Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Great Places To Live In Maine
By Michelle|Updated on July 03, 2023(Originally published June 29, 2023)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
What are the cheapest places to live in Maine? Between the food, views, and things to do, we all know that Maine is paradise, but can you LIVE here? Before you think the answer is no, you might want to take a closer look at what it actually costs to purchase a home in your dream state. The SmartAsset website recently researched home costs throughout the state and created an index measuring the most affordable places to purchase a home here. Included in this list are the most affordable cities measured by where the total housing costs on an average house accounted for the smallest proportion of the median income. Without further ado, check out the most affordable places to live in Maine.
The least affordable of all the top ten most affordable places in Maine to buy a home is Gorham. Located in the Portland area, Gorham has a bit of a fun fact associated with it. Beer lovers will love knowing that the Allagash Brewing Hop Yard can be found here. When you visit, be sure to check out this unique nature walk in Gorham.
If you want to be in close proximity of Maine's political decisions, living in Augusta is the first decision to make. If that doesn't matter to you, don't rule the city out. The average annual mortgage payment is just over $6,000 so you'll still be able to get some bang for your buck. So go check out one of the cheap places to live in Maine, and be sure to visit these historic landmarks in Augusta while you're there.
Topsham is located near Portland. It's also one of those towns that helps us distinguish Mainers from the ones who are from away. Just listen for the correct pronunciation and you'll know! This is also the location of the annual Topsham Fair. So head over to Topsham and don't forget to check out the amazing swinging bridge there.
What we love about Auburn is the summer. The riverfront location means a few fun events throughout the year, most notable of which is the annual Great Falls Balloon Festival, pictured here. So go visit one of the cheapest places to live in Maine and take a stroll on this scenic river walk.
The average annual mortgage payment in Skowhegan will set you back about $4,600. Not bad when you consider the history of this town. In a tradition that goes back to 1818, the local community comes together for the Skowhegan State Fair, which includes carnival rides, music, harness racing and a demolition derby. Before you visit, learn more about why one of the most affordable towns in Maine is considered a haunted town.
Winslow, located near Waterville, can be found along the Kennebec River. We could tell you about all the ways Winslow is nice, but we'd prefer to cut to the chase. In additional to being affordable, you can eat at Big G's every single day! To find out why this is an important life goal, learn more about this mouthwatering restaurant .
Homes in Brewer have an average annual mortgage payment of about $7,500. But, the median income here is about $52,000 - one of the highest on this list. And if you enjoy laser tag in Maine, be sure to check out G-Force in Brewer.
What we're learning in this list is that the more out-of-the-way you choose to live, the more affordable you might find your home. Number 3 is Presque Isle where you'll find the Nordic Heritage Center where you can go cross-country skiing and mountain biking for free. You can also find the amazing Aroostook State Park here.
Gardiner is located smack in the heart of Maine. While it comes in strong on the affordability index, the real draw for us is that living here means being able to visit the A1 Diner as often as you'd like. Never heard of it? Learn more about this great diner and then start packing!
Caribou is not only the most affordable place in Maine, but it also might be one of the most peaceful on this list. Tucked away in The County, the average annual mortgage payment is just over $4,000. Caribou is also the most northeastern city in the country. Great for hiding out and feeling like you got a great deal! Learn more about one of the most affordable places to live in Maine, and then pay it a visit!
Ready to move to one of the most affordable towns in Maine? Once you’ve made the choice to come here, you might also want to check out the safest and most peaceful towns in Maine. To get a taste of them, I love the idea of planning a long weekend away at any of Maine’s great hotels.
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Affordable Place to Live in Maine
Michelle S|July 02, 2023
Are there any beach towns in Maine?
There are plenty of fantastic beach towns in Maine. With so much coastline, the state has some of the best. Here are a few great beaches to visit:
Old Orchard Beach: The longest beach in Maine, Old Orchard Beach offers seven miles of sand to enjoy. The beach is fantastic, but the local fun on the pier and amusement park make this a great choice for kids. Just be prepared for lots of tourists in the summer.
Ocean Park: This delightful beach town is just steps from Old Orchard Beach, making it a great option for a quieter stay within close proximity to all the fun. Be sure to enjoy the local ice cream and sticky buns, too!
Gooch’s Beach: Located in southern Maine, this has been voted the most beautiful beach in the state more than once. The beach is also located close to downtown Kennebunkport, making it great for a well-rounded vacation.
Higgins Beach: This small stretch of beach is one of the most popular in the area among locals. In addition to being adorable, it has a hidden shipwreck. And, the more adventurous will want to access it via a kayak down the Spurwink River.
What is the oldest town in Maine?
The oldest town in Maine is Kittery, located in York County about 45 minutes from Portland and an hour from Boston. There are quite a few reasons to visit, but one of the most notable is the beauty. Beyond the scenic views, visitors enjoy the outdoor attractions including a hike on Cutts Island. History buffs will appreciate that Kittery is home to the state's oldest church, which is certainly worth a visit. And, after a busy day visiting people love enjoying a meal at Warren's Lobster House.
