5 Best Kept Secret Places to Retire In Maine

If you’re starting to research where the best places in Maine to retire are, congratulations! Retirement is an achievement many work toward their entire life. Many people imagine their retirement in a balmy, tropical location where they can soak up the sun and enjoy each day. 

Retiring in Maine gives you a little slice of paradise, without the palm trees. Life goes at a relaxed pace here and there is an abundance of fresh, salty ocean air. Seniors living in Maine get to enjoy all four seasons and the activities they come with! 

Whether you enjoy gardening in the spring, snowshoeing in the winter, or birding in the fall, Maine has it all. We’ve done the research to find the ultimate places to retire in this New England State. 

Let’s take a look at these off-the-beaten-path options! 

Why Should I Retire in Maine?

Far from being a sign of settling down, retirement does force you to think about how you want to use your leisure time. Maine is a particularly popular retirement destination for healthy older adults and for a valid reason.

Here are some of the reasons why you may want to retire in this New England state! 

Low Crime Rate 

Maine has continuously been rated as the nation’s safest state! With the lowest levels of violent and property-related crimes, you have fewer things to be concerned about when deciding where to spend your lively golden years! 

Low Cost of Living

Something every retiree needs to consider is the cost of retirement. Nearly every facet of life in Maine is around 4% less expensive than the rest of the county. This includes everything from housing to utilities. 

If you’re looking for a place to stretch your retirement fund, look no further! 

Outstanding Healthcare

As we age, our health tends to decline. Whether you have a condition that requires frequent doctor visits, or you just want the security that comes with incredible healthcare, Maine has it all. 

Maine’s healthcare system includes a number of the top hospitals and healthcare professionals in the country, which is one of the wonderful advantages of retiring here. When compared to a generally more affordable cost of living, the cost of healthcare is just 0.1% more than the national average. 

Stunning Scenery 

Maine stands out as one of the most beautiful states in the country. Here you will find more than 5,000 miles of rugged coastline, breathtakingly lush woods, uninhabited offshore islands, and steep mountains. 

The vibrant greenery and array of wildflowers in springtime, the hot, salty summers, the blazing leaves in the fall, and the cold, icy winters all present their own distinct forms of unadulterated beauty.

Plus, there are numerous state parks that are perfect for an afternoon spent birding or exploring nature! 

Endless Activities

Maine is the best area to live if you’re a senior who’s searching for a lively retirement lifestyle. Regardless of what your hobbies are, there are a ton of things that you may enjoy. The state’s major cities, especially Portland, have fantastic local art scenes that showcase Maine’s historical influence on American art. 

You’ll seldom grow tired of the dining scene in Portland’s Old Port because it offers such a diverse selection of mouthwatering cuisine. Who doesn’t love fresh seafood on the patio in the summer? 

The Best Kept Secret Places to Retire in Maine

1. Kennebunk

Kennebunks is a small town in Maine that is completely set up for retirement. The bustling community provides an ideal location and a wide range of healthcare and leisure possibilities. There are also top-notch retirement communities, in addition to stunning scenery and a laid-back way of life.

In Kennebunk, 30% of people are around retirement age. Beaches are a big draw in the summer, but locals and visitors enjoy the abundance of quaint shops, fine dining establishments, and museums.  

There is an increasing need for senior-friendly healthcare around the state, making Kennebunks stand out. The Kennebunks are particularly well-liked by retirees from all over the country due to the range of possibilities for housing available, including condominiums, private homes, flats, and retirement communities.

2. Belfast

Belfast, ME is a partially coastal seaport town situated at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River estuary on Penobscot Bay. The town, which has nearly 7,000 residents as of 2022, is a historic shipbuilding hub with a picturesque coast that is great for boating. 

It also draws tourists to its historical regions, which are home to impressive residences, antiquated design, maritime heritage, and a waterfront where ships are built.  With numerous locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Belfast has a fascinating past.  

It is well-known for sailing, paddling, unique vegetation, and fishing and offers stunning coastal scenery. In addition, the town boasts a hospital, library, art galleries, a harbor walk, and plenty of great places to eat. The main downside of this place is that it’s roughly 30 minutes from the nearest large city.

3. Rockland

If you’re looking for a town with plenty of retirement communities, Rockland, ME may be for you! Due to its central location between Freeport and Bar Harbor, Rockland is a fantastic place to eat or spend a leisurely day perusing the downtown boutiques. 

As a result, many visitors flock here to enjoy a seaside vacation. The town’s heart is where the Maine ferry terminals are located, making it possible to visit the islands as well. Rockland is a four-season vacation spot with a wide range of adventures in the outdoors.  

There are also fantastic beaches that are uncrowded here. To reach the storied Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, retirees can stroll along the renowned Rockland Breakwater, a mile-long 700,000-ton granite causeway finished in 1889.

For people in their golden years who want to spend time indoors, consider one of the numerous museums. Seniors with disabilities or medical needs will appreciate the Pen Bay Medical Center which is in the heart of the town. 

4. Yarmouth

Another tucked-away place for retiring in Maine is Yarmouth. It feels far removed from the metropolis even though it is only a short drive from Portland. If you don’t like crowds, you’ll appreciate that this area only gets busy for the Yarmouth Clam Festival in July. 

On the Casco Bay shore, Yarmouth is home to the bridge-accessible towns of Cousins Island and Little John Island. You are welcome to pay a visit to the Little John Island Preserve whenever you wish if you live here! 

Bradbury Mountain State Park, a well-liked hiking location, is close to this small town and is wonderful for seeing migratory birds. A quick climb to the top of Bradbury Mountain offers breathtaking views of Casco Bay in the east. Sandy Point Beach is a peaceful location for summertime enjoyment.

5. Old Town

It is hard to beat the charm of Old Town, ME. In Penobscot County, there is a city called Old Town with a population of about 8,000. Old Town has a significant Native American and Franco-American tradition and is home to the renowned Old Town Canoe manufacture and store, a sizable paper mill, and the Penobscot Indian Nation. 

The majority of people in today’s Old Town live close to the Penobscot River and take advantage of the protected woodlands that the town maintains with the adjacent University of Maine.

The college is one reason the average age of residents is lower than other towns we mention for retiring. This makes the area a great place for grandparents who want to be close to their college-aged grandchildren.

Helen Hunt Health Center is right in town. Retirees can enjoy the small-town feel of this area, with the convenient and luxurious feel of being right on the water of Marsh Island. 

Summary of the Best Kept Secret Places to Retire in Maine