What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Bangor, ME?

With its rocky coasts, sandy shores, world-famous lighthouses, and lobsters, Maine is one of the most unique states in the U.S. Home to 1.3 million people, this coastal region has a lot to offer. Sitting at the tippy-top of the United States, Maine is pretty much at the heart of New England life.

If you’re looking for a little bit of seclusion, Maine just might be the right fit for you. With an estimated 24 billion trees in the state, nature far outnumbers residents. With its wide-open spaces, lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged coastline, Maine has long been a destination for avid outdoorsmen.

Bangor, ME sits right in the center of the state on the Penobscot River. Bangor is the commercial and social center of the north, known for its commitment to culture, education, and commerce. It is one of Maine’s major urban centers.

Nicknamed The Queen City for its status as the center of commerce and trade in Maine, Bangor definitely lives up to its stately name. The pros of living in Bangor, ME include its low cost of living and low crime rates, tranquil surroundings, and rich history. There are a few cons of living in Bangor, including the extreme winters and its sluggish population growth. Though Bangor has a lot to offer, it tends to draw more retirees than budding young professionals, giving the community an older feel.

Bangor, ME boasts many thriving small businesses including boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Bangor is a close-knit community with a lot of heart, welcoming and embracing newcomers.

Read on to find out more about life in Bangor, ME!

The cost of living in Maine is low, and that includes Bangor. Life in Bangor is actually fairly affordable when compared to cities of the same size in other states. In the state of Maine, the cost of living in Bangor is 16.7% lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates are phenomenally low as well — less than 3% — allowing for steady economic growth and affordable housing. Bangor was even named as one of the top 100 places to live in New England.

The ability to earn a living wage in the state of Maine, including Bangor, is a cornerstone of the workforce. The minimum wage in Maine is $12/hour, making it one of the highest paying states in New England. You’ll have no problem living comfortably in Bangor while pursuing a career that you love.

Living in Bangor means having access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Located just 45 minutes from the coast and surrounded by dense pine forests, you’ll be able to keep to yourself while exploring all that the New England scenery has to offer.

Bangor is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors. Hiking, snowboarding, and mountain biking are just a few pastimes at your fingertips. Being right on the Penobscot River means residents have easy access to kayaking, fishing, and rafting throughout the spring and summers as well as winters if you’re into ice fishing.

Because it’s one of the oldest cities in Maine, history in Bangor Maine is alive and well. There are several museums dedicated to preserving its past, such as the Hudson Museum.

Preserving the city’s history has always been an important aspect of Bangor living. Strict historical ordinances have long been in place to keep urbanization from destroying important buildings, parks, and cemeteries.

The city also boasts a stunning array of historic Queen Anne and Greek Revival homes from Bangor’s time as the lumber capital of the world in the mid-19th century. It isn’t uncommon for Bangor residents to spend an afternoon driving around the city to admire the plethora of historic homes.

Surprisingly, Bangor has been home to plenty of famous figures throughout history. Probably the most famous is Paul Bunyan. You read that right— the Paul Bunyan. There’s even a 31-foot-tall statue of the legendary Bangor native in downtown’s Bass park.

A more modern famous resident would be none other than author Stephen King. Since 1979, the King of Horror himself has lived in a gorgeous Victorian house in Bangor. The city has worked with the author to organize tours of his historic home, arguably one of the city’s more popular tourist attractions.

While many would expect this world-famous author to take up residency somewhere like New York City or L.A, King himself has written about the draws of living in Bangor, ME. In fact, many of the towns in his novels are based loosely around the serenity and seclusion of Bangor.

While Bangor is certainly one of the more popular places to live in Maine, it’s growing at a slower pace than some of the surrounding cities. Citizens aren’t flocking to Bangor like they are to Portland or Newport.

Even though the community has a lot to offer with its network of breweries, restaurants, shops, and museums, the number of people actually living in Bangor isn’t growing exponentially. With the proximity of several colleges, the city sees an uptick of residents in the school year but few graduates end up sticking around.

Related Questions

What’s The Real Estate Like In Bangor, ME?

You’re going to pay a little bit extra to live in Maine. Home prices in Bangor, while not ridiculously expensive, are higher than the national average. Many of the homes in Bangor are on the historical register, making them more expensive to both purchase and maintain. Bangor does have affordable townhomes.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Bangor, ME?

With its quirky and historical downtown and its proximity to the coast, there’s plenty of stuff to do in Bangor including:

Bangor has earned a spot on the list of The Top 100 Places to Live. This isn’t something to turn your nose up at! With its New England charm, easy access to the famous rocky coast and surrounding wilderness, Bangor is a great place to live. Even though life moves a little slower here, the city is definitely on the rise.

When debating on whether or not to move to Bangor, it’s important to keep in mind all the pros and the cons. If you’re okay with heavy winters and a little bit of isolation, Bangor just might be a good fit for you.