When considering retirement locations in Maine, understanding various quality-of-life metrics is crucial for making an informed decision. Our ranking evaluates towns based on 5 key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These factors collectively determine which towns may be less suitable for retirees seeking an optimal lifestyle.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Maine’s worst towns for retirees. The “Overall Retirement Score” has many criteria baked into it, giving a comprehensive view of retirement suitability.
Here’s the list.
19. Waterville
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.35
- Walkability: 61.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.52
- Vibrant Score: 72.06
- Transit-Friendly: 8.69
About Waterville
Waterville scores relatively low on retirement friendliness with an Overall Retirement Score of 48.35 out of 100. While the town offers decent walkability (61.25) and a fairly vibrant atmosphere (72.06), it struggles with limited cultural amenities (36.52) and particularly poor public transit options (8.69). The median home price in Waterville is approximately $205,000, making it one of the more affordable options on this list, but the lower quality-of-life metrics for retirees offset this advantage.
18. Otisfield
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.10
- Walkability: 24.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 61.72
- Vibrant Score: 14.74
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Otisfield
Otisfield ranks slightly worse than Waterville with an Overall Retirement Score of 48.10. The town offers decent cultural amenities (61.72) but suffers from very poor walkability (24.31) and an extremely low vibrant score (14.74), indicating a lack of activities and social opportunities for retirees. Transit options are virtually non-existent. The median home price in Otisfield is around $310,000, which is close to the Maine average, but the lack of accessibility makes it a challenging retirement location.
17. Sanford
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 47.65
- Walkability: 53.61
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.73
- Vibrant Score: 39.83
- Transit-Friendly: 19.69
About Sanford
With an Overall Retirement Score of 47.65, Sanford presents a mediocre option for retirees. The town offers moderate walkability (53.61) and average cultural amenities (49.73), but lacks in vibrancy (39.83) and has poor public transportation options (19.69). The median home price in Sanford is approximately $275,000, which is below the state average, but the town’s retirement metrics suggest retirees might find better quality of life elsewhere in Maine.
16. Auburn
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.89
- Walkability: 65.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 45.87
- Vibrant Score: 57.16
- Transit-Friendly: 18.19
About Auburn
Auburn scores 44.89 on the Overall Retirement Score, placing it 16th on our list. The town’s strongest feature is its walkability (65.33), followed by a decent vibrant score (57.16), suggesting some social and recreational opportunities. However, it lacks in cultural amenities (45.87) and has poor public transit options (18.19). The median home price in Auburn is approximately $290,000, which is lower than the state average, but retirees seeking better amenities and transportation might need to look elsewhere.
15. Livermore Falls
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.81
- Walkability: 38.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.09
- Vibrant Score: 21.98
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Livermore Falls
Livermore Falls ranks 15th with an Overall Retirement Score of 44.81. The town performs poorly across most metrics, with low walkability (38.75), very limited cultural amenities (17.09), and a lack of vibrancy (21.98). Transit options are essentially non-existent. The median home price in Livermore Falls is around $225,000, making it one of the more affordable options, but the severely limited amenities and recreational opportunities may outweigh the cost benefit for many retirees.
14. Minot – Mechanic Falls
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.62
- Walkability: 35.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.64
- Vibrant Score: 16.22
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Minot – Mechanic Falls
The Minot – Mechanic Falls area scores 44.62 on the Overall Retirement Score. The area struggles with poor walkability (35.26) and severely limited vibrancy (16.22), indicating few social and recreational opportunities. Cultural amenities are mediocre (44.64), and public transit is effectively non-existent. The median home price in this area is around $374,000, which is near the state average but may not offer good value given the limited retirement amenities and infrastructure.
13. Mexico – Roxbury
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.36
- Walkability: 25.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.67
- Vibrant Score: 8.95
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Mexico – Roxbury
The Mexico – Roxbury area scores poorly with an Overall Retirement Score of 43.36. The region has very low walkability (25.12), limited cultural amenities (22.67), and an extremely low vibrant score (8.95), indicating a severe lack of social opportunities and activities. Public transit is unavailable. The median home price in this area is approximately $240,000, which is below the state average, but the limited lifestyle options make it a less desirable retirement location.
12. Biddeford
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.07
- Walkability: 71.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.50
- Vibrant Score: 63.51
- Transit-Friendly: 19.93
About Biddeford
Biddeford ranks 12th with an Overall Retirement Score of 43.07. Despite this low score, the town offers good walkability (71.25) and a fairly vibrant atmosphere (63.51) with decent cultural amenities (51.50). Its main drawback is poor public transportation (19.93). The median home price in Biddeford is approximately $350,000, which is close to the state average. While Biddeford offers better lifestyle amenities than many towns on this list, other factors in the Overall Retirement Score indicate it’s still not ideal for retirees.
11. Waterboro
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.27
- Walkability: 24.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.25
- Vibrant Score: 18.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Waterboro
Waterboro scores 42.27 on the Overall Retirement Score, placing it 11th on our list. The town offers reasonable cultural amenities (58.25) but performs poorly in walkability (24.82) and vibrancy (18.45), with no significant public transit options. The median home price in Waterboro is around $310,000, which is below the state average. The combination of limited walkability and low vibrancy makes Waterboro challenging for retirees seeking an active lifestyle.
10. Sabattus – Wales
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.52
- Walkability: 32.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.32
- Vibrant Score: 17.89
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sabattus – Wales
The Sabattus – Wales area ranks 10th with an Overall Retirement Score of 41.52. The region struggles with poor walkability (32.01), limited cultural amenities (39.32), and very low vibrancy (17.89), with no notable public transportation. The median home price in this area is approximately $295,000, which is below the state average. The limited infrastructure and social opportunities make this area less suitable for retirees looking for engagement and accessibility.
9. Hebron – Buckfield
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.97
- Walkability: 30.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.36
- Vibrant Score: 14.18
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Hebron – Buckfield
Hebron – Buckfield ranks 9th with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.97. The area offers decent cultural amenities (59.36) but has poor walkability (30.45) and very low vibrancy (14.18), with no significant public transit options. The median home price in this area is around $285,000, which is below the state average. While more affordable, the combination of poor infrastructure and limited social opportunities makes this area challenging for retirees.
8. Lewiston
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.94
- Walkability: 74.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.67
- Vibrant Score: 64.57
- Transit-Friendly: 16.95
About Lewiston
Lewiston ranks 8th with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.94. Despite this low score, the town offers excellent walkability (74.25) and a fairly vibrant atmosphere (64.57), but is limited by mediocre cultural amenities (34.67) and poor public transportation (16.95). The median home price in Lewiston is approximately $300,000, which is below the state average. While Lewiston performs well in some lifestyle metrics, other factors in the Overall Retirement Score suggest challenges for retirees.
7. Windsor
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.64
- Walkability: 25.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.18
- Vibrant Score: 9.08
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Windsor
Windsor scores poorly with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.64. The town has very low walkability (25.11), limited cultural amenities (37.18), and an extremely low vibrant score (9.08), with no significant public transit options. The median home price in Windsor is approximately $285,000, which is below the state average. The combination of limited infrastructure, amenities, and social opportunities makes Windsor a challenging location for retirees.
6. Leeds
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.13
- Walkability: 22.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.88
- Vibrant Score: 8.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Leeds
Leeds ranks 6th worst with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.13. The town offers mediocre cultural amenities (47.88) but has very poor walkability (22.14) and an extremely low vibrant score (8.45), indicating virtually no social or recreational opportunities. Public transit is non-existent. The median home price in Leeds is around $290,000, which is below the state average. The limited lifestyle options make Leeds a less suitable choice for most retirees.
5. Oxford
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 38.86
- Walkability: 21.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.83
- Vibrant Score: 33.56
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Oxford
Oxford ranks as the 5th worst town for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of 38.86. The town has very poor walkability (21.13), limited cultural amenities (28.83), and low vibrancy (33.56), with no significant public transit options. The median home price in Oxford is approximately $280,000, which is below the state average. Despite the affordability, the town’s low scores across key lifestyle metrics make it less suitable for retirees seeking amenities and accessibility.
4. Anson
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.47
- Walkability: 29.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.27
- Vibrant Score: 12.76
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Anson
Anson ranks as the 4th worst town for retirement with a low Overall Retirement Score of 36.47. The town has poor walkability (29.72), very limited cultural amenities (22.27), and a very low vibrant score (12.76), with no public transit options. The median home price in Anson is around $225,000, making it one of the more affordable options on this list. However, the severely limited amenities and infrastructure make Anson a challenging location for most retirees.
3. Fairfield
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 34.52
- Walkability: 37.59
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 22.96
- Vibrant Score: 25.08
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Fairfield
Fairfield ranks as the 3rd worst town for retirement with a very low Overall Retirement Score of 34.52. The town has poor walkability (37.59), very limited cultural amenities (22.96), and low vibrancy (25.08), with no significant public transit options. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $309,000, which is below the state average. Despite being more affordable than some areas, Fairfield’s low scores across key metrics make it poorly suited for retirees seeking quality of life amenities.
2. Palmyra – Detroit
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.60
- Walkability: 19.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.69
- Vibrant Score: 18.90
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Palmyra – Detroit
The Palmyra – Detroit area ranks as the 2nd worst location for retirement with a very low Overall Retirement Score of 33.60. The region has extremely poor walkability (19.13), very limited cultural amenities (20.69), and low vibrancy (18.90), with no public transit options. The median home price in this area is approximately $240,000, which is well below the state average. Despite the affordability, the severely limited infrastructure and amenities make this area poorly suited for most retirees.
1. Lebanon
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 27.18
- Walkability: 23.31
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.95
- Vibrant Score: 13.33
- Transit-Friendly: 3.09
About Lebanon
Lebanon ranks as the absolute worst town for retirement in Maine with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 27.18. The town has very poor walkability (23.31), mediocre cultural amenities (42.95), a very low vibrant score (13.33), and virtually non-existent public transportation (3.09). The median home price in Lebanon is approximately $280,000, which is below the state average. Despite being more affordable than some areas, Lebanon’s severely limited infrastructure and lifestyle amenities make it the least suitable town for retirees in Maine.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a location’s suitability for retirees. This score incorporates factors such as cost of living, healthcare access, safety, climate, tax-friendliness for retirees, and the other specific criteria listed below.
- Walkability: Measures how easy it is to navigate the area on foot. This is crucial for retirees who may eventually give up driving and need to access essential services without a vehicle.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability of cultural attractions, educational opportunities, museums, theaters, and other enrichment activities that contribute to intellectual stimulation and quality of life for retirees.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the energy and liveliness of a location, including social opportunities, community events, and activities specifically geared toward seniors, which helps prevent isolation in retirement.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the availability and accessibility of public transportation options, which becomes increasingly important as seniors age and may need alternatives to driving.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/home-values/28/me/
- Redfin Market Insights – https://www.redfin.com
- Houzeo Maine Housing Market Report – https://www.houzeo.com/blog/maine-real-estate-market/
- Clever Real Estate Maine Market Trends – https://listwithclever.com/maine/
- Maine Home Connection Statistics – https://mainehomeconnection.com/stats/
