The Best Small Town In Maine For Seniors

Whether you are a lifelong Mainer looking for a practical place to settle into retirement or you are planning a move from out of state, Bangor makes a strong case as a smart landing spot for seniors. Set inland and generally more affordable than many of Maine’s coastal communities, the third most populous city in the state delivers the essentials retirees care about: strong healthcare access and the feel of a regional hub. Fun local outings help round that out, from exploring the Cole Land Transportation Museum and its collection of historic vehicles to catching a concert at the Maine Savings Amphitheater on the waterfront. Stephen King’s famous former home on West Broadway also gives Bangor an extra point of interest that makes time in town feel a little more memorable. Better yet, Bangor puts you within easy driving distance of one of the country’s most recognizable protected landscapes: Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor shoreline.

Money Makes it Farther in Bangor

Stable living is a critical component of retiring comfortably, and Bangor makes this possibility a reality for seniors. Many retirees become renters in their golden years when they relocate, and the median rent in Bangor for a one-bedroom house is $1,300, according to Zillow data, which is lower than the national median. The housing market for those seniors looking to purchase a new home instead is similarly promising. Homes here have a median list price of approximately $305,000, which is lower than the almost $400,000 median list price across the country and in Maine.

In terms of cost of living, Bangor falls significantly below the coastal communities of Maine. According to the Economic Research Institute's data, Bangor is 6% less expensive than the average city in Maine, and transportation costs are more affordable than the average in the United States.

Living Life to the Fullest

One of the primary advantages of living in Bangor is the amenities that come with its larger population and city size. Between healthcare, historical landmarks, cultural centers, and eateries, seniors do not have to compromise things to do as they age in Bangor.

Dining

Eating in the city is a combination of flavors, cultures, and experiences. Locals here love Dysart’s Restaurant Broadway, a part-gas station, part-truck stop that was recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as the best of its kind in America back in 2022. This restaurant has curated a menu focused on made-from-scratch Maine staple comfort foods, whether that is the Signature Mac & Cheese or the Maine Baked Beans.

Many locals will also help places like The Butcher, The Baker, solidify their claim as the Best American Restaurant in Bangor, by keeping this upscale dining option on Hammond Street popular year-round. The menu here is diverse and meticulously crafted over 40 years in the food service industry, whether you have a plate of drunken noodles or halibut.

Things to Do

Bangor has a lot of history to find and explore for seniors, especially those interested in the evolution of land transportation through the centuries. In the Cole Land Transportation Museum, right off of I-95 and a heavily frequented tourist attraction, visitors find over 200 vehicles ranging from the logging sleds of old to locomotives and 18-wheelers. This 35-acre facility also houses a few smaller museums dedicated to the World War II Veterans Memorial, the Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Maine Korean Veterans Memorial.

Transition from history to entertainment with some of Bangor’s most frequented attractions, such as the sprawling Victorian mansion where world-renowned horror author Stephen King lived on West Broadway. For actual entertainment, seniors and other residents fill the seats of the Maine Savings Amphitheater all year, which draws major touring acts to the waterfront.

World-Renowned Healthcare

Being connected to one of the best healthcare facilities in the state makes senior living more manageable and keeps independent living possible. The Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center on State Street is highly regarded, recently earning the only overall five-star rating in Maine in Forbes' Top Hospitals in America. This facility is known for a wide array of services ranging from cardiac care and cancer treatment to orthopedics and surgery. For seniors retiring in Bangor, having Maine’s only five-star hospital nearby is a critical component to aging comfortably and safely.

Explore Nearby Bar Harbor

One of the best places for seniors to explore near Bangor is Bay Harbor, a highly recognizable coastal community in Maine. The town is about 50 miles south via Routes 1A and 3. Bar Harbor is the gateway to both Mount Desert Island and the greater Acadia National Park. This impressive natural wonder boasts 120 miles of trails for hiking up small summits and to places like Cadillac Mountain, and countless beautiful sights to behold from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole.

But the town has a lot to offer the senior for a day trip from Bangor as well, from the boutique shops, the locally owned eateries, and the whale-watching cruises. Places like Geddy’s stand out, known for being family-friendly and offering fresh seafood to go with their charming nautical themes. From ahi tuna tacos to fresh oysters, Geddy’s plates some of the best things to come out of the harbor.

Bangor Is Best for Seniors

Whether you have always lived in Maine and recently began considering the most affordable and connected place in the state for seniors entering retirement, or are making a multi-state move, Bangor makes a convincing argument as a sensible place to land. Bangor remains a more affordable option away from the coast, without compromising on amenities like a five-star hospital, and is a short drive from one of the nation’s most recognizable protected natural wonders, Acadia National Park.