If it’s some peace and zen you’re after, Maine is perfect. Even our larger cities lack the true hustle and bustle that you might find in places like New York and Boston. But, how do you pick the perfect place to sit back and calm down when there are so many quiet towns to choose from? Start with this list of a few towns in Maine that we think are the calmest, peaceful, and quiet. In such a perfect state, there are lots of lovely towns to choose from. So, start here and do your own exploration. When you’ve found that you can breathe deeply and truly enjoy life the Maine way, you’ve found your perfect spot!
- Patten, Penobscot County
Doug Kerr/Wikimedia Commons Patten is historic, small, and considered one of the best small towns in Maine with about 1,000 residents. Its location near many major rivers and streams powered the small mills and workshops that called the town home in the 1800s. In the early 19th century, it became one of the most notable towns on the Penobscot River. The development of the lumber industry here made it the cultural hub of the area encompassing towns west of Houlton and North of Lincoln. Today it is the location of the Bradford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is occupied by a bed and breakfast. Patten, ME 04765, USA
- Castine, Hancock County
Roser Martinez/Flickr Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine has a rich seafaring history. When you’re there, check out the town’s post office which is the oldest continuously running one in the USA. The population of Castine is just over 800 residents. Not huge, not tiny, but somewhere in the middle. Castine, ME, USA
- Greenville, Piscataquis County
Dana Moos/Flickr Located on the lower end of Moosehead Lake and with a population of about 1,600, Greenville is one of the most beautiful and stress-free quiet towns in Maine. If that’s not evident when you’re there, try to make a trip to the Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe, one of the best in the area. Fun Fact: Greenville High School was ranked one of the best in the state and in the top 1,000 in all of America. Guess those kids aren’t feeling especially peaceful. Greenville, ME, USA
- Saint Agatha, Aroostook County
Wayne Boardman/Flickr It doesn’t get much quieter than The County, specifically in Saint Agatha. Rural Saint Agatha is just a few miles from the Canadian border. Visitors come for access to the 6,000-acre Long Lake and for the myriad recreational activities such as access to snowmobile and ATV trails. Saint Agatha, St Agatha, ME, USA
- Phippsburg, Sagadahoc County
Ryan Taylor/Flickr Sitting on the west side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Phippsburg is a lovable small town with a tight community. There’s no shortage of outdoors to enjoy here. You’ll find the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site, and Fort Baldwin which overlooks Fort Popham. Head over to Popham Beach State Park and Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge for even more of that lovely slow pace. The population here is just over 2,200 and it’s one of the most quiet towns in Maine. Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
- Waterford, Oxford County
stevebott / Flickr Hidden away about an hour and a half from Portland is the wonderful town of Waterford. Waterford has all of the scenic beauty you imagine in inland Maine. Plus, there are plenty of lakes providing recreational opportunities aplenty. It’s one of the best small towns in Maine. If none of this sounds appealing, visit Melby’s Market & Eatery and you just might decide to stay. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the area, check out the Crooked River Tiny House, a secluded house in Maine. Waterford, ME 04088, USA
- Fryeburg, Oxford County
Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr The inclusion of Fryeburg is a result of its pure beauty and things to do. In addition to conservation land and its close proximity to the outdoor wonderland that is the White Mountains, you’ll also find cafes, restaurants, and shops. And did you know there is also a historic covered bridge here? Fryeburg is the perfect small town in Maine to make yourself at home. Fryeburg, ME 04037, USA
- Vinalhaven, Knox County
jmdelacy / Flickr If you’ve been a longtime reader, you know how much we absolutely love and adore Vinalhaven. It’s included in any article we can manage to sneak it in, this one being no exception. Vinalhaven is a town on the Fox Islands accessible by ferry from Rockland. Oftentimes used to refer to the entire island, Vinalhaven is one of the smallest towns on this list and offers visitors a handful of locally-owned bars and restaurants, many of which shutter for the winter. Come for lovely walks in the Lane’s Island Preserve, a look at the Robert Indiana pieces scattered throughout, and for at least one night at the beautiful Tidewater Motel. It’s truly one of the best and most quiet towns in Maine. Vinalhaven, ME, USA
- Port Clyde, Knox County
Dave Hensley/Flickr Port Clyde is actually a settlement within Saint George, which has an overall population of about 2,500. We think it deserves its own place on this list in part because it is so picturesque. It’s easy to spend hours here just enjoying the scenery. In the 19th century, Port Clyde became a busy port with granite quarries, tide mills for sawing timber as well as shipbuilding and fish canning businesses. Today the area’s quiet location attracts artists and writers. One of its most notable attractions is the Marshall Point Lighthouse. You may remember it as one of the most beautiful scenes during Forrest Gump’s cross-country run in the movie, “Forrest Gump.” It’s one of the most stunning quiet towns in Maine. Port Clyde, St George, ME 04860, USA
- Norway, Oxford County
jennratonmort / Flickr Since we’re already directing you towards Waterford, you might as well make a stop in Norway as well. It’s one of our favorite small towns in Maine and it’s a great place to grab a bite near Waterford. It has a population of about 4.900 people, but driving through downtown makes the slow pace palpable. While things are picking up, (the Norway Brewery just recently opened!) you’ll still feel right at home in the community here. It’s also located close to tons of recreation areas - from the crooked river in Waterford to the wonderful Lake Pennesseewassee right in town. Norway, ME 04268, USA
- Roxbury, Oxford County
Mike Cempa/Flickr With a population of approximately 360, the peace and quiet you find here might be a result of nobody being around to hear the noise! Roxbury is truly a small town. But it’s not its size that earns it a place on this list. Roxbury has a slow-paced and relaxing vibe that makes it easy to enjoy as one of the best quiet towns in Maine. Spend some time at Ellis Pond and you’ll understand why. Fun fact: Roxbury had a decade of population boom when it saw an increase in residents of almost 2,000%. It was recorded in 1840 when the population went from a paltry 11 to the whopping, bustling number of 227! Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
- Masardis, Aroostook County
nickgallop / Flickr Here’s another Aroostook County sleeper! What can we say about Masardis that hasn’t already been said? Pretty much everything considering it’s one of those blink-and-you-might-miss-it towns located in The County. It doesn’t get any more slow-paced than watching the sunrise on a dewy morning, though. If you love that sort of thing head to Masardis and its population of over 220 people. It’s one of the quietest towns in Maine. Masardis, ME 04732, USA
No matter how calm you are, you’ve gotta eat! Check out these great restaurants in some of Maine’s quiet towns that might surprise you!
Doug Kerr/Wikimedia Commons
Patten is historic, small, and considered one of the best small towns in Maine with about 1,000 residents. Its location near many major rivers and streams powered the small mills and workshops that called the town home in the 1800s. In the early 19th century, it became one of the most notable towns on the Penobscot River. The development of the lumber industry here made it the cultural hub of the area encompassing towns west of Houlton and North of Lincoln. Today it is the location of the Bradford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is occupied by a bed and breakfast.
Patten, ME 04765, USA
Roser Martinez/Flickr
Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine has a rich seafaring history. When you’re there, check out the town’s post office which is the oldest continuously running one in the USA. The population of Castine is just over 800 residents. Not huge, not tiny, but somewhere in the middle.
Castine, ME, USA
Dana Moos/Flickr
Located on the lower end of Moosehead Lake and with a population of about 1,600, Greenville is one of the most beautiful and stress-free quiet towns in Maine. If that’s not evident when you’re there, try to make a trip to the Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe, one of the best in the area. Fun Fact: Greenville High School was ranked one of the best in the state and in the top 1,000 in all of America. Guess those kids aren’t feeling especially peaceful.
Greenville, ME, USA
Wayne Boardman/Flickr
It doesn’t get much quieter than The County, specifically in Saint Agatha. Rural Saint Agatha is just a few miles from the Canadian border. Visitors come for access to the 6,000-acre Long Lake and for the myriad recreational activities such as access to snowmobile and ATV trails.
Saint Agatha, St Agatha, ME, USA
Ryan Taylor/Flickr
Sitting on the west side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Phippsburg is a lovable small town with a tight community. There’s no shortage of outdoors to enjoy here. You’ll find the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site, and Fort Baldwin which overlooks Fort Popham. Head over to Popham Beach State Park and Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge for even more of that lovely slow pace. The population here is just over 2,200 and it’s one of the most quiet towns in Maine.
Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
stevebott / Flickr
Hidden away about an hour and a half from Portland is the wonderful town of Waterford. Waterford has all of the scenic beauty you imagine in inland Maine. Plus, there are plenty of lakes providing recreational opportunities aplenty. It’s one of the best small towns in Maine. If none of this sounds appealing, visit Melby’s Market & Eatery and you just might decide to stay. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the area, check out the Crooked River Tiny House, a secluded house in Maine.
Waterford, ME 04088, USA
Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr
The inclusion of Fryeburg is a result of its pure beauty and things to do. In addition to conservation land and its close proximity to the outdoor wonderland that is the White Mountains, you’ll also find cafes, restaurants, and shops. And did you know there is also a historic covered bridge here? Fryeburg is the perfect small town in Maine to make yourself at home.
Fryeburg, ME 04037, USA
jmdelacy / Flickr
If you’ve been a longtime reader, you know how much we absolutely love and adore Vinalhaven. It’s included in any article we can manage to sneak it in, this one being no exception. Vinalhaven is a town on the Fox Islands accessible by ferry from Rockland. Oftentimes used to refer to the entire island, Vinalhaven is one of the smallest towns on this list and offers visitors a handful of locally-owned bars and restaurants, many of which shutter for the winter. Come for lovely walks in the Lane’s Island Preserve, a look at the Robert Indiana pieces scattered throughout, and for at least one night at the beautiful Tidewater Motel. It’s truly one of the best and most quiet towns in Maine.
Vinalhaven, ME, USA
Dave Hensley/Flickr
Port Clyde is actually a settlement within Saint George, which has an overall population of about 2,500. We think it deserves its own place on this list in part because it is so picturesque. It’s easy to spend hours here just enjoying the scenery. In the 19th century, Port Clyde became a busy port with granite quarries, tide mills for sawing timber as well as shipbuilding and fish canning businesses. Today the area’s quiet location attracts artists and writers. One of its most notable attractions is the Marshall Point Lighthouse. You may remember it as one of the most beautiful scenes during Forrest Gump’s cross-country run in the movie, “Forrest Gump.” It’s one of the most stunning quiet towns in Maine.
Port Clyde, St George, ME 04860, USA
jennratonmort / Flickr
Since we’re already directing you towards Waterford, you might as well make a stop in Norway as well. It’s one of our favorite small towns in Maine and it’s a great place to grab a bite near Waterford. It has a population of about 4.900 people, but driving through downtown makes the slow pace palpable. While things are picking up, (the Norway Brewery just recently opened!) you’ll still feel right at home in the community here. It’s also located close to tons of recreation areas - from the crooked river in Waterford to the wonderful Lake Pennesseewassee right in town.
Norway, ME 04268, USA
Mike Cempa/Flickr
With a population of approximately 360, the peace and quiet you find here might be a result of nobody being around to hear the noise! Roxbury is truly a small town. But it’s not its size that earns it a place on this list. Roxbury has a slow-paced and relaxing vibe that makes it easy to enjoy as one of the best quiet towns in Maine. Spend some time at Ellis Pond and you’ll understand why. Fun fact: Roxbury had a decade of population boom when it saw an increase in residents of almost 2,000%. It was recorded in 1840 when the population went from a paltry 11 to the whopping, bustling number of 227!
Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
nickgallop / Flickr
Here’s another Aroostook County sleeper! What can we say about Masardis that hasn’t already been said? Pretty much everything considering it’s one of those blink-and-you-might-miss-it towns located in The County. It doesn’t get any more slow-paced than watching the sunrise on a dewy morning, though. If you love that sort of thing head to Masardis and its population of over 220 people. It’s one of the quietest towns in Maine.
Masardis, ME 04732, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Quiet Towns In Maine September 18, 2022 Melissa M. What is the biggest city in Maine? By population, Portland is the biggest city in Maine. Just over 68,000 people live there and there are plenty of reasons why it’s such a great place to live. Between the restaurants, shopping, waterfront, parks, history, and low cost of living, you can visit and see what it has to offer for yourself. It’s an absolutely gorgeous coastal city to explore! The second largest city in Maine by population is Lewiston, which is home to around 36,600 residents. Coming in third place for population is Bangor with nearly 32,000 residents. What is the smallest town in Maine? With a population of five people, Frye Island happens to be the smallest town in Maine. It is located in Sebago Lake and it is reachable by ferry. Considered a resort town, the island residents live here part-time. What is Maine known for? Maine is known for its rocky coast, iconic lighthouses (there are over 60), lobster rolls, outdoor activities, and forests. In fact, Maine’s nickname is The Pine Tree State. As the easternmost state in the country, it sees the first sunrise. If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck. Aside from hundreds of miles of trails around the state, the Appalachian Trail also starts here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Quiet Towns In Maine
September 18, 2022
Melissa M.
What is the biggest city in Maine? By population, Portland is the biggest city in Maine. Just over 68,000 people live there and there are plenty of reasons why it’s such a great place to live. Between the restaurants, shopping, waterfront, parks, history, and low cost of living, you can visit and see what it has to offer for yourself. It’s an absolutely gorgeous coastal city to explore! The second largest city in Maine by population is Lewiston, which is home to around 36,600 residents. Coming in third place for population is Bangor with nearly 32,000 residents. What is the smallest town in Maine? With a population of five people, Frye Island happens to be the smallest town in Maine. It is located in Sebago Lake and it is reachable by ferry. Considered a resort town, the island residents live here part-time. What is Maine known for? Maine is known for its rocky coast, iconic lighthouses (there are over 60), lobster rolls, outdoor activities, and forests. In fact, Maine’s nickname is The Pine Tree State. As the easternmost state in the country, it sees the first sunrise. If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck. Aside from hundreds of miles of trails around the state, the Appalachian Trail also starts here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
By population, Portland is the biggest city in Maine. Just over 68,000 people live there and there are plenty of reasons why it’s such a great place to live. Between the restaurants, shopping, waterfront, parks, history, and low cost of living, you can visit and see what it has to offer for yourself. It’s an absolutely gorgeous coastal city to explore! The second largest city in Maine by population is Lewiston, which is home to around 36,600 residents. Coming in third place for population is Bangor with nearly 32,000 residents.
What is the smallest town in Maine?
With a population of five people, Frye Island happens to be the smallest town in Maine. It is located in Sebago Lake and it is reachable by ferry. Considered a resort town, the island residents live here part-time.
What is Maine known for?
Maine is known for its rocky coast, iconic lighthouses (there are over 60), lobster rolls, outdoor activities, and forests. In fact, Maine’s nickname is The Pine Tree State. As the easternmost state in the country, it sees the first sunrise. If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck. Aside from hundreds of miles of trails around the state, the Appalachian Trail also starts here.
