For families, the best place to live in Maine balances good schools, safe communities, amenities, and access to jobs. After three decades covering Maine, here is an honest look at the towns that deliver that balance – and the tradeoffs of each.
The best places to live in Maine for families are Falmouth (top schools), South Portland (family value near Portland), Brunswick (small-town charm with jobs), Cape Elizabeth (coastal family community), and Bangor (the best value with real amenities). The southern Portland suburbs offer the strongest schools; Bangor offers the best affordability. Each is covered below.
1. Falmouth
Falmouth is the best place in Maine for families overall. Just north of Portland, Falmouth pairs some of the state’s top-rated schools with attractive neighborhoods, parks, and easy access to Portland’s jobs and amenities. The strongest all-around family community in Maine – though housing is expensive. See our relocation guide.
2. South Portland
South Portland is the best family value near Portland. A suburban feel right next to Portland, with good schools, waterfront parks, shopping, and easy commuting – Portland’s amenities and job access without living downtown, at a somewhat more attainable cost than Falmouth or Cape Elizabeth. See our relocation guide.
3. Brunswick
Brunswick is the best family town with small-town charm. Brunswick offers a charming walkable downtown, strong schools, Bowdoin College culture, coastal access, and jobs at Brunswick Landing – a genuine community feel that balances rural Maine and Portland proximity. See our relocation guide.
4. Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is the best coastal family community. Beautiful coastline, beaches, trails, excellent schools, and a quiet residential feel, all within easy commuting distance of Portland. One of Maine’s most sought-after family towns – and priced accordingly. See our relocation guide.
5. Bangor
Bangor is the best family value with real amenities. For families who want a real city’s services – schools, healthcare, activities, an airport – at a cost of living far below southern Maine, Bangor is the best value. More affordable family living without giving up amenities. See our relocation guide.
6. Brunswick-Bath area
Brunswick-Bath area is the best for families in the trades and services. With Bath Iron Works, Brunswick Landing, and strong schools, the Brunswick-Bath corridor offers stable employment and solid family communities in a Midcoast setting. See our relocation guide.
Choosing a Family Town in Maine
The core tradeoff for families is schools and amenities versus cost. The Portland-area suburbs (Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Cumberland) have Maine’s highest-rated schools but also its highest housing costs. Move to South Portland or Scarborough for a better price with still-strong schools, or to Bangor and central Maine for genuinely affordable family living with solid amenities. Job access matters too – the Portland metro has the most work, so many families weigh commute against cost. See our guide to the best places to live in Maine for jobs.
Best Places to Live in Maine for Families: FAQ
What is the best town in Maine for families?
Falmouth is often considered the best town in Maine for families, with top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy Portland access – though it is expensive. South Portland and Brunswick offer strong family living at a somewhat lower cost, and Bangor is the best value.
Which Maine towns have the best schools?
The Portland-area suburbs – Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, and Cumberland – consistently have Maine’s highest-rated schools. Brunswick and the Bath-area schools are also strong, and the trade-off for these top districts is generally higher housing costs.
Where is the most affordable place for families in Maine?
Bangor is the most affordable place for families that still offers real amenities – good schools, healthcare, and activities at a cost of living well below southern Maine. Lewiston-Auburn and Waterville are also affordable family options with jobs nearby.
See also our cheapest places to live in Maine, best places for jobs, and guide to moving to Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
Maine employer hiring? Reach local Maine candidates directly — post a job on JobsInMaine.com, Maine’s job board since 1997.
More Maine relocation guides: Best Places for Jobs · Cheapest Places to Live · Best Places to Retire · Pros and Cons of Moving · Best for Remote Workers
Job hunting? Browse current jobs in top family areas: South Portland, Brunswick, and Bangor on JobsInMaine.