Maine is the quintessential small-town state. While Portland and Bangor might be considered our cities, even those have their own small-town feel. Essentially, if you love knowing your neighbors, sharing Maine pride, and supporting mom-and-pop establishments, Maine is perfect. Here are a few examples of small town Maine where the pace is slow, the community is strong and life is as simple as it possibly can be in our world today.
- Norway, Oxford County
Jennifer Morton / Flickr Norway is one of our favorite small towns. It has a population of about 5,000 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
- Castine, Hancock County
blacklili / Flickr Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine has a rich seafaring history. When you’re there, check out the town’s post office - the oldest continuously running one in the USA. The population of Castine is about 800, making it one of the tinier locales on the list – and peak small town Maine! Castine, ME, USA
- Calais, Washington County
Mark / Flickr While not the absolute smallest in Maine, Calais certainly comes with that small-town feel. Its population of about 3,000 has access to three border entry point to Canada over the St. Croix River. Residents here also have the privilege of being about to weed out those from away. If they pronounce it like they’re somewhere in France, it’s probably their first time in town! Calais, 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, Maine, is both beautiful and stress-free. If that’s not evident when you’re there, try to make a trip to the Stress Free Moose Cafe, one of the best in the area. Fun Fact: Greenville High School was ranked third best in the state and in the top 1,000 in all of America. Guess those kids aren’t exactly stress-free. Greenville, ME, USA
- Masardis, Aroostook County
nickgallop / Flickr What can we say about Masardis, Maine, 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 their population of about 250 people. Masardis, ME 04732, 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 in Maine with a tight-knit community. There’s no shortage of outdoors to enjoy here. You’ll find the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site; along with 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 about 2,200. Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
- Roxbury, Oxford
MIke Cempa / Flickr With a population of just 360, Roxbury, Maine, 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. 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
- Belfast, Waldo County
smilla4 / Flickr We can’t talk about Belfast, Maine, without also including the many small towns that surround it. This entire area represents some of the best of small-town Maine. Belfast’s population is about 6,700 (one of the largest locales on this list, in fact!) and it’s quite close to Portland. It provides a great mix of art, local food, and waterfront views. Founded in 1773 and named after the Irish city of Belfast, this town of less than 7,000 boomed after World War II as a working-class community centered on the poultry industry. In the 1970s, the town’s poultry business collapsed during a national recession. Many residents deserted Belfast in search of jobs elsewhere. But the area’s serene natural beauty combined with affordable homes attracted new residents. These newcomers were very different from the old poultry workers – they were artists, new college graduates, and city dwellers seeking a more rural lifestyle. Today the arts are an even bigger part of life in Belfast than when the artists first arrived, both inside at galleries and out on the street! If you’re looking for peak small town Maine, this is it! Belfast, ME 04915, USA
- Trenton, Hancock County
auvet / Flickr Trenton has a population of almost 1,500. It’s the last town on the mainland before heading into Mount Desert Island, making it truly the “Gateway to Acadia.” Shipbuilding and shipping were a big part of life in the 1800s, which makes the salty air even more special. Stop by the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound for some of the freshest lobster you’ll find in the area. Trenton, ME 04605, USA
- Fryeburg, Oxford County
dougtone / Flickr There was no possible way we could leave lovely Fryeburg, Maine, (and its many charming covered bridges!) off this list! With a population of about 3,400, it’s not one of our smallest, but its small-town Maine feel is one of the best! 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 are the White Mountains, you’ll also find cafes, restaurants, and shops. A perfect place to make yourself at home. Fryeburg, ME 04037, USA
- Patten, Penobscot County
Doug Kerr/Flickr Patten is both historic and small, 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
- Kittery Point, York County
Mariano Mantel / Flickr With a population of about 1,000 people, Kittery Point is much smaller than the 4,000 people of Kittery. Its small community feel will have you feeling warm and fuzzy. While it sometimes gets confused for just being Kittery, you’ll know the small town feel when you get there. It’s also home to Fort McClary State Historic Site and Fort Foster Park. Kittery Point, Kittery, ME 03905, USA
- Bath, Sagadahoc County
davidwilson1949 / Flickr We were shocked when we realized that Bath’s population is the largest on this list - about 8,300 call it home! It feels so small-town, that you’ll be surprised too! It is renowned for its shipbuilding industry and has become known as the “city of ships.” The famous “Bath Iron Works” can still be found here. Stop by the Maine Maritime Museum as well as the Chocolate Church Arts Center which often hosts incredible community events. Bath, ME 04530, USA
- Sebec, Piscataquis County
joshmaz / Flickr Tiny Sebec has a population of about 600 people. We love it here, but going to any of the Three Rivers Communities will have you loving the pace of life. Incorporated in 1812, Sebec is the oldest town in Piscataquis County. Come for the country feel and to visit Sebec Lake on which it is located. Sebec, ME, USA
- Port Clyde, Knox County
davehensley / Flickr Port Clyde is actually a settlement within St. 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, and 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.” Port Clyde, St George, ME 04860, USA
If reading about these small towns filled you with a sense of Maine pride, check out our feature article, which will make that pride swell even bigger!
Jennifer Morton / Flickr
Norway is one of our favorite small towns. It has a population of about 5,000 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
blacklili / Flickr
Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine has a rich seafaring history. When you’re there, check out the town’s post office - the oldest continuously running one in the USA. The population of Castine is about 800, making it one of the tinier locales on the list – and peak small town Maine!
Castine, ME, USA
Mark / Flickr
While not the absolute smallest in Maine, Calais certainly comes with that small-town feel. Its population of about 3,000 has access to three border entry point to Canada over the St. Croix River. Residents here also have the privilege of being about to weed out those from away. If they pronounce it like they’re somewhere in France, it’s probably their first time in town!
Calais, ME, USA
Dana Moos / Flickr
Located on the lower end of Moosehead Lake and with a population of about 1,600, Greenville, Maine, is both beautiful and stress-free. If that’s not evident when you’re there, try to make a trip to the Stress Free Moose Cafe, one of the best in the area. Fun Fact: Greenville High School was ranked third best in the state and in the top 1,000 in all of America. Guess those kids aren’t exactly stress-free.
Greenville, ME, USA
nickgallop / Flickr
What can we say about Masardis, Maine, 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 their population of about 250 people.
Masardis, ME 04732, USA
Ryan Taylor / Flickr
Sitting on the west side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Phippsburg is a lovable small town in Maine with a tight-knit community. There’s no shortage of outdoors to enjoy here. You’ll find the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site; along with 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 about 2,200.
Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA
MIke Cempa / Flickr
With a population of just 360, Roxbury, Maine, 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. 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
smilla4 / Flickr
We can’t talk about Belfast, Maine, without also including the many small towns that surround it. This entire area represents some of the best of small-town Maine. Belfast’s population is about 6,700 (one of the largest locales on this list, in fact!) and it’s quite close to Portland. It provides a great mix of art, local food, and waterfront views. Founded in 1773 and named after the Irish city of Belfast, this town of less than 7,000 boomed after World War II as a working-class community centered on the poultry industry. In the 1970s, the town’s poultry business collapsed during a national recession. Many residents deserted Belfast in search of jobs elsewhere. But the area’s serene natural beauty combined with affordable homes attracted new residents. These newcomers were very different from the old poultry workers – they were artists, new college graduates, and city dwellers seeking a more rural lifestyle. Today the arts are an even bigger part of life in Belfast than when the artists first arrived, both inside at galleries and out on the street! If you’re looking for peak small town Maine, this is it!
Belfast, ME 04915, USA
auvet / Flickr
Trenton has a population of almost 1,500. It’s the last town on the mainland before heading into Mount Desert Island, making it truly the “Gateway to Acadia.” Shipbuilding and shipping were a big part of life in the 1800s, which makes the salty air even more special. Stop by the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound for some of the freshest lobster you’ll find in the area.
Trenton, ME 04605, USA
dougtone / Flickr
There was no possible way we could leave lovely Fryeburg, Maine, (and its many charming covered bridges!) off this list! With a population of about 3,400, it’s not one of our smallest, but its small-town Maine feel is one of the best! 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 are the White Mountains, you’ll also find cafes, restaurants, and shops. A perfect place to make yourself at home.
Fryeburg, ME 04037, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Patten is both historic and small, 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
Mariano Mantel / Flickr
With a population of about 1,000 people, Kittery Point is much smaller than the 4,000 people of Kittery. Its small community feel will have you feeling warm and fuzzy. While it sometimes gets confused for just being Kittery, you’ll know the small town feel when you get there. It’s also home to Fort McClary State Historic Site and Fort Foster Park.
Kittery Point, Kittery, ME 03905, USA
davidwilson1949 / Flickr
We were shocked when we realized that Bath’s population is the largest on this list - about 8,300 call it home! It feels so small-town, that you’ll be surprised too! It is renowned for its shipbuilding industry and has become known as the “city of ships.” The famous “Bath Iron Works” can still be found here. Stop by the Maine Maritime Museum as well as the Chocolate Church Arts Center which often hosts incredible community events.
Bath, ME 04530, USA
joshmaz / Flickr
Tiny Sebec has a population of about 600 people. We love it here, but going to any of the Three Rivers Communities will have you loving the pace of life. Incorporated in 1812, Sebec is the oldest town in Piscataquis County. Come for the country feel and to visit Sebec Lake on which it is located.
Sebec, ME, USA
davehensley / Flickr
Port Clyde is actually a settlement within St. 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, and 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.”
Port Clyde, St George, ME 04860, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Small Town Maine September 27, 2022 Sarah M. What are the most charming small towns in Maine? While the above locales are truly peak small town Maine, there are so many more beguiling places sure to capture your heart – and maybe even make you want to pick up and move! Take Bar Harbor, for example. This quaint mountain town on Maine’s iconic coast is nothing short of magical. Known primarily as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a delightful destination in its own right. The idyllic town of 5,500 residents boasts an abundance of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, charming local shops, and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants – many of which overlook the ocean. Visitors to this Maine village will also enjoy wandering along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses, and exploring the area via the land or water. Of course, with regard to Acadia, the park’s unique mountain attractions – such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first in the country to watch the sun rise – are truly bucket-list worthy, and all the more reason to make Bar Harbor, Maine, your next mountain town getaway. Another impossibly charming small town in Maine is Kennebunkport. It simply doesn’t get more quintessentially East Coast than Kennebunkport, Maine. This unassuming beach town is all weather-worn boats and craggy coastlines, whitewashed homes, and unpretentious sea shacks. (The lobster rolls from The Clam Shack are particularly noteworthy, and really a must-try for any self-described foodie.) Kennebunkport has been lauded as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, and after visiting, you might just want to drop everything and move to this charming small town in Maine, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small Town Maine
September 27, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the most charming small towns in Maine? While the above locales are truly peak small town Maine, there are so many more beguiling places sure to capture your heart – and maybe even make you want to pick up and move! Take Bar Harbor, for example. This quaint mountain town on Maine’s iconic coast is nothing short of magical. Known primarily as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a delightful destination in its own right. The idyllic town of 5,500 residents boasts an abundance of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, charming local shops, and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants – many of which overlook the ocean. Visitors to this Maine village will also enjoy wandering along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses, and exploring the area via the land or water. Of course, with regard to Acadia, the park’s unique mountain attractions – such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first in the country to watch the sun rise – are truly bucket-list worthy, and all the more reason to make Bar Harbor, Maine, your next mountain town getaway. Another impossibly charming small town in Maine is Kennebunkport. It simply doesn’t get more quintessentially East Coast than Kennebunkport, Maine. This unassuming beach town is all weather-worn boats and craggy coastlines, whitewashed homes, and unpretentious sea shacks. (The lobster rolls from The Clam Shack are particularly noteworthy, and really a must-try for any self-described foodie.) Kennebunkport has been lauded as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, and after visiting, you might just want to drop everything and move to this charming small town in Maine, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the above locales are truly peak small town Maine, there are so many more beguiling places sure to capture your heart – and maybe even make you want to pick up and move! Take Bar Harbor, for example. This quaint mountain town on Maine’s iconic coast is nothing short of magical. Known primarily as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a delightful destination in its own right. The idyllic town of 5,500 residents boasts an abundance of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, charming local shops, and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants – many of which overlook the ocean. Visitors to this Maine village will also enjoy wandering along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses, and exploring the area via the land or water. Of course, with regard to Acadia, the park’s unique mountain attractions – such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first in the country to watch the sun rise – are truly bucket-list worthy, and all the more reason to make Bar Harbor, Maine, your next mountain town getaway.
Another impossibly charming small town in Maine is Kennebunkport. It simply doesn’t get more quintessentially East Coast than Kennebunkport, Maine. This unassuming beach town is all weather-worn boats and craggy coastlines, whitewashed homes, and unpretentious sea shacks. (The lobster rolls from The Clam Shack are particularly noteworthy, and really a must-try for any self-described foodie.) Kennebunkport has been lauded as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, and after visiting, you might just want to drop everything and move to this charming small town in Maine, too.
