Best Places to Live in Maine

The best place to live in Maine depends on what you need: good schools, steady jobs, low costs, a coastal setting or a fast internet connection. Instead of one list for everyone, this guide picks the best towns for each of those needs, with a link to the full guide for every one.

New to the state? Start with what living in Maine is really like.

Quick Answer: Best Places to Live in Maine

Best Places to Live in Maine for Families

Our family list starts with Falmouth, then South Portland, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth and Bangor. For more detail on each, see the best places to live in Maine for families, living in Falmouth, living in Cape Elizabeth and living in Brunswick.

Best Places to Live in Maine for Jobs

Portland has the most jobs, followed by Bangor, Brunswick and Augusta, with Lewiston-Auburn and Waterville also on our list. Read the best places to live in Maine for jobs. If you work in a specific field, we also have guides for nurses, teachers and the trades.

Most Affordable Places to Live in Maine

Our affordability list leads with Lewiston-Auburn, then Bangor, Waterville, Augusta and Biddeford. Rural central and northern Maine is cheaper still, though jobs are scarcer. See the cheapest places to live in Maine, and the town guides for Lewiston, Bangor, Waterville, Augusta and Biddeford.

Best Places to Live in Maine for Remote Workers

Brunswick is our top pick for most remote workers. Portland is the easy choice if you can pay for it, and Rockland is our favorite for the coast and a real community. Belfast suits people who want a creative, quirky small town, and Camden is the splurge. The one warning we give every remote worker is about internet, so read the full guide before you commit. See also living in Rockland, living in Belfast and living in Camden.

Coast or Inland?

The coast gives you scenery and amenities. Inland gives you space and lower costs. If you are weighing the two, read coastal vs. inland Maine and southern vs. northern Maine.

How to Choose

  • Start with your income source. Jobs are concentrated in Portland, Bangor and the Brunswick area.
  • Visit in winter before you commit. Winter is long, and it changes how a town feels.
  • Check internet service at the specific address if you work from home.
  • Compare Portland with a cheaper city: Portland vs. Bangor.

Coming from Another State?

See how Maine compares with your home state: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York or Florida. For the whole picture, start with moving to Maine and the pros and cons of moving to Maine.