Top Cities in Maine

Maine at a Glance

Maine life is centered on the seacoast, and this far northern state has almost 3,500 miles of tidal shoreline, more than any other state in the country except Louisiana and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Maine's history and life is centered on the water and a maritime tradition of shipbuilding and lobstering. Even inland, rivers and lakes are the state's lifeblood, with fishing, boating and tourism the economic mainstays. Maine has several distinct regions: The Portland area on Casco Bay is the far southern tip of the state and has been dubbed "San Francisco of the East" because of its business culture and cuisine. It is the state's largest population center.

South of Portland are Maine's sandy beaches and storied resort towns of Kennebunk and Ogunquit. Continuing north along the coast are Midcoast Maine with some of the prettiest historic seaports in the state, including Bath, Brunswick, Camden and Rockland. Down East, home of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, are further north and east along the coast, with the small towns of Lubec and Bucksport bordering New Brunswick and just across the water from Nova Scotia.

Aroostook County borders Canada and, except for the far northern towns of Fort Kent and Caribou, is populated more by moose and eagles than by humans. The Maine Highlands, including Moosehead Lake, Mount Katahdin and the city of Bangor, comprise the large central territory, and the Kennebec Valley stretches as a long and narrow area just to the east, with Augusta, the state capital, at its southern end. Still further east is a region known for its lakes and mountains, including well-known Lake Sebago and the Lewiston-Auburn area as well as popular Bethel, Fryeburg and Rangeley, iconic Maine tourist destinations.

Top Cities in Maine

• Auburn  
• Bangor  Augusta  
• Belfast  
• Biddeford  
• Biddeford Pool  
• Bridgton  
• Cape Porpoise  
• Caribou  
• Dover Foxcroft  
• Ellsworth  
• Houlton  
• Isle Of Springs  
• Kennebunk  
• Kingfield  

Why You'll Love Living in Maine

Ask any Mainer: The state is known for its short summers, its lobster, its harsh winters, its natural beauty, the blueberries, potatoes and cranberry bogs, its beautiful coastline, and its clam chowder. Mainers love their state, have a distinct accent, love telling stories, have a dry sense of humor, and can make the harshest winters in the Northeast look like no big deal.

Tourism and fishing are primary industries, and they're seasonal. Second homes and tourist accommodations are filled with people, and the highways filled with cars and tour buses from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but in Midcoast Maine and Down East, up north and in the Lakes Region, life in the off season is very quiet. Augusta, the state capital, and college towns of Orono and Brunswick boast life and activity all year, but Maine life slows drastically in the winter.

The greater Portland area has a vibrant, year-round-economy and is the financial and commercial center for the entire state. You'll find a wide variety of housing in Portland, from stunning, expensive coastal properties to historic city homes, modern condos and apartments. It's a delightful place with gourmet restaurants, a full menu of artistic and cultural events, and great shopping. And Boston is less than two hours south.

Maine residents are hardy and outdoorsy, protective of the environment and committed to preserving the state's natural beauty and resources. They insist that Maine represents "Life the way it should be."