Best Cities for Retirees in Maine
Maine ranks #9 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 77.5. South Portland is its best city for retirees at 69.7.
- Maine, all states
- #9 of 50
- Population
- 26,930
Why Maine Works for Retirees
Maine ranks #9 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (57/100) and heavier overall tax burden of 10.64% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Maine's health score of 58/100 is middling — life expectancy of 76.6 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 10.64% of income. The 7.15% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.17% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
At $415,552, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 95/100. Community amenities like restaurants, cultural venues, and social organizations score well, suggesting an engaged and active retirement lifestyle is within reach.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1South Portland | A+ | 69.7 | 69.1 | 68 | 65 | 56 | 26,930 |
| 2Saco | A | 67.7 | 65.8 | 61 | 69 | 64 | 20,819 |
| 3Westbrook | A+ | 67.2 | 68.1 | 65 | 63 | 64 | 20,775 |
| 4Brunswick | A+ | 67.0 | 68.8 | 71 | 55 | 64 | 17,652 |
| 5Portland | A+ | 66.0 | 67.1 | 68 | 54 | 57 | 68,854 |
| 6Ellsworth | B+ | 65.6 | 61.5 | 64 | 57 | 80 | 8,657 |
| 7Bath | A | 64.6 | 64.5 | 59 | 48 | 71 | 8,815 |
| 8Caribou | B | 62.7 | 56.5 | 42 | 35 | 88 | 7,382 |
| 9Old Orchard Beach | B+ | 62.0 | 62.2 | 55 | 39 | 66 | 9,244 |
| 10Sanford | B | 59.6 | 57.8 | 48 | 53 | 71 | 22,247 |
| 11Brewer | B | 59.6 | 57.7 | 42 | 46 | 76 | 9,652 |
| 12Auburn | B | 59.6 | 56.9 | 47 | 44 | 76 | 24,602 |
| 13Presque Isle | C+ | 58.8 | 54.8 | 41 | 36 | 86 | 8,736 |
| 14Biddeford | B+ | 57.0 | 59.1 | 53 | 43 | 64 | 22,498 |
| 15Old Town | B | 56.6 | 58.5 | 45 | 23 | 79 | 7,470 |
| 16Waterville | B | 55.9 | 57.8 | 46 | 26 | 83 | 17,077 |
| 17Augusta | C+ | 55.9 | 54.7 | 46 | 28 | 83 | 19,077 |
| 18Bangor | C+ | 55.8 | 55.0 | 44 | 33 | 78 | 31,938 |
| 19Lewiston | C+ | 54.8 | 54.2 | 38 | 27 | 79 | 38,324 |
| 20Orono | B | 50.4 | 57.7 | 57 | 16 | 73 | 11,151 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Maine for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine a good state for retirees?
Maine ranks #9 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 77.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (95/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (45/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Maine?
South Portland ranks #1 in Maine for retirees with a score of 69.7/100, followed by Saco and Westbrook.
What factors are most important for retirees in Maine?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.