Americans love Maine! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-notch healthcare system to pleasant weather, the Pine Tree State has got it all.
The median home value for Maine is $360,200. For a rich cultural experience, Portland and Biddeford are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of affordable housing prices and a lower cost of living than in neighboring states. Let’s explore the best places to live in Maine.
📉 3 Reasons to Live in Maine 🌲
- Growing Job Market: Maine ranks 6th in the nation in terms of employment opportunities, making it a great place to live and work.
- Weather: The state has pleasant weather with 6 months of significant snowfall.
- Affordability: Cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is lower than the U.S. average.
Best Places to Live in Maine in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Augusta | 18,938 | $255,000 | $7,671 | 3.3% | 54/100 |
| 2. | Bangor | 31,705 | $320,000 | $8,278 | 3.3% | 54/100 |
| 3. | Portland | 68,280 | $540,000 | $10,076 | 2.8% | 64/100 |
| 4. | Lewiston | 37,577 | $270,000 | $8,115 | 3.3% | 54/100 |
| 5. | Cape Elizabeth | 9,519 | $880,000 | $9,388 | 3.2% | 70/100 |
| 6. | Bar Harbor | 5,161 | $623,266 | $8,635 | 2.7% | 59/100 |
| 7. | Camden | 5,221 | $619,824 | $8,309 | 4.3% | 60/100 |
1. Augusta: Best Places to Live in Maine for Young Adults
| Home Value | ⬆️ 13.5% |
| Median Income | $45,006 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,671 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
The median home price in Augusta is $255,000, significantly less than the national average of $408,537. Moreover, the cost of living in Augusta is also 11.4% less than the national average, making it one of the major cities in Maine. Apart from this, the city is home to the University of Maine at Augusta.
Soccer, basketball and baseball are the most enjoyed sports in Augusta, among other activities like art, music, etc. The city’s economically growing sectors include healthcare, education, government, retail, etc.
» Homes For Sale in Augusta, ME: View thousands of properties in Augusta.
2. Bangor: Live in One of the Maine Safest Cities
| Home Value | ⬆️ 8.0% |
| Median Income | $52,438 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,278 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
Bangor is among the best places to live in Maine due to its home prices, which are ~32% lower than the national average. The median home price in this city is $320,000. Apart from this the city is rated A+ in terms of affordable housing.
The crime rate in Bangor is 6.5% less than the national average. Additionally Eastern Maine Medical Center, L.L. Bean, and Cross Insurance Agency are the major employers in the city.
» Homes For Sale in Bangor, ME: Find your home in one of the best cities to live in Maine.
3. Portland: Best Place to Retire in Maine
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.3% |
| Median Income | $71,498 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,076 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
Portland, known as the best of small towns in America is one of the largest city in Maine by population. The median home price in the city $540,000. Portland cost of living is 12.5% higher than the national average. However, the city has exceptional overall livability score at 85/100.
This city is a great place for retirees due to its quality healthcare and mental health services. Moreover, Maine Medical Center is one of the largest employers in this city. Apart from this, the city has natural gardens and parks to enjoy for families and retirees.
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4. Lewiston: Best Places to Live in Maine for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬆️ 13.1% |
| Median Income | $54,317 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,115 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
Lewiston is one of the good places to live in Maine due to its rich history, vibrant downtown area, and beautiful natural surroundings. The median home price in the city is $270,000, which is quite less compared to the national average. Transportation and healthcare expenses are 20.6% and 16.1% less than the US average, respectively.
The city is renowned as “Little Canada” because of Canadians migration. Apart from this, the city is home to Cianbro Corporation, and Bates College, major businesses in the area.
» Homes For Sale in Lewiston, ME: View thousands of listings in this Little Canada.
5. Cape Elizabeth: Best Town for Job Seekers
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.8% |
| Median Income | $144,250 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,388 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 70/100 |
Cape Elizabeth’s median home price is $880,000 and the cost of living is 12.5% higher than the national average. However, the crime rate 9.2% less than the US average which makes it a safest town for families.
The town is home to Fort Williams Park. In addition, there are a lot of businesses coming up in the town, like restaurants, bars, galleries, and local stores. Apart from this, the town’s job growth rate for the area is 24.12%, which makes it an ideal place for job seekers.
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6. Bar Harbor: Live in One of the Vibrant City
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.5% |
| Median Income | $67,045 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,635 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 59/100 |
Bar Harbor is a town located in Hancock County with a median home price in this town is $623,266. The cost of living is 16% higher than the national average. Even with high cost of living, the city has popular attractions and its picturesque view of the Maine coast makes Bar Harbor a place worth to live.
Apart from this, the transportation cost in the town is 27.3 % less than the US average. Bar Harbor is home to College of the Atlantic. The city also famous for its lobster rolls and amazing seafood cuisine.
» Homes For Sale in Bar Harbor, ME: View thousands of properties in Maine towns.
7. Camden: Live in One of the Best Cities in Maine
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.6% |
| Median Income | $90,739 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,309 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 60/100 |
Camden is a coastal town located in northeastern United States. The city is famous for sea with a stunning harbor, bustling especially in summer days. The median home price is $619,824 and the cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.
Camden offers a peaceful and relaxed way of life that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city living. Also, if you’re interested in hiking, sailing, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Camden is the best beach towns to live in for young adults.
» Homes For Sale in Camden, ME: Find a home in one of the best towns to live in Maine.
Bottom Line
Maine is one of the best places to live in the US due to its robust employment market and affordable living. The Pine Tree State is also big on sports, and outdoor recreation and has the best towns to visit in Maine.
The cost of living in Maine is 3% below the national average, and the median home price is $377,025. However, home prices are inconsistent throughout the state. Maine can be your top choice if you’re looking to live on a budget.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Maine’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in ME
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Maine. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Maine and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Maine Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Maine for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine a good place to live?
Yes, Maine offers the best lifestyle experience and has good job opportunities. Here are top best places you can live in these include, Portland, Bangor, Augusta, and Lewiston.
Which are the great places to visit in Maine?
Maine is a beautiful state with a variety of great places to live. Augusta, the state capital, is a great place to live with a small-town feel and easy access to outdoor recreation. Also, Portland the largest city in Maine and is known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent restaurants, and beautiful waterfront.
Can you live and work in Maine?
Yes, you can definitely live and work in Maine. Maine has a diverse economy with opportunities in a variety of industries including healthcare, technology, tourism, and manufacturing. The state also has a relatively low cost of living of 3% lower than the national average.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Maine?
Caribou is cheapest place to live in. The cost of living in this city is 24.9% lower than the national average.
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