Located in the northeastern most corner of the United States, Maine evokes images of rocky, rugged coastlines, vivid Northern Lights, snowy forests, and bucolic, rural fields. While Maine is a beautiful state, it also offers its residents a solid economy, a moderate cost of living, and an above-average quality of life. If you are planning a move to Maine, we can help you find the best places to live depending on your interests.
With a population of approximately 1.4 million residents, Maine is 41st in population. The coastal and southern areas of the state have the highest population density, while the northern counties bordering Canada are more sparsely populated. It borders New Hampshire to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean is directly east. Augusta is the state capital and second largest city with just over 60,000 residents. Portland is the state's largest city with the metro area being home to nearly half a million people and one-third of Maine's total population. If you are seeking an urban area, Portland is one of the best places in Maine to live.
Maine has a diverse economy with healthcare, retail, and tourism employing more people than other industries. However, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and manufacturing are also popular job markets. The unemployment rate in Maine is significantly lower than the national average. The cost of living in Maine is about on par with the national average. Housing is much less expensive than the national average, but utilities and groceries run a bit higher than average. The median income is alongside the national average. Lewiston and Bangor are two of the most affordable cities in Maine, while Portland and South Portland offer the most "bang for your buck," when you average the cost of living to the average income in those two cities. If affordability is on your list to help determine the best places to live, be sure to check out those locations.
Whether you want to spend time outdoors, enjoy art and culture, or visit attractions, Maine has plenty to do. Spring and summer are great for taking a leisurely drive along the coast, and the fall is especially beautiful to appreciate the vivid colors of the changing leaves. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park or walk the trails of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. The Farnsworth Art Museum and the Portland Museum of Art are both excellent venues to appreciate all types of art through history and local artisans.
The weather in Maine features warm summers with highs in the 70s and 80s, but the winters can be severe, especially in the northern region. While severe weather is rare, nor'easters are severe winter storms that can cripple an area for a few days. Fortunately, there is often plenty of time to prepare for bad weather.
If you are looking to find the best places to live in Maine, use our search tools. You can customize your search for the best places in Maine based on area, population, or a variety of metrics including crime rates, affordability, and local schools. Once you find your new home town, you can enjoy all of the great things Maine has to offer.