Moving to Great Towns: 8 Best Places to Live in Maine (2024)

New England has a charm that never ceases to draw new and repeat tourist’s year after year, and there’s a reason for it. From mountains, to beaches to scenic walks through idyllic towns, Maine has something offer just about anyone, which is why many of those visitors end up moving to one of these places in the state. So if you decide that you fancy a change and want to move to Maine, then you should. Just remember that at first it might seem difficult moving, as you have to find a house, move all your possessions and sell your house as well (it might be worthwhile checking out customer reviews of real estate agents to see which is the right one for you). But once you get through this struggle, moving to Maine might be the best decision you ever make.

Here are the best 8 out there, and if you aren’t considering relocating to the great state of Maine yet, you may after reading about these locations below.

Moving to Great Towns: Best Places to Live in Maine

1. York Beach, Maine

Part of the Yorks of Maine, York Beach is a sleepy, close-knit community during the off season and a hopping tourist paradise in the summer months. It has an old-fashioned boardwalk to take strolls on, a beautiful beach to sun yourself on and more food choices than you can shake a stick at. As one of the oldest oceanfront communities in Maine, you’ll have a place of residence steeped in history and tradition. York Beach is also an animal friendly community, and prides itself on being a welcoming community for everyone.

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2. Belfast, Maine

The coastal city of Belfast is where you’ll want to settle if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur – who also likes a great view. The city is cozily found between Belfast Bay and Passagasawakeag River, and the community encourages the support of local businesses, farmers markets and cooperatives. It’s an ideal place for a new business owner to get their feet wet with a community of support behind them.

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3. Portland, Maine

Maybe one of the more well-known cities in Maine, Portland has a reputation for a reason. It’s not only a popular destination during the warmer months, but also boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the autumn. You truly can’t invent scenery like this. On top of that, the community of Portland has a growing craft beer industry, and is of course home to the delicious Maine lobster. It’s a home-sweet-home community the moment you arrive, and the sunrise from the Portland Head lighthouse will seal the deal. With so many fun things to do in Portland, you’ll never want to leave, and the community will happily keep you.

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4. Kennebunkport, Maine

An interesting trend among the cities and towns of Maine is the welcoming atmosphere for locals and non-natives alike. The same goes for Kennebunkport. Another pet-friendly city and locale full of great food and landscapes, Kennebunkport will steal your heart from the very beginning and keep it through its laid-back and relaxed community. An added bonus if you have a family, or plan on starting one, the area has some of the best schools in the state.

Read > Kennebunkport Bucket List: 12 Things To Do

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5. Rangeley, Maine

A winner of the DownEast magazine’s Best Places to Live in Maine for 2016, Rangeley should also be on your list of options for moving. Though remote and away from quite a few amenities, it’s the charm of this city that puts it in the top. It attracts residents who love the great outdoors, and often, young residents that leave for studies end up returning to make home there. It has a welcoming and close-knit community that gets in your heart and stays there.

6. Chebeague Island, Maine

Technically the newest town in Maine, Chebeague Island is located off the coast near Portland, and is made up of 17 total islands. Many of its residents are active participants in the sustainability of the island and work to do so through community activities and initiatives. This town would be a great option for nature lovers and those looking to live in a community that understands the importance of social and environmental symbiosis. A bonus: its close proximity to Portland also gives you access to all the amenities of a larger city.

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7. Cornish, Maine

This bucolic town is in close proximity to the White Mountains and offers more scenic trails and hikes than you can imagine. Some are privately owned and require permission, but the community itself once again keeps with the trend of other Maine towns and loves welcoming new neighbors. The Cornish Association of Businesses also takes a very active role in this aspect of the community as well, ensuring that growth is both healthy manageable. If you’re looking for a perfect cottage holiday destination with scenic hikes and an active business community, Cornish is the place for you.

8. Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Another town in proximity of the Portland area, Cape Elizabeth will enchant you with its epic ocean views and inspire you with its innovative Greenbelt plan. This plan maintains the rural integrity of the historic town, protects the local wildlife and also integrates trails into this sustainable eco-system so humans and nature can interact without damaging one or the other. It’s another great option for nature lovers and environmental advocates as well. No matter what your preference is for a new residence, you’re sure to find an option that you’ll love in Maine. Beautiful natural landscapes, great food and history as well as welcoming communities – it really doesn’t get much better than that.

More About Maine


Rockland Maine Bucket List: 9 Fun Things to Do
Portland Maine Bucket List: 15 of the Best Things to Do

5 Winter Activities in Portland, Maine That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Peaks Island Maine Bucket List: 9 Best Things to Do

Kennebunkport Maine Bucket List: 20+ Things To Do in The Coastal Town
5 Things Not to Miss in Portland, Maine This Summer

Moving to Great Towns: 8 Best Places to Live in Maine (6)

Guest Post By . . .

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosurehere.
Moving to Great Towns: 8 Best Places to Live in Maine (2024)

FAQs

What is the most livable city in Maine? ›

  • #1 Best Places to Live in Maine. Cape Elizabeth. ...
  • #2 Best Places to Live in Maine. Falmouth. ...
  • #3 Best Places to Live in Maine. Orono. ...
  • Add to List. Sponsored Private School. ...
  • #4 Best Places to Live in Maine. Falmouth Foreside. ...
  • #5 Best Places to Live in Maine. Back Cove. ...
  • #6 Best Places to Live in Maine. ...
  • #7 Best Places to Live in Maine.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Maine? ›

Waterville

Waterville offers budget-friendly living with a median rent of $650 lower than the national median of $2000. With transportation costs being 37% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in Maine. Waterville is an ideal place for job seekers.

What is the safest part of Maine to live in? ›

Here are the 10 Safest Cities in Maine for 2024
  • Cumberland.
  • Cape Elizabeth.
  • Eliot.
  • Hampden.
  • Belfast.
  • Orono.
  • Kennebunk.
  • South Berwick.

Where do retirees live in Maine? ›

Waterville is one of the best places to retire in Maine for retirees, given its low cost of living, access to greenery, and peaceful environment. A college town, Waterville is home to two universities - Colby College and Thomas College - earning it the title of 'The University City of Maine'.

What is the most underrated town in Maine? ›

One of those places is Stonington. LoveExploring recently named the small coastal village Maine's most underrated town. There are plenty of reasons behind the choice, especially for those looking to discover a little piece of the state that feels truly authentic.

What town in Maine has the lowest crime rate? ›

1. Yarmouth. Yarmouth had the lowest number of both property crimes and overall crimes in 2012: just 932 and 980 per 100,000 people, respectively. To put this into perspective, Portland had some of the most: 3,963 and 4,224, respectively.

What is the safest county to live in Maine? ›

Cumberland County

#1 Best Counties to Live in Maine.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Maine? ›

The average cost of living in Maine

As well as being a popular tourism destination, Maine is home to around 1.4 million people. According to Bureau of Economic Analysis data for 2021, the average annual cost of living in Maine is $50,559.

Is Maine worth moving to? ›

Maine has affordable housing and a lower low cost of living than neighboring states. In addition, it has some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. United States News & World Report ranked Maine as the 1st overall safest state to live, (also 1st in the list of low violent crime and 4th in low property crime).

What is the average price of a house in Maine? ›

Comparing 2023 to the year before, the median sales price (MSP) increased from $335,000 to $360,000. MSP means half of homes sold for more than that and half sold for less than that. Only one of Maine's 16 counties saw a drop in MSP, and it was slight.

Where is the best place to retire in Maine on a budget? ›

Located just off the coast of Canada, Eastport is one of the best places for retirees to spend their twilight years. While there are many top places to retire in Maine to enjoy New England's golden years, Eastport is more tempting because of its lower cost of living compared to the national average.

What is the most expensive part of Maine? ›

Here is a list of the most expensive towns in Maine in 2023:
  1. Southport. Coming in at number one is the town of Southport with an average home selling price of $1,474,231. ...
  2. Kennebunkport. The town of Kennebunkport is number two on the list! ...
  3. Mount Desert. ...
  4. Brooklin. ...
  5. South Bristol. ...
  6. Yarmouth. ...
  7. Falmouth. ...
  8. Saint George.
Apr 19, 2024

What is the safest city or town in Maine? ›

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Kennebunk did not have a single reported violent crime in 2022, making it the safest town in Maine, according to Safewise, a nationally known company that focuses on home security. Police Chief Robert MacKenzie recently confirmed that statistic. No murders. No manslaughter cases.

Where do the richest people live in Maine? ›

Falmouth Foreside takes the lead in Maine for highest income, boasting an average household income of $204,669, surpassing the statewide average by around $120,800, according to 24/7 Wall St.

Is it a good idea to live in Maine? ›

Maine has affordable housing and a lower low cost of living than neighboring states. In addition, it has some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. United States News & World Report ranked Maine as the 1st overall safest state to live, (also 1st in the list of low violent crime and 4th in low property crime).

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