Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Blue Hill, Maine
On Maine's Scenic Central Coast, Charming, Weathered Blue Hill Dates from 1762 and is a Hub for Artists, Craftsmen and Musicians
Hugging the rugged outcroppings of the Blue Hill peninsula on Maine's central coast, this charming, weathered waterfront town has a history that reaches back to 1762. It is across the water from beautiful Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain (the first place to see sunrise in the United States).
Although traditional lobstering and boat building are still practiced, Blue Hill has become a hub for artists, craftsmen and chamber musicians. Kneisel Hall, one of the planet's best chamber music schools, attracts national and international musicians and music lovers. Other arts organizations include the New Surry Theatre and the Blue Hill Concert Association. For history buffs, the Federal clapboard Holt House chronicles three centuries of Blue Hill life. The downtown is lined with sturdy, white-washed New England-style storefronts with antique shops, galleries, gift shops, bookstores and a co-op market and cafe. During the summer, a series of summer concerts presents the works of Beethoven and Brahms.
Many residences date from the 1800s and sit on a country lot. Home styles include Cape Cod, salt box, farmhouse, bungalow and more.
Blue Hill Mountain has hiking trails, and Blue Hill Town Park has a beach and a sunbathing rock. Bar Harbor's Sand Beach is about an hour away.
Population: 1,200 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 50%
Cost of Living: 34% above the national average
Median Home Price: $610,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures dip into the single digits, teens and 20s. On average, the area receives 45 inches of rain and 70 inches of snow per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, 12 miles away, is accredited.
Public Transit: Downeast Transportation has buses that travel from Blue Hill to neighboring towns.
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes, as well as the Bagaduce Music Lending Library, which is world renowned.
Political Leanings: Split down the middle
College Educated: 30%
Is Maine Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: Summer tourist traffic, particularly around the Park, can be a headache.
Notes: Blue Hill has grown 25% during the last decade. Winters are very quiet, and many merchants close during the off season. Home prices have increased 2% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, but maybe only as a part-time destination.
Maine:
The most northern state of the seven New England states, Maine is characterized by a rugged, scenic coast and an interior peppered with pristine lakes, rolling hills and thick forests. Parts of the state are very remote, while other areas, most notably the southern coastal and mid-coastal towns, are more easily accessible. They are also very crowded during tourist season.
Vacationers come for the amazing scenery. In fact, Maine has some of the country's prettiest coastal areas. People also come for the lobster and other tempting seafood. Some of the most popular tourist towns include Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport and Freeport, where L.L. Bean and dozens of outlet stores are located.
Apple cider stands, winding country roads, friendly, down to earth people and roadside cafes that serve delicious blueberry pancakes and sumptuous lobster dinners are highlights of the Maine that few tourists ever see.
Summers are humid but not too hot. Autumn's crisp, cool air begins to arrive in late August. Winters are not for the faint of heart, but they are breathtakingly beautiful.
Mainers like to say, "Ayuh, you can't thare from here," but everyone should visit magical Maine at least once.
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