The following analysis of Maine towns considers five key factors that are particularly relevant for me as a retiree: cost of housing, healthcare access, weather patterns, cultural activities, and crime rates.
I’ve subjectively graded each factor on a scale from A to C, based on a variety of data sources (set out at the end). It’s important to note that the grades I’ve assigned are inherently subjective and reflect relative comparisons among Maine communities rather than absolute measures. It’s my meta analysis of the towns in Maine where I’ve assigned grades relative to other Maine towns based on available data on the web.
Cost of housing veers toward the more expensive given I chose towns based on other factors which tends to skew toward more expensive areas. If mortgage affordability is my main concern, I’m better off seeking towns with the lowest cost of housing.
Weather grades, for instance, are compared to Maine’s general climate patterns, while housing costs are evaluated relative to the state’s market conditions.
The range in grades is not large because I cherry-picked these 23 towns as the best. That means all 23 are excellent places to live and hence the range in grades is nominal.
And yes, since cultural amenities is one of my criteria, many of the towns I’ve listed are tourist towns as well.
I’ve listed the towns in alphabetical order to facilitate easy reference, with each town’s profile including both numerical grades and my detailed explanations for each category.
Here’s the list.
1. Bar Harbor
- Cost of of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Despite tourist popularity, maintains reasonable housing costs with diverse options from historic to modern homes.
Healthcare: Mount Desert Island Hospital provides reliable local care with specialty services available.
Weather: Coastal location moderates temperatures, though fog can be frequent in summer months.
Cultural: Acadia National Park proximity and year-round cultural events create an exceptional activities calendar.
Crime: Tourist-friendly atmosphere is matched by excellent safety records and low crime rates.
2. Bath
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Maritime industry town offers historic homes at reasonable prices.
Healthcare: Mid Coast Hospital nearby provides comprehensive care.
Weather: River location moderates coastal weather patterns.
Cultural: Maritime Museum and active shipyard create unique cultural identity.
Crime: Strong community pride contributes to excellent safety record.
3. Belfast
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Revival of historic downtown has maintained affordable housing options.
Healthcare: Waldo County General Hospital provides reliable local care.
Weather: Mid-coast location offers balanced maritime climate.
Cultural: Working waterfront meshes with vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.
Crime: Strong community bonds contribute to consistently low crime rates.
4. Brunswick
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: University town offers diverse housing options while maintaining reasonable market rates.
Healthcare: Mid Coast Hospital provides outstanding medical care with comprehensive services.
Weather: Southern coastal location enjoys milder winters and pleasant summers compared to inland regions.
Cultural: Bowdoin College brings exceptional cultural programming, including museums and performances.
Crime: Strong community policing and stable population contribute to consistently low crime rates.
5. Calais
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C
- Cultural Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Border town location offers some of Maine’s most affordable housing options.
Healthcare: Calais Regional Hospital provides essential services to the region.
Weather: Interior location experiences more extreme seasonal variations.
Cultural: International border creates unique cultural mix with regular community events.
Crime: Strong border patrol presence contributes to excellent safety record.
6. Camden
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Camden’s housing market maintains moderate affordability compared to coastal Maine standards, with a mix of historic homes and newer developments.
Healthcare: The town benefits from proximity to Pen Bay Medical Center, offering comprehensive medical services.
Weather: Protected harbor location provides more moderate temperatures and less severe winter conditions than inland areas.
Cultural: The vibrant arts scene, including the Camden Opera House and multiple galleries, earns the town top marks.
Crime: Consistently low crime rates make Camden one of Maine’s safest communities.
7. Cape Neddick
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Coastal community maintains balanced housing market despite premium location near famous Nubble Light.
Healthcare: York Hospital provides comprehensive care with additional specialists readily available.
Weather: Southern coastal position offers Maine’s mildest winter temperatures and pleasant summer breezes.
Cultural: Rich maritime history combines with active community calendar and proximity to Portsmouth’s amenities.
Crime: Tight-knit community and effective police presence ensure consistently low crime statistics.
8. Ellsworth
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
Housing: Gateway to Acadia offers good value despite strategic location.
Healthcare: Maine Coast Memorial Hospital provides reliable local care.
Weather: Inland location experiences greater temperature extremes.
Cultural: Historic downtown and proximity to Acadia create rich cultural environment.
Crime: Growing tourist traffic impacts crime rates but remains generally safe.
9. Falmouth
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Upscale suburb maintains reasonable housing market despite premium location.
Healthcare: Direct access to Portland’s extensive medical network.
Weather: Protected coastal location offers moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: Town landing and active recreation department provide year-round activities.
Crime: Excellent police force maintains consistently low crime rates.
10. Falmouth Foreside
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Offers a mix of waterfront and inland properties while maintaining reasonable price points for a premium coastal location.
Healthcare: Benefits from immediate proximity to Portland’s extensive medical network and specialists.
Weather: Protected cove location provides shelter from harsh coastal storms while enjoying moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: Blend of outdoor recreation and easy access to Portland’s cultural amenities creates diverse activity options.
Crime: Excellent police presence and engaged community watch programs maintain exceptional safety standards.
11. Farmington
- Cost of Buying a Home: A
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: C
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: College town offers excellent housing value in western Maine.
Healthcare: Franklin Memorial Hospital serves regional population effectively.
Weather: Mountain foothills location experiences more extreme seasonal changes.
Cultural: University of Maine campus provides steady stream of cultural activities.
Crime: Small college town atmosphere maintains very low crime rates.
12. Freeport
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Shopping destination maintains balanced housing market despite tourism.
Healthcare: Access to Portland’s medical network plus local urgent care.
Weather: Coastal location provides moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: L.L.Bean flagship store anchors year-round events calendar.
Crime: Excellent police presence maintains exceptional safety record.
13. Hallowell
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Historic district offers charming period homes at more affordable prices than coastal regions.
Healthcare: MaineGeneral Medical Center provides good coverage with specialty services nearby in Augusta.
Weather: Inland location experiences more temperature extremes, but downtown area is well-protected from winter winds.
Cultural: Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, antique shops, and historic Water Street’s dining and entertainment.
Crime: Small-town atmosphere and active community engagement contribute to very low crime rates.
14. Kennebunkport
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Despite celebrity cache, maintains reasonable housing market with diverse options.
Healthcare: Southern Maine Medical Center provides comprehensive care with specialists readily available.
Weather: Protected harbor location offers moderate coastal climate with ocean breezes.
Cultural: Famous for presidential connections and artist colonies, with year-round cultural events.
Crime: High-profile police presence maintains exceptional safety standards.
15. Kittery
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Mix of historic and modern homes maintain reasonable prices despite being Maine’s southernmost town.
Healthcare: Portsmouth Regional Hospital nearby plus York Hospital services provide excellent coverage.
Weather: Southernmost location offers Maine’s mildest climate with moderate winters.
Cultural: Shopping outlets, maritime history, and vibrant food scene create diverse cultural landscape.
Crime: Strong police presence and community engagement maintain very low crime rates.
16. Kittery Point
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Historic maritime village offers character while maintaining reasonable prices.
Healthcare: Access to both York Hospital and Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Weather: Peninsula location provides stunning views and moderate coastal climate.
Cultural: Fort Foster and maritime history create rich cultural landscape.
Crime: Remote location and community vigilance ensure very low crime rates.
17. Old Orchard Beach
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
Housing: Seasonal tourist destination maintains reasonable year-round housing market.
Healthcare: Southern Maine Medical Center provides good coverage with Portland specialists nearby.
Weather: Seven-mile beach creates moderate climate with cooling summer breezes.
Cultural: Famous pier and beach events create vibrant summer cultural scene.
Crime: Seasonal fluctuations impact crime rates but remain generally low.
18. Portland
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B
Housing: Maine’s largest city maintains reasonable housing market despite urban amenities.
Healthcare: Maine Medical Center provides state’s most comprehensive medical care.
Weather: Peninsula location enjoys moderate coastal climate with cooling sea breezes in summer and slightly milder winters than inland areas.
Cultural: Museums, restaurants, world-class arts scene, and diverse entertainment options create state’s richest cultural environment.
Crime: Urban environment has higher rates than surrounding towns but remains safe for a city of its size with strong police presence.
19. Rockland
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
Housing: Despite tourist popularity, maintains reasonable housing costs with diverse options from historic to modern homes.
Healthcare: Pen Bay Medical Center is in nearby Rockport.
Weather: Coastal location moderates temperatures, though fog can be frequent in summer months.
Cultural: Acadia National Park proximity and year-round cultural events create an exceptional activities calendar.
Crime: Tourist-friendly atmosphere is matched by excellent safety records and low crime rates.
20. Rockport
- Cost of Buying a Home B
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Artisan community maintains reasonable housing costs despite picturesque harbor setting.
Healthcare: Shares medical resources with Camden and Pen Bay Medical Center.
Weather: Protected harbor position moderates coastal weather extremes.
Cultural: Maine Media Workshops and active arts scene create vibrant cultural environment.
Crime: Small-town vigilance contributes to excellent safety record.
21. Scarborough
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Diverse housing stock from beachfront properties to inland neighborhoods keeps market competitive.
Healthcare: Immediate access to Portland’s medical network plus local Maine Medical Center facility.
Weather: Protected beaches and pine woods moderate coastal weather patterns.
Cultural: Famous beaches combine with strong recreational programs and proximity to Portland’s amenities.
Crime: Professional police force and engaged community maintain very low crime rates.
22. West Bath
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Quiet coastal community offers better value than neighboring Bath while maintaining waterfront access.
Healthcare: Benefits from proximity to Brunswick’s medical facilities and Mid Coast Hospital.
Weather: Protected location in Merrymeeting Bay provides shelter from harsh coastal conditions.
Cultural: Close access to Bath’s maritime culture while maintaining quiet community character.
Crime: Small-town atmosphere contributes to excellent safety record.
23. York
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
Housing: Balanced market offers mix of historic homes and new developments at reasonable coastal Maine prices.
Healthcare: York Hospital provides excellent local care with comprehensive services.
Weather: Southern Maine coastal location enjoys some of the state’s mildest year-round temperatures.
Cultural: Rich colonial history combines with active arts scene and beautiful beaches for year-round activities.
Crime: Strong community policing and engaged residents maintain exceptional safety records.
Sources:
- Maine.gov
- Unbiased.com
- Wallethub.com
- Worldatlas.com
- wmtw.com
- usa.com
- Niche.com
- Police1.com
- Worldpopulationreview.com
Have you ever thought about retiring in one of Maine’s charming towns? Camden’s artsy vibe and low crime rate really appeal to me. I also love Ogunquit’s gorgeous beaches and lively culture. Plus, places like Kennebunkport offer a cozy community feel. perfect for a relaxed retirement! Which one catches your eye?
Have you thought about how many beautiful places there are to retire in Maine? Falmouth and Farmington sound great, but I love Camden and Rockland too. The views and arts scene are incredible! Plus, outdoor activities like hiking and sailing keep things active and fun.
Have you ever thought about how Maine’s stunning coastal towns shape retirement? Places like Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor not only have gorgeous views but also tons of outdoor activities to enjoy!