Best Cities for Retirees in Maine
Why Maine Works for Retirees
Maine ranks #3 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best 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 80/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 78.7 years, above the national average. 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 $381,000, median home prices are above the national average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 93/100. 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 | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brunswick | A+ | 66.5 | 64.0 | 71 | 57 | 66 | 16,928 |
| 2 | South Portland | A+ | 66.0 | 65.8 | 68 | 66 | 58 | 26,780 |
| 3 | Westbrook | A+ | 65.7 | 68.4 | 65 | 61 | 57 | 20,484 |
| 4 | Saco | A | 64.4 | 63.4 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 20,636 |
| 5 | Portland | A+ | 63.3 | 65.0 | 68 | 56 | 58 | 69,104 |
| 6 | Ellsworth | A | 61.6 | 61.0 | 64 | 56 | 64 | 8,550 |
| 7 | Bath | A | 60.3 | 62.0 | 59 | 42 | 62 | 8,801 |
| 8 | Auburn | B+ | 58.4 | 57.7 | 47 | 46 | 71 | 24,294 |
| 9 | Sanford | B+ | 57.9 | 57.7 | 48 | 51 | 67 | 22,095 |
| 10 | Old Orchard Beach | B+ | 57.4 | 58.4 | 55 | 43 | 60 | 9,150 |
| 11 | Caribou | B+ | 56.9 | 57.5 | 42 | 42 | 69 | 7,427 |
| 12 | Orono | B+ | 55.2 | 59.0 | 57 | 13 | 63 | 10,699 |
| 13 | Bangor | B | 54.3 | 55.3 | 44 | 38 | 72 | 31,663 |
| 14 | Old Town | B+ | 53.5 | 56.4 | 45 | 22 | 65 | 7,439 |
| 15 | Biddeford | B | 53.5 | 55.4 | 53 | 42 | 58 | 22,463 |
| 16 | Brewer | B | 52.6 | 55.6 | 42 | 31 | 64 | 9,654 |
| 17 | Presque Isle | C+ | 52.5 | 52.9 | 41 | 36 | 67 | 8,736 |
| 18 | Lewiston | B | 52.4 | 53.4 | 38 | 32 | 70 | 37,886 |
| 19 | Augusta | C+ | 51.3 | 52.1 | 46 | 26 | 73 | 18,999 |
| 20 | Waterville | C+ | 49.0 | 52.4 | 46 | 14 | 66 | 16,704 |