3 Reasons Why Maine Is the Best Place To Retire

Beautiful, rugged Maine. The state is beloved for its natural beauty and New England charm, drawing visitors from around the world at all times of the year. However, although many people like to visit, not as many people choose this gorgeous state to retire in. This, as you’ll see, is a mistake—Maine is a perfect place to retire for many people. 

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

Famed for its natural landscapes, Maine draws millions of tourists every year who clamor to the multiple national and state parks (Acadia National Park is the most popular and ranks among the best parks in the country). So, what’s so appealing? Much of the draw comes from the fact that Maine, at 90% covered, is the most forested state in the USA. Within these forests are multiple mountain ranges, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, most of which are accessible by either public highway or well-maintained trails. It also has 3,500 miles of coastline featuring mountains that seem to reach straight down to beaches, multiple historic lighthouses, jagged rocks and uncompromising cliffs, and numerous islands that dot the horizon.  

Although the weather will depend on location in the state, overall, Maine has what could be described as a perfect four-season weather pattern. Summers can reach high temperatures, but rarely over the nineties, and the nights are almost always cool. Winters are cold, but these cold snaps are rarely prolonged in their extremes. Spring brings rapid temperature changes and drastic alterations to the land, with copious wildflowers and roaring waterfalls. Then there’s the famous New England autumn, where the mountains burn in shades of orange as the leaves change.

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Maine

Every angle of Maine seems like something brought to life from a painting, so it only stands to reason that the state is a hub for artists, especially in places like Portland, Monhegan Island, and Rockland. There are specific colleges for art, as well as alliances, but retirees may be most interested in the residencies and community hubs that are offered to the elderly. If enjoying, but not being hands-on with art, is more your speed, there are a surprisingly high number of museums and galleries to do so. In fact, the types of museums to choose vary beyond merely subject, with classic historical and art options offered alongside ones that cover a specialty like maritime history or logging, as well as immersive living museums. 

Of course, the biggest draw would have to be the great outdoors. But being a retiree rather than merely a visitor means that you have access to Maine in a way that so many others lack. You have access to the activities that come with every season, and with no limits. So, in the winter, you can ice fish on frozen lakes, cross-country ski across the wilderness, take snowmobiles, and more. In the spring, you can continue some of the winter sports until about midway, where the melt will be too great, but then the wildflowers bloom, marking the beginning of hiking and golfing season. Then it’s summer, the best time for the coast, boating, and indulging in Maine’s famous seafood. Finally, autumn shines best with biking and photography, particularly when searching for wildlife and taking shots of the fall colors. 

Overall Quality of Life

Outside of nature (although it is stunning), art, and activities, there are a few other things that anyone looking to retire to Maine should consider. In regard to affordability, it’s known that Maine can be a pricey place to live, but this mainly applies to towns along the coast. So, the further inland you go, the more affordable you’ll find things to be. For towns on the coast, look at Portland, Camden, and Brunswick, and for inland towns, look at Augusta, Waterville, and Bangor. Additionally, there can be tax breaks on social security benefits, a few state benefits for the elderly, and property tax relief for some retirees, but the taxes can be complicated, so it’s highly recommended to get advice. 

So, there you have it. Maine is not only an amazing place to visit as a tourist, but it should also be an obvious choice for anyone to retire in! Ready to start planning your next trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.