Lifestyle
Maine is much more than great lobster and sandy beaches. Known as a summertime resort destination for many who live in New England, Maine is home to many charming small towns with historic architecture, community centers, outdoor activities, and great dining for retirees to enjoy in their golden years. Read on to discover our picks for the ten best cities to retire to in the Pine Tree State.
C.E Larusso
Published December 4th, 2025
C.E Larusso
•
Published December 4th, 2025
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Maine’s cities and towns are on the smaller side, making it ideal for retirees seeking quiet and tightknit communities.
Maine has endless miles of beaches—seniors who love the water will thrive in the Pine Tree State
While widely known as a summer vacation destination, Maine has plenty of year-round cultural offerings for residents
Is Maine a good place to live for retirees?
Maine has many small towns to choose from, some of which are situated right on the water. The state has long, cold winters, but makes up for it with its bustling summertime season, where residents and visitors alike swim, hike, ski, and more. Home to over 200 miles of coastline, seniors can enjoy spectacular vistas throughout the state. It also has a bustling arts scene, and the larger city of Portland is known for its exceptional dining options.
Is Maine tax-friendly for seniors?
Maine is not particularly known for being tax-friendly across the board. While Social Security benefits are not taxed, other retirement income is taxed, at a rate that can be as high as 7.15%. However, retirees can use the state’s pension income deduction, which can exclude a substantial portion of pension, IRA, or 401(k) income, and military pensions are fully exempt. The sales tax in Maine is on the bottom-end compared to other states; the entire state has a flat rate of 5.5%, without city and county taxes imposed on top of that.
Do seniors in Maine pay property taxes over 65?
Yes, seniors pay property taxes in Maine, however the state has several relief programs that can assist with the financial burden. The Property Tax Fairness Credit allows some residents—depending on income—to receive a tax credit based on a portion of the property tax or or rent paid. The state Property Tax Deferral Program is specifically for Maine residents age 65 or older or those permanently disabled; it offers a lifeline loan for property taxes, to those who qualify.
What benefits do seniors get in Maine?
Maine offers a number of special benefits for seniors, including:
- Free legal help
- Special travel programs
- Free day passses to all state parks
- Computer training
The government’s site has many search engines for seniors to find assisted living facilities, home delivered meals, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Where is the best place to retire in Maine?
Maine is a state with many small towns and cities—the largest, Portland, only has a population of about 69,000. Retirees who seek a slower pace of life in a place with spectacular beaches, warm communities, and thriving arts scenes will feel at home in the Pine Tree State.
1. Portland
CITY POPULATION: 69,836
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $551,651
MEDIAN RENT: $2,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Portland, Maine is an excellent smaller city, for retirees who want the amenities that a metropolis affords but don’t want to live somewhere overwhelmingly large. It’s next to the ocean, which is a big draw, and has many different neighborhoods, each with their own style and feel. Finally, Portland is becoming well-known for its rich culinary scene—it’s a hit with foodies of all ages.
2. Kennebunk
CITY POPULATION: 12,116
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 35%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $606,443
MEDIAN RENT: $2,300
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Kennebunk has an unusually high percentage of residents who are seniors—over 30%—which helps retirees feel at-home and amongst peers with whom they can socialize with and enjoy community activities. Kennebunk is home to many blackberry fields and nature trails, including those at the stunning Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.
3. Old Town
CITY POPULATION: 7,531
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 14% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $254,847
MEDIAN RENT: $1,400
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Old Town is truly a town, with just over 7,000 residents. Its small population makes it ideal for retirees who seek a quiet place to call home, and wish to spend their days paddling or fishing on the Penobscot River. In addition to outdoor activities, it has plentiful recreation centers for seniors to enjoy.
4. York
CITY POPULATION: 14,215
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 28%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $742,948
MEDIAN RENT: $2,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
York is popular with golfers, as it’s home to several courses, such as Ledges and Links at Outlook. It’s great for those with other outdoor activity interests as well—it has many hiking trails, beaches, and waterfront vistas to enjoy. The York Center for Active Living has many facilities for seniors, and the area is home to a bustling arts gallery.
5. Boothbay Harbor
COUNTY POPULATION: 2,084
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 41%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 22% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $514,732
MEDIAN RENT: $2,350
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Boothbay Harbor is ideal for those who want to live in a laid-back town with a smaller population, but don’t want to sacrifice entertainment. The community has an opera house and the Carousel Music Theater, which hosts live acts throughout the year. As with most of Maine, the town has stunning views and lots of outdoor spaces to walk, bike, hike, or meditate.
6. Camden
CITY POPULATION: 5,160
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 38%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 21% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $657,442
MEDIAN RENT: $2,067
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
A popular summer resort town, Camden, Maine appears regularly on lists featuring the best places to retire in the U.S., and for good reason: it’s a stunning oceanside town with an award-winning library, an amphitheater, and multiple art festivals. It is home to a quaint and charming downtown area and an excellent medical facility, Pen Bay Medical Center.
7. Belfast
CITY POPULATION: 7,004
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 36%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $375,226
MEDIAN RENT: $1,917
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Health nuts love Belfast, located on Maine’s midcoast, for its walkability and bikeability—it’s known as one of the easiest places to get around on foot, which keeps local residents active. Its local hospital, Waldo County, is known to be excellent, and has numerous opportunities for seniors to enjoy the arts, including live music and theater.
8. Brunswick
CITY POPULATION: 22,691
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $478,511
MEDIAN RENT: $2,205
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Brunswick is appealing to many retirees as it has a lower cost-of-living than many other places in Maine. It has a charming historic district for Sunday afternoon strolls, with streets lined with 19th-century architecture. It’s also home to Bowdoin College, giving locals access to the school’s sporting events, art galleries, and more.
9. Waterville
CITY POPULATION: 17,496
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $242,103
MEDIAN RENT: $1,300
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Another university town, Waterville is home to Colby College. The school is well-incorporated into the community, and even built a downtown hotel and arts center for locals and visitors alike. Situated on the Kennebec River, Waterville also has a golf course—open seasonally—as well as the Northern Light Inland Hospital, which offers primary care.
10. Hallowell
CITY POPULATION: 2,632
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 31%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $367,429
MEDIAN RENT: $2,002
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Not Tax Friendly
Hallowell is located just a few miles away from Maine’s state capital of Augusta, allowing locals to easily visit a larger city if they desire. A riverfront town, Hallowell is popular with active retirees, who enjoy its hiking and biking trails, parks, and scenery.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for a smaller city—like Portland—that won’t be overwhelming but will still have countless amenities and events or a quiet town such as Belfast, Maine has many desirable options for your golden years. To decide where in Maine you can afford to comfortably retire, it’s best to speak to a Certified Financial Planner® at Retirable to review your investments and budget.
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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
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