Seeking Arts, Bookshops, Healthy Foods, Friendly Community in Maine...Suggestions? (Portland: co-op, house prices)

[MissAliceBlue]

I graduated from college in New England and have not been back for decades....well, since the last great recession. I loved it there. I know that New England has changed a great deal since then...so that is why I am throwing out this question.

I am looking for a town/city that would inspire a writer/artist...arts, bookshops, small cafes, farmer's market, healthy food... maybe near a college? I know that Portland is often touted as having all these...but I would like to find another town that maybe is still off the radar and one that has reasonable house prices. I am planning a trip and would like to know towns that might fit the bill.


If you have any suggestions...I would appreciate some feedback.

Thank you....!

[juststoppinby]

Check out the Bangor area. All of the things you have listed are here. You would not have to live in Bangor, there are certainly lots of smaller towns surrounding Bangor. I live in Hampden and it takes me less than 5 minutes to be in Bangor.

[coastal_photographer]

Being an artist, I would suggest Bath. It's close to Bowdoin College and has a nice community which supports the arts. Small cafes, healthy foods, and it's ocean side which is a great mandatory inspiration for me. Reid State Park and Popham Beach are within 20 minutes south down a peninsula.

As far as house prices, I would suggest living in one of the adjacent towns (like Phippsburg or Arrowsic) as the property taxes in Bath are high. Unless, of course, you want to be within 5 minutes of the downtown area.

[KOMBUCHABABY]

Belfast, Maine is a nice little coastal town. It has a community food co-op and lots of music, art, etc.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by MissAliceBlue

I graduated from college in New England and have not been back for decades....well, since the last great recession. I loved it there. I know that New England has changed a great deal since then...so that is why I am throwing out this question.

I am looking for a town/city that would inspire a writer/artist...arts, bookshops, small cafes, farmer's market, healthy food... maybe near a college? I know that Portland is often touted as having all these...but I would like to find another town that maybe is still off the radar and one that has reasonable house prices. I am planning a trip and would like to know towns that might fit the bill.


If you have any suggestions...I would appreciate some feedback.

Thank you....!

My vote is for Hallowell. The new and improved Hallowell. Very artsy, Water Street is lined with antique shops, used book shops, an art gallery, and some great restaurants including my fave, "The Liberal Cup". Lots of farms nearby, there must be a local farmers mrkt. I've heard great reviews for Gaslight Theatre, a small local group. Hallowell is just 10 minutes south of Augusta, you would be close to University of Maine, Augusta campus. Hallowell is still very much off the radar but one of the nicest little towns along the Kennebec River.
Very hip and a little crunchy, I like it.

[lawmom]

I was thinking Belfast, too. Bangor would be cheaper though.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by island mermaid

My vote is for Hallowell. The new and improved Hallowell. Very artsy, Water Street is lined with antique shops, used book shops, an art gallery, and some great restaurants including my fave, "The Liberal Cup". Lots of farms nearby, there must be a local farmers mrkt. I've heard great reviews for Gaslight Theatre, a small local group. Hallowell is just 10 minutes south of Augusta, you would be close to University of Maine, Augusta campus. Hallowell is still very much off the radar but one of the nicest little towns along the Kennebec River.
Very hip and a little crunchy, I like it.

id also vote for hallowell also and blue hill


i use to live in hallowell, nice little town

[BacktoNE]

My first thought was Belfast, but I agree that Hallowell would be an even better fit because it's less crowded and you don't get the Summer rush through there... yet... that Belfast experiences.