Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Lewiston, Maine
Not Far from Maine's Scenic Southern Coast, Lewiston is Home to Bates Collge and Reasonable Prices
About 20 minutes inland from coastal Brunswick and 30 miles north of Portland, Lewiston is home to private Bates College (1,800 students) and dates from the late-1700s. The city borders the Androscoggin River and has a slight industrial feel as its early economic prosperity was tied to textile manufacturing.
Downtown has a mix of large restored commercial buildings, mom and pop shops, yoga schools, residential neighborhoods, parks and restaurants (Guthries, the Cowbell and others feature live music). The farmers' market is held here, and Webb's Market is a popular old fashioned corner grocery. Veteran's Memorial Park sits along the river and boasts pretty views of waterfalls. The Public Theatre has been voted Maine's best theater year after year and features a robust performance schedule. Locals also enjoy a seasonal art walk, a film festival, a brew fest, a balloon festival and more. The Museum L-A honors the city's rich local history, while Bates' Museum of Art has a variety of exhibits.
Home styles include Cape Cod, ranch rambler, Federal, Victorian, bungalow and more.
Population: 37,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 45%
Cost of Living: 20% below the national average
Median Home Price: $300,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures dip into the single digits, teens and 20s. On average, the area receives 40 inches of rain and 50 inches of snow per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: Yes
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 22%
Is Maine Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: Although Lewiston is generally safe, a large mass shooting occured at a bowling alley and a restaurant in October, 2023. It will take the city some time to recover.
Notes: Lewiston has maintained its population during the last decade. Home prices have increased 16% since a year ago. A large wave of Somali immigrants moved to the city between 2001 to 2003. Not all long-time residents were welcoming, and some racial tensions remain.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
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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