10 Best Cities to Retire in Maine

Today we present you 10 best cities to retire in Maine. Before we go into details, let’s first see whether Maine is a good bargain for retirees. The first thing to know is that Maine is not a tax-friendly state. While social security income is tax-free, other forms of retirement income are taxable at rates that can be as high as 7.95 percent. Both real estate taxes and housing expenses are above the national average, with later exceeding the mean by 22 percent. In terms of real estate prices, Maine ranks in the middle among US states – with a median home value of $173,600, the Pin Tree State occupies the 23rd place. Finally, compared to an average American, a resident of Maine spends 4.2 percent more on costs of living. Although your wallet might get thinner in Maine, your safety and health might very well improve. The state boasts low crime rates and quality health care with 298 doctors per capita (US average is 261). The other reason why seniors might consider Maine as their destination is a colorful nature that includes sceneries ranging from coastline, lakes and rivers to rocky mountains. Although the majority of seaside towns with home prices as high as $500,000 are out of reach for average retirees, there is a plenty of affordable places inland that are less than an hour drive away from the ocean. In general, people who opt for active retirement and who are looking for places that offer opportunities for outdoor activities might find a perfect match in Maine. And if you don’t find a city that suits your needs on this list, check out our previous ranking 10 cheapest countries to live like a king.

In creating the ranking 10 best places to retire in Maine, we took into account five criteria – housing prices, costs of living, the number of doctors per capita, health costs and amenities. Data about first four factors were obtained from  Sperling’s best place, while information about last criteria were found at Tripadvisor, EtravelMaine, VistMaine, and similar websites. Finally, we decided to include on this list only places with a population over 2,000.

10. Rumford

Population: 4,365

Costs of living: 13.9 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $79,600

No of doctors per capita: 107

Health care costs: 14.1 percent higher than US average

In terms of costs of living and housing prices, Rumford ranks as 10^th among the cheapest places in Maine. At the same time, with only 107 doctors per capita, which is much less than the US average, and health costs that exceed America’s mean by 14.1 percent, Rumford might not be the best choice for seniors who suffer from chronic illnesses and need constant medical attention.

List of amenities in Rumford includes the Strathglass Park District, housing complex, which was built for mill workers at the beginning of the 20^th century and which is included in the National Register of Historic Places, the local museum, which preserves area’s heritage, and the art center that displays works of local and regional artists. Besides, the town sits on the Androscoggin River which attracts kayakers and swimmers, and it is near the Black Mountain resort which has developed an infrastructure for lovers of all winter sports.

9. Houlton

Population: 5,029

Costs of living: 11.8 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $86,500

No of doctors per capita: 210

Health care costs: 9.9 percent higher than US average

Houlton, located in Aroostook County, is just three miles away from the Canadian border. Compared to the previously mentioned city, Houlton has higher costs of living, but it boasts a more favorable number of doctors per capita, and lower health care costs.

The town has a rich history which dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when the first settlers came. Victorian-era buildings and historic homes, many of which are listed on the National Register, keep the memory of the past. The town also boasts Aroostook County Courthouse and Jail, constructed in 1859, Unitarian Church of Houlton, which was established in 1902, and Aroostook County Historical & Art Museum. Besides historical attraction, Houlton offers opportunities for outdoor fun – from water activities on the Meduxnekeag River to hiking and golfing at the Houlton Community Golf Course.

8. Boothbay

Population: 3,116

Costs of living: 12.6 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $86,300

No of doctors per capita: 226

Health care costs: 10.6 percent higher than US average

If we took into account only amenities, Boothbay, Lincoln County, would rank as the first place on the list. Still, the costs of living and real estate prices which are third and second highest among ranked places, affects its overall score.

The coastal town is located in the Gulf of Maine between two rivers, the Sheepscot River and the Damariscotta River, and it is one of the main tourist attraction in the state. Besides boat tours which allow visitors to explore the sea and its wildlife, kayaking on rivers is additional must-do activity in Boothbay. For those who prefer solid ground, hiking trails at the nearby Monhegan Island, botanical gardens, historical attractions, state aquarium are some of the things that should be checked.

7. Bristol

Population: 2,748

Costs of living: 13.6 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $81,200

No of doctors per capita: 226

Health care costs: 10. 9 percent higher than US average

Another town located in Lincoln County, Bristol, has the oldest population whose median age is 60.8 years. In terms of costs of living and real estate prices, the town is less expensive than previously mentioned Boothbay.

With Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, and five picturesque villages, Bristol looks like a town from a fairytale. Besides the sandy beach, the town is known for the Pemaquid Arceological Site, where conflicts between English and French settlers took place in the 17th and 18th century. The site encompasses Fort William Henry and the museum which preserves artifacts found at the location.

6. Acton

Population: 2,457

Costs of living: 14.8 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $71,400

No of doctors per capita: 187

Health care costs: 12.3 percent higher than US average

If we took into account only costs of living and real estate prices, Acton would score better on the list. However, the fact that York County, where the town is located, struggles with a lack of doctors while health care costs exceed the national average, lowered Acton’s rank.

The town is surrounded by 22 lakes and ponds, including Balch Lake, which covers the area of 577 acres and hosts diverse fish species. Acton is less than an hour drive away from York beaches, a popular holiday destination, and Portland. This year the town will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Acton Fair, four-day event which includes concerts, car exhibitions, road races, circus shows…

5. Van Buren

Population: 2,206

Costs of living: 14.5 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $72,000

No of doctors per capita: 210

Health care costs: 9.9 higher than US average

Van Buren, Main’s northernmost town, is often called The Gateway to the St. John Valley. Although costs of living and real estate prices are higher compared to previously listed place, the town boasts low health care costs, which allowed it to score higher on the list of the best cities to retire in Maine.

The town was settled by French colonists and today almost two-thirds of its residents speak the French language. The architecture in the area preserves Acadian culture and heritage. Van Buren and surrounding area offer many opportunities for outdoor activities – from hiking, cycling and horse riding to fishing, canoeing, boating at St. John River and Long Lake. Together with St. Leonard, the town hosts International Grande Riviere Festival.

4. Millinocket

Population: 4,530

Costs of living: 15.3 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $65,200

No of doctors per capita: 350

Health care costs: 13.3 percent higher than US average

Affordable home prices, low costs of living, doctors to residents ratio that exceeds the national average are some of the reasons that might persuade seniors to consider Millinocket, located in the Penobscot County, as a retirement destination. The only thing that might burden personal budget are health costs which are the second highest on the list.

Millinocket is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Hiking lovers can take a tour around Baxter State Park which stretches across 200,000 acres, and which is a home to Maine’s highest peak Katahdin. For those who prefer water, New England Outdoor Center offers diverse activities, including rafting and moose and wildlife tours for most adventurous seniors.

3. Belgrade

Population: 3,178

Costs of living: 17.4 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $57,400

No of doctors per capita: 299

Health care costs: 13 percent higher than US average

Like in previously mentioned Millinocket, high health care costs are the only thing that might be seen as a negative side of living in Belgrade, which is located in Kennebec County.

The town is only 11 miles away from the state’s capital Augusta. Its population of around 3,000 doubles during the summer as many residents come to spend time in their cottages. Belgrade is an ideal place for people who enjoy recreational water activities since five lakes, many streams and wetlands intersect the area. Moreover, people living in Belgrade are surrounded by rich flora and fauna which includes some of the rarest species.

2. Hancock

Population: 2,083

Costs of living: 15.8 percent lower than US average

Median home value: $68,400

No of doctors per capita: 252

Health care costs: 9.8 percent higher than US average

Town of only 2,083 residents is located in Hancock County, the area which also includes Bar Harbor – the most popular destination for seniors with a deeper pocket. Although almost all rankings of the best places to retire in Maine assign Bar Harbor high spot, we did not include it on this list because of high real estate prices which average $235,400. On the other side, while Hancock can’t boast long beaches or famous homeowners like George Michael as Bar Harbor, the city is very affordable and it offers quality health care.

1. Harpswell

Population: 4,788

Costs of living: 18.2 percent lower than US average

Median home value:$55,200

No of doctors per capita: 549

Health care costs: 9.5 percent higher than US average

Harpswell, a small town in Casco Bay, ranks as first on our list of the best places to retire in Maine. Not only that the town has the lowest cost of living and house prices in the whole state, but it also offers an abundance of recreational opportunities. Every year visitors from all parts of America come to Harpswell to see natural beauties, explore the coastline, visit nearby islands, enjoy summer festivals. The city is less than an hour drive from Portland, and with 549 doctors per capita, which is more than double US average, and the lowest health costs, the town offers quality health care.