
All of these appeals come against the backdrop of significantly low crime rates, excellent healthcare, rich history, and plenty of delicious seafood. Only a few places in the world boast this premium combination. Retire to these towns today, and enjoy the best of New England.
