Moving To The Twin Cities On Maine’s Southern Coast
Are you interested in living in a southern Maine coastal town? If yes, stick with me here because I cover the pros and cons of living in Saco-Biddeford, Maine.
Let’s get moving so you can start packing.
Pros And Cons Of Living in Saco-Biddeford, ME
Here are my top living in Saco-Biddeford pros and cons:
- Rich in history
- Benefits of new development
- Ocean coastline and beaches
- Plenty of fun things to do
- Excellent transportation options
- Educational opportunities
- Drawbacks of small-town life
- Scads of summer tourists
- Pesky bugs and insects
- Harsh winter weather
- Lack of diversity
- High taxes
Next, let’s go through each of these points in greater detail.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. Rich In History
Saco and Biddeford are twin cities located on the Saco River in Maine’s York County. They represent the principal commercial center of the region, with a combined population of more than 40,000 residents.
Historically, the earliest known inhabitants were American Indians from the Abenaki Tribe. European colonists joined them in 1616, four years before the Mayflower’s arrival in the nearby state of Massachusetts.
Thus, the region became one of America’s earliest and oldest European colonies.
The two cities grew into industrial powerhouses during the 1800s, driven by the energy from the Saco River. Workers built huge mills that processed cotton, fabrics, bricks, iron, and cigars.
One can imagine that relying on the past is not a path to prosperity today. So, let’s talk about another one of the reasons to live in Saco-Biddeford.
2. Benefits Of New Development
Biddeford’s historic downtown, in particular, has been undergoing revitalization and redevelopment over the past decade-plus.
Much of the effort has focused on restoring the old mills for diverse uses. Specifically retail stores, cultural centers, art studios, and condominiums for housing.
Thus, high-end light industrial facilities and artisanal producers have replaced old factories. As a result, both Biddeford and Saco are Main Street Communities recognized for turning historic commercial districts into vibrant neighborhoods and thriving business centers.
Younger Residents Are Moving To Saco-Biddeford
More importantly, the ongoing revitalization has attracted younger residents.
As a result, Biddeford has become one of the youngest cities in Maine based on median age. But, even more impressive, this trend has occurred in a state known for an older, aging population.
The area’s growth, new-found success, and popularity are partly due to its proximity to Boston and the rest of Northern Massachusetts. Also, the Seacoast region of New Hampshire.
Living In Saco-Biddeford Means Access To Diverse Landscapes
Finally, you should know that the metropolitan area is 39 square miles. However, to the west are farms, forests, and protected lands. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean.
Thus, the diverse surrounding landscape has something to offer everyone.
So, you can put a stake in the community by supporting farmers and investing in local farmland.
Or become a pillar of the local community. It’s easy in these small towns. To do so, you can support the local shops and restaurants with your hard-earned dollars.
As long as I have brought up the environment, let’s dive deeper into the area’s scenic beauty. It is one of the best benefits of living in Saco-Biddeford.
3. Ocean Coastline And Beaches
After winding through the two cities, the Saco River empties into Saco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. The waterfront here makes the area unique. It ranges from sandy beaches to rocky shorelines.
Oceans Spaces To Enjoy When Living In Saco-Biddeford
Biddeford Pool is a fantastic spot for exploring tidal pools. In addition, Fortune Rocks Beach is famous among surfers.
Next are beaches for excellent swimming and warm white sands to stick your toes in. You will discover:
- Rotary Park
- Kinney Shores
- Ferry Beach State Park
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Also, not far from Saco-Biddeford, is Old Orchard Beach, Maine. It is an oceanside resort town located on Saco Bay.
There you will find 7 miles of beachfront property consistently recognized as one of the best beach towns in Maine for families.
Better yet, the area offers so much more beyond the ocean waterfront real estate. So let’s discuss another one of the advantages of living in Saco-Biddeford.
4. Plenty Of Fun Things To Do
You and your family will have fun things to do no matter which Maine city you choose. Here’s a rundown of some of the things to discover.
Things To See And Do In Saco
- Hike to Cascade Falls
- Saco Bay Trails
- Funtown Splashtown USA
- Aquaboggan Water Park
- Saco Drive-In Theater
- The Saco Museum
Things to See And Do In Biddeford
- Biddeford Mills Museum
- Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary
- East Point Audubon Sanctuary
- Engine Gallery art museum
- La Kermesse festival
- McArthur Public Library
- River Jam and Fringe festival
- Performing arts at City Theatre
Of course, there is a little more to life than hanging at the beach and having fun. Specifically, getting ahead in this world in case it interests you.
This topic adds to the list of the best things about Saco-Biddeford living.
5. Excellent Transportation Options
You may find the perfect job opportunity after moving to Saco-Biddeford. Industries that provide the most jobs here include:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Hospitality
On the other hand, your job may require commuting out of town. If that is the case, no problem.
First, Interstate 95 is a short distance away. It makes for efficient regional trips by car.
Traveling north will take you to Portland, the largest city in the state. Driving even farther will bring you to Lewiston, then Augusta, the state’s capital city.
Or, head south on I95 for arrival in southeastern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut along the Long Island Sound. Then, you can take I95 much farther south to Miami if you like!
U.S. Route 1 is also available for destinations along the Maine coast. It’s also more scenic for leisure travel.
Finally, Saco has a stop on the Amtrak Downeaster. The train is perfect for occasional commutes into Boston if you can pull off working a big city job remotely.
Next, what about the kids? Yes, they will love living in a beach town during the summer. But what about school?
Let’s discuss education now. It is another one of the good reasons to move to Saco-Biddeford.
6. Educational Opportunities
First, the City of Saco offers students of all ages a high-quality education.
Saco has two schools serving grades K-2, one middle school hosting grades 3-5, and one school for grades 6-8.
Thornton Academy is Saco’s high school. However, it is a prestigious private school. As a result, families living in Saco, Dayton, or Arundel have their tuition paid for by the town.
Furthermore, the Biddeford public school district offers multiple options for K through 12. In addition to adult continuing education programs.
Finally, there is the highly regarded University of New England (UNE) for higher education.
UNE is Maine’s largest private university with campuses in Biddeford and Portland. Also, the university’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is the state’s only medical school.
I hope you can see by now that living in Saco or Biddeford is a pretty sweet deal.
However, I promised both the pros and cons. So, let’s look at some of the disadvantages of living in Saco-Biddeford now.
7. Drawbacks Of Small-Town Life
This area represents small-town America living at its finest. But, conversely, “the big city” these towns are not. But, most importantly, small towns do have their downsides.
There is a close-knit community feel about town. Thus, if you crave the anonymity big cities offer, you won’t find it here.
You also won’t find much hustle, bustle, and nightlife. The pace is slow here.
Instead, the area offers a simple and traditional lifestyle. The primary focuses are community, nature, outdoor recreation, arts, local culture, and regional foods.
Finally, some transplants will tell you if you weren’t born in Maine, you might never feel like you fit in. Why? Long-time locals can be slow to warm up to newcomers.
Next, for some, the following point might be one of the important reasons not to live in Saco-Biddeford.
8. Scads Of Summer Tourists
Tourists and seasonal residents are attracted here to the twin city’s beautiful beaches, historic downtowns, waterparks, the Saco River, and nature trails. In addition, many families return to the area annually.
So, if you prefer to avoid tourists descending on your hometown yearly, Saco-Biddeford may not be the right fit.
On a positive note, the average seasonal population here is less significant versus other parts of York County.
Okay. Could this next point be one of the worst things about living in Saco-Biddeford? No, but you should consider it anyway.
9. Pesky Bugs And Insects
Maine is known for having some of the worst summer insect infestations.
Having issues with bugs is especially true for anyone who enjoys spending their leisure time hiking, backpacking, camping, or mountain biking in the forest. Even in town, biting bugs can ruin your picnics and backyard barbecues.
Thus, be prepared for plenty of black flies, mosquitos, and deer flies. These are just a few of the insect species you will encounter.
The winter weather here isn’t easy to take here, either. For many people, this is one of the big reasons not to move to Saco-Biddeford.
10. Harsh Winter Weather
I have some good and not-so-good news about the winter weather here.
First, I have good news. You are living in southern coastal Maine.
It is far from the state’s coldest northern reaches, closer to Canada. Also, the ocean moderates and keeps the winter temperatures warmer.
Second, the bad news. We are discussing the state of Maine. So expect long, cold, snowy winter seasons here.
Night-time winter temperatures routinely fall into the teens during the peak season. While 10-15 inches of snow each December, January, and February are typical.
11. Lack Of Diversity
Similar to other small towns in New England, there isn’t much diversity. Roughly 90% of the people here are white.
So, if you like living in places with a lot of racial and ethnic diversity, you won’t find it in Maine’s twin cities.
Next up, another one of the bad things about Saco-Biddeford.
12. High Taxes
The income tax rates will run between 5.8% and 7.15% of your income. But, of course, your exact tax rate will depend on how much money you make. So, if you earn the median household income or more, be prepared because taxes will cost you a pretty penny here.
Also, plan on paying 5.5% in sales taxes. Stores apply the sales tax rate on top of purchases for everyday goods you buy to sustain your lifestyle.
To offset this tax, try the money-back app from Rakuten. It allows you to earn cash back on all of your online purchases. Indeed, there is no need to pay more if you don’t have to.
Okay. That concludes my review of the pros and cons of Saco-Biddeford. As a result, please allow me to close out with a few parting thoughts.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Saco-Biddeford, Maine
There’s a lot to like about living in southern Maine coastal towns. However, the cons indicate they may only be for some, not everyone.
So let’s address a couple of the big questions of the day one at a time.
Is Saco A Good Place To Live?
Saco is a family-friendly place to live in New England. Especially for anyone looking for that classic Maine small town. It is located on the Saco River and close to the ocean, beaches, parks, hiking trails, and convenient shopping in south Portland. The town boasts a vibrant community feel, historic downtown, good schools, and friendly residents.
Is Biddeford A Good Place To Live?
Biddeford is a charming Maine coastal city with plenty of activities to enjoy and a great place to live. It’s full of local restaurants, shops, and attractions. The city was once a bustling mill town, home to some of the largest factories in the country. But, mixed-use complexes of modern residential and commercial spaces have replaced them.
Okay. That’s all I have on Maine’s twin cities of Saco-Biddeford. Most importantly, thanks for reading!
You may have decided these are the best southern Maine coastal towns in which to live. But, on the other hand, if not, check out our:
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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.