The 10 Best Small Towns in Maine

Are you considering taking a trip to Maine or perhaps even moving to Maine? If so, you may want to know more about this Northeastern state.

The history of Maine is interesting and involves years of settlements and different civilizations. Some of the first types of people that lived in the area were Native Americans such as the Red Paint People and the Susquehanna Tribes.

Native Americans had inhabited most of the area by the time the first Europeans arrived. They spoke the Algonquian language and included various tribal groups that were descendants of the original Native people.

In 1820, potatoes became the main crop of the state and Augusta was named the new state capital in 1832. One historic battle that happened in the state of Maine was the Battle of Gettysburg led under Colonel Joshua Chamberlain.

Do your research before traveling to Maine and ask for a free quote on your car insurance. Start comparison shopping for auto insurance rates today by entering your ZIP code above!

Other Highlights of Maine

So what else is prevalent in Maine? What can you expect to see when you visit the state of Maine? Are there interesting attractions that you can visit while there?

Maine is known as the “Pine Tree state” due to the prolific state of plentiful greenery and pine trees that exist in the area. Below are some of the facts about the state of Maine you may find interesting:

• Weather — The climate in Maine is humid with warm summers. Winters are cold, and there is a fair (sometimes extreme) amount of snow through the state, especially in the extreme, northern parts of the country.
• Seasons — Seasons are average for that part of the country which does normally experience rough winters and moderate snowfall totals.
• Terrain/landscape — Maine’s landscape varies from rough Maine mountains to smooth coastline. Depending on where you visit in the state, the conditions of the roads are vastly different.

You should always do your homework and research the areas in Maine before planning to go so that you’ll always be prepared for what lies ahead.

Why might someone travel there?

Maine is an interesting state that holds many treasures for those who are willing to explore its possibilities. There are many landscapes and attractions in Maine that draw people to its shores, beautiful coastlines, and scenery each year.

The presence of many beaches and pristine, picturesque views is always a big hit with travelers each year. Many are so impressed with all of what the state has to offer that they decide to move there.

If you are considering moving to the state of Maine, you may want to check out this list of the ten best small towns in the Pine Tree state before you start looking at possible destination spots.

The 10 Best Small Towns in Maine

If you are not sure which towns in Maine are the best to look into when visiting or thinking about moving there, here is a rundown of the ten best small towns for starters to give you an idea.

#1 — Rockport

Rockport, Maine is a small town of 3,381 people that is composed of lots of Maine’s arts, culture, and other amenities.

Rockport is considered a popular tourist town, and many people come to Rockport yearly to enjoy the fisherman village atmosphere and tourist spirit that many of the visitors bring to the area.

#2 — Port Clyde

Port Clyde is a town of 2,591 at the most recent census, so it is a great place to retire or just to settle down in a quiet seafaring village.

This town holds plenty of surprises for those who like hand-crafted items such as:

• Crafts
• Art
• Writing

There is an active artist and writer’s community in Port Clyde, and it is the southernmost settlement on the St. George peninsula in the central coast area. Port Clyde is considered part of the town of St. George in Knox County.

#3 — Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a small town in Maine that is located along the coastline of the Kennebunk River. This town was originally settled in the 1600s, and it was used as the main port of call for outgoing ships carrying valuable cargo headed toward the open oceans.

You can see all sorts of historical landmarks when visiting the town of Kennebunkport including several mansions that were originally built by some of the original sea captains of the area.

Many people feel it is one of the best towns to be in year round and some have decided to stay there and to call it “home.”

#4 — Ogunquit

Ogunquit is a small resort town that is located along the southeastern seaboard of York County, Maine. There are plenty of leisure activities for you to get into in Ogunquit, including fishing and lots of recreational activities on the white sandy beaches.

The Marginal Way trail is a famous trail that leads along the rocky coastline directly to the fishing community of Perkins Cove.

The quaint little town has remnants of the old days gone by when many artists and fishermen made a living in the area. There are also specialty shops and indoor and outdoor dining activities that fit every taste.

#5 — Blue Hill

Blue Hill is a coastal town in the heart of Maine that is known for its music, arts, and culture. They have 2,686 people at the last census and featuring fishing at its finest, shopping, and scenic beauty that can only be compared to a historical painting.

The town culture is very creative in nature and features various types of arts and crafts as well as concerts and scenic drives that you’ll love. The Blue Hill area will remind you of both the past and the future as the romantic beauty of the town allures you.

#6 — Stonington

Stonington, Maine is a town of 1,152 people that is located in Hancock County. It was originally a part of Deer Isle and continues to be a part of that area as well.

Together, the two towns form an island community that forms a mutually-beneficial island community.

There are many activities that you can get involved in within the Stonington area including:

• Deer-Isle Stonington Chamber of Commerce
• Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
• Island Heritage Trust
• Stonington Opera House

#7 — Searsport

Searsport is a seaport town that is located near the Penobscot River estuary and Penobscot Bay southeast of Cape Jellison and Sears Island in Waldo County. Their population is only 2,615 as of the latest census, and it includes the village of North Searsport.

The town of Searsport’s “claim to fame” is that fact that it is known as the home of the famous sea captains as well as the “Antique Capital of Maine.”

There are many opportunities for tourists and vacationers in Searsport to take part in such as museums, boardwalks near the coast, and shipyards, to name a few!

#8 — Camden

Camden is located in Knox County, Maine and has a population of 4,850 as of the 2010 census. The tourist population makes the regular population swell to three times the normal size during the summer months.

Camden is called “the Jewel of the Maine Coast” due to its close location to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. You can fish, boat, or just relax in this cozy town that offers all of the best of “Small Town USA.”

#9 — Castine

Since Castine is a town of only 1,366, Castine is just what you’ve been looking for if you want to get away from it all.

Their logo on their main tourist site for Castine says, “under the elms and by the sea.” The beautiful seaside fishermen’s village offers the best of every season, and you’ll be intrigued by the way they actually celebrate all of the seasons.

Whether you go to visit in summer, winter, spring, or fall seasons, you’ll be amazed by all that this small little town offers.

#10 — Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a lovely town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population is 5,235.

Bar Harbor is a quiet, reserved Maine town that is great if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life and breathe the ocean air.

The typical weather this time of year in Bar Harbor is around 27 degrees Fahrenheit so you should dress accordingly if you decide to visit this town.

Things to Keep in Mind About Maine

As you can see, there are many reasons why Maine would be a great destination. But you may want to consider some things about Maine before hitting the road.

These three things, in particular, you may want to familiarize yourself with:

— Car Insurance Laws in Maine

It is important to make sure you are complying with all insurance laws, no matter what state you are driving in. You especially need to know the state laws in Maine if you plan on moving there anytime soon.

You should also be aware that some states — especially older states like Maine that still hold to some of the old traditions of their original founders — have some strange driving laws on the books that you need to know about.

One such strange law in Maine is that you cannot wear a helmet while driving a car. Apparently, someone in the past did this, and it created a stir since the law is still on the books.

— Safe Driving Tips for Winter Weather

When driving in Maine, you may want to consider some of the following driving tips:

• Take it slow in ice and snow
• Allow plenty of room between vehicles
• Be alert to changing weather conditions
• Do not use cruise control in dangerous road conditions

— Choosing the Right Car Insurance Coverage

The most important thing you can do to avoid problems when traveling or living in Maine is to have the right car insurance coverage. Decide on the amount you need before moving to Maine and consult with a professional insurance agent for help.

Most of all, shop and compare for the best deals. Remember that insurance is what you have to avoid paying several times more for not having it!

Start comparison shopping today for the best auto insurance rates in Maine! Enter your ZIP code below to begin.