Maine is well-known for a wide range of things, including its astoundingly gorgeous national parks and coastlines as well as its abundance of historic sites.
Rich mansions and picturesque lighthouses are just a couple of the sights to behold; each location has a unique history.
Whether you seek coastal serenity, vibrant city life, or a peaceful rural retreat, Maine has something to offer for everyone.
15 Best Places To Live In Maine In [year]
There are many places to live in Maine. However, here are the 15 best of them:
- Portland
- Brunswick
- Bar Harbor
- Kennebunkport
- Cape Elizabeth
- Cumberland
- Gorham
- Falmouth
- Yarmouth
- Scarborough
- Farmington
- Monson
- Freeport
- Richmond
- Belfast
1. Portland
Among the best places to live in Maine is Portland, one of the biggest cities in the state. With easy access to Maine’s beaches, woodlands, and other breathtaking scenery, this quaint seaside village is a summertime tourist hotspot.
Portland has a small-town atmosphere, but it also has award-winning restaurants, art galleries, waterfront neighborhoods, and coastline lighthouses! Old Orchard Beach, Crescent Beach, and Willard Beach are the three most visited beaches in Portland.
2. Brunswick
Brunswick, once home to prosperous manufacturers, merchants, and shipbuilders, is now a hive of activity. Modern Brunswick features a bustling main street, a thriving entertainment and arts scene, and of course, that classic New England charm. Brunswick is one of the most livable towns in Maine thanks to continued municipal support and downtown revitalization initiatives.
Home to Bowdoin College, Brunswick offers a blend of academic vibrancy, cultural events, and historic charm along the Androscoggin River.
Brunswick Maine Street Station is the endpoint of Amtrak’s Downeaster train service, which links the town to Boston’s North Station as well as the Portland Transportation Centre.
3. Bar Harbor
For those who like to live in harmony with the environment and experience island living, this is one of the most picturesque areas in Maine.
Bar Harbour, the biggest settlement on Mount Desert Island, is well-known for its lobster, historical sites, and scenic surroundings. This charming seaside town’s Bar Harbour has grown in popularity among visitors and locals alike.
Nestled near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor beckons with its stunning coastal vistas, outdoor adventures, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
4. Kennebunkport
Experience a quintessential New England coastal town vibe in Kennebunkport, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic lighthouse, of course, lobster, clams, and other fresh, local seafood seafood dining, and charming boutiques.
Kennebunkport is a little town on Highway 95 and is also a robust local community made up of many town natives. Kennebunkport retains its rural atmosphere, although the region is extremely safe and has a suburban appeal.
There are always a lot of homes available, and many of them have traditional wooden designs. Nearly every property is situated on its own plot of land, apart from any other dwellings. You may purchase a stunning single-family home with five bedrooms and four bathrooms for half a million dollars.
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5. Cape Elizabeth
Neighboring Portland, Cape Elizabeth is a lush, refined village hugging the shores of Casco Bay. All year long, travelers are drawn to Cape Elizabeth, a charming village on Maine’s southern coast. In addition, it offers excellent cycling, shoreline parks, lighthouses, and history to tourists.
Since there are no railroads in Cape Elizabeth for public transportation, many tourists prefer to explore the little town on foot or by bicycle. In fact, the town’s annual Beach to Beacon 10K road race, which begins at Crescent Beach State Park (the “beach”) and concludes at Portland Head Light (the “beacon”), makes it a favorite destination for many athletes and fitness aficionados across the United States.
6. Cumberland
Located in southern Maine, the small town of Cumberland has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Maine. With around eight thousand residents, Cumberland is known for its charming atmosphere and local amenities.
There are many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, outdoor fishing, and camping. You will also find many nature parks and historical landmarks like the Nonesuch River Wildlife Sanctuary.
You will enjoy its tight-knit community where neighbors look after each other. Cumberland is one of the best places in Maine with natural beauty.
7. Gorham
Gorham, ten miles west of Portland, has been named one of the best places to live in Maine. It’s a charming little town with lots of old buildings and culture. The University of Southern Maine has a campus in Gorham.
From being a tiny village, Gorham has developed into a thriving town. Due to its popularity, a lot of new companies and residential developments have emerged. Situated close to Sebago Lake, Gorham provides an abundance of recreational opportunities, including hiking trails and a river for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
8. Falmouth
The town of Falmouth, which has an estimated population of 12,000, is a peaceful and practical place to live. It is situated along the coast, just north of Portland.
Local attractions in the area include three golf courses, shopping, nature parks, indoor and outdoor skating, and recreational facilities.
Falmouth Elementary, Middle, and High Public Schools are located in Falmouth. Renowned for its robust extracurricular and athletic programs, Falmouth High School is regarded as one of the best in the state.
9. Yarmouth
One of the best towns in Maine and a favorite place for residents to call home is Yarmouth, which is located halfway between Portland and Freeport. Beautiful homes that seem like they could have been taken straight out of a postcard can be found in this sleepy town close to the coast!
Yarmouth’s top-notch educational system continues to draw families from across the country. Yarmouth’s prime location, just a short stroll from eateries and boutiques, is one of its greatest features. Yarmouth is among the greatest places to live because of its convenient commute.
10. Scarborough
Scarborough is among the greatest areas to live in Maine because of its stunning views of the ocean, sandy beaches, and easy access to transit. With twenty-one thousand residents, sixteen thousand jobs, and one thousand businesses, Scarborough is a thriving community.
Scarborough Maine remains a great place to live, with lots of things to do for people of all ages to do for recreation. The town features beautiful neighborhoods, a wide variety of businesses, and unspoiled scenery. No wonder why people call it one of the best coastal towns in Maine.
11. Farmington
One of the best areas in Maine to live in is Farmington. Farmington features movie theatres, art galleries, historic muezzins, hiking trails, and nature parks.
Living in this close-knit neighborhood with friendly neighbors who facilitate friendships is enjoyable for the locals. Farmington offers a wealth of outdoor activities for people of all ages, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and snowboarding, in addition to its welcoming community. Farmington is also reasonably priced, has a strong economy, and is home to a wide variety of businesses.
12. Monson
One of the greatest places to live in Maine for people looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle is Monson, which is situated in Piscataquis County in the center of the state and is renowned for its gorgeous landscape and welcoming community.
The town’s numerous galleries and studios, such as the well-liked Monson Arts Centre, which hosts workshops, performances, and exhibits, have long drawn artists and craftspeople.
Monson also provides various opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate their community through events like Monson Summerfest and the annual Piscataquis River Festival, making it a welcoming and supportive place to call home.
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13. Freeport
One of the greatest places to live in Maine and one of the most well-liked vacation spots is now Freeport. Shoppers, art galleries, gourmet eateries, festivals, beachside camping, and much more are the main draws of Freeport. Lots of outlet stores can be found in Freeport, so people travel from all over to shop at these local purveyors.
At just 8,000 people, Freeport is a tiny town with a decidedly rural feel. People who live in the area, who are extremely happy with the education their children are receiving, highly praise the local schools.
14. Richmond
Richmond, Maine is a small town in Sagadahoc County that boasts a gorgeous waterfront, rolling hills, and forests in addition to a quaint downtown. There are lots of chances for the community’s members to get together and celebrate neighborhood events, making it a tight-knit and active community.
Richmond is a great choice for people searching for a quiet, reasonably priced place to live because of its reputation for having inexpensive housing and a low cost of living.
15. Belfast
Belfast, one of the most beautiful coastal Maine towns, is renowned for its genuine local businesses, small-town atmosphere, and scenic surroundings. With a population of slightly over 6,000, it is one of the most beautiful towns in Maine.
In addition to hiking in the neighboring state parks, fishing, boating, and visiting the community gardens and farmer’s markets for fresh local produce, residents can enjoy exploring the rocky shores. The town is also a great place to call home because of its opportunities for involvement and a strong sense of community, especially for those who value the outdoors and a small-town lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Maine is known for many things, from its startlingly beautiful coastlines and national parks to its variety of historic sites. From luxurious mansions to picture-perfect lighthouses, there are all sorts of places to see
Seafood, of course, takes center stage with lobster rolls being the most iconic food in the state. You’ll come across other seafood-based delights too — such as seafood chowder and crab cakes, showcasing Maine’s abundant fresh catch.
Conclusion
Whatever you’re searching for in Maine, whether you’re moving here from out of state or here on vacation, doesn’t matter. Each of these areas boasts unique qualities, catering to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you seek coastal views, cultural richness, or a peaceful countryside setting, Maine’s diverse locales offer a haven for those seeking a fulfilling place to call home in 2025.
References
- apartmentlist.com– 19 Best Places to Live In Maine in 2025
- thecrazytourist.com– 15 Best Places to Live in Maine
