Maine Retirement Communities for 55+

...a year-round active lifestyle in Maine 

Lake Wilson dock and viewKayaking, boating and swimming from Lake Wilson dock.
Lake Wilson dock and viewKayaking and boating on Lake Wilson from dock.

Maine retirement communities among wooded settings along scenic ocean vistas and rocky shorelines ... blueberry farms ... LL Bean is here too ... cottage style architecture ... autumn leaves ... and winter activities are features of Maine living in the Northeast.  But there's more.   

Read our interview with the experts on Maine.  You can get away from suburban sprawl in the country areas of Maine.

A good way to retire to Maine--spend your winters in a warmer climate state and your summers in Maine.  But, according to the Maine experts we interviewed, residents of Maine love the four seasons and winter is the most active time.  









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Newest 55+ Communities in Maine Chart






NAME

Location/Starting Price

Link

1. Woods Edge at Pheasant KnollGorham/$200's (sold out)See More
2. Edgewater at Hobbs Pond Wells/$500'sSee More
3. Schoolhouse Cottages at Ocean View FalmouthSee More
4. The Nest at Highland GreenSee More

 Midcoast Maine 

Portland

beach near Portland Maine

Portland has been named one of the best and healthiest places to retire with its many recreational pursuits for hiking, boating, fishing, snow skiing and more.  It is also considered a "foodie" city. 

According to the recent U.S. census, Portland has 20% of the population of Maine.  Maine has a very low population density of only 41.3 people per square mile.

The Woods at Canco by Holiday Retirement 

Holiday Retirement community The Woods at Canco building in Portland MaineThe Woods at Canco in Portland

By Holiday Retirement Communities - Carefree active adult rental apartment living with meals and housekeeping. Country ambience 3 miles to downtown Portland.  257 Canco Rd. Portland - 207-747-3080

Dining room at Woods at Canco in Portland MaineDining room at Woods at Canco

Portland...Since 1929. Award-winning Independent living.  Does require a deposit.  See community for more information. Apartment homes.  620 Ocean Ave., Portland, Me. - 207-221-7000

Independent and assisted living apartments at market rate and affordable apartments - also assisted living units - some meals, housekeeping included in rent.   777 Stevens Ave., Portland - Ph: 207-797-7710

Scarborough

  • Village Crossings at Cape Elizabeth Retirement Community 

Cape Elizabeth...ten minutes to Portland and minutes to the Coast offering a full range of services including assisted living and respite. - studio and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments - fine dining.   78 Scott Dyer Rd., Scarborough

62+ - Near the coast very close to where Winslow Homer painted - Near Portland - Some unique features:

  • 800 ft ocean frontage
  • 138 acres
  • apartments and independent living cottages
  • Lifecare community of 300 people
  • Indoor pool and spa, beauty salon, walking trails, gardening, woodshop, social activities and more.
    15 Piper Rd., Scarborough - 207-883-8700

Camden - 80 miles north of Portland

Independent and assisted living with nursing available.  Options: 

  • Purchase or rent cottages
  • Rent to own for 2 years
  • Buy and rent out
  • Independent living apartments
    30 Community Dr., Camden - 207-921-6600
  • Knox Mill Senior Living

Independent living with some services - historic Camden on the Coast - 80 miles north of Portland.  39 Mechanic St., Camden - 207-852-2231

  • Bella Point Camden

Independent and assisted living near the ocean - social activities - monthly rates, services.  51 Mechanic St., Camden - 207-852-2231


Boothbay Harbor

  • Rental apartments include meal and housekeeping
  • Purchase cottages with gas fireplace and garages in $200's.
    145 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor - 207-633-0920

Brunswick

Private homes and apartments with continuum of care.
25 Thornton Way, Brunswick - Can rent or buy apartments or cottages - 207-729-8033


Belfast

Live life with a view at Penobscot Shores:

Independent living overlooking Bay - apartment or cottage - cooperative.  Penobscot Bay area.  10 Shoreland Dr., Belfast


Damariscotta

1 and 2-BR purchase apartments - river views. 
207-563-5523 - 35 Schooner St., Schooner Cove 


Topsham near Portland

Highland Green 55+ Community

Highland Green retirement community in Portland Maine potential residentsTalking with potential residents
about Highland Green
Highland Green retirement community in Portland Maine potential residentsTalking with potential residents
about Highland Green

Topsham...30 minutes to Portland - Adult resort community "planned to protect natural resources, environmental quality, and biodiversity."  9-hole Scottish-style golf course.   

  • Energy Star
  • Ecology Center
  • Heath Sanctuary (preserved 200 acres of 650 acres-verify all info)
  • Highland Green Golf Club (open to public so residents do not have to pay for the upkeep--only if they play--verify)
  • Location near college town of Brunswick, Portland downtown, picturesque coastline and beaches. 
  • Single medium to large custom homes

7 Evergreen Circle, Topsham, Me - 866-854-1200 (Will Honan, Sales Mgr.)

See our Maine Living review about this community and Maine.


  • New Options at Highland Green   

You can inquire now about the new development of 4-story elevator buildings.  Contact the management for more information.   Enjoy these features of Highland Green:

  • Sidewalks to the Nature Preserve
  • HG Golf
  • and much more.

Independent living apartments - also assisted living and memory care available.  Co-op home ownership or rental apartments. Prices on website.

75 acres with meandering walking trails.  Next door to Brunswick and Bowdoin College (a plus) and 25 miles to Portland.  Bowdoin allows seniors to audit classes with permission. 
30 Governors Way, Topsham - 888-760-1042

Bowdoin College is in Brunswick and 25 miles to Portland.  Community Provides transportation to the Portland Symphony Orchestra. 


Falmouth

Maine's rocky coast and blue waterMaine's rocky coast and blue water
Maine's rocky coast and blue waterMaine's rocky coast and blue water
  • Ocean View at Falmouth 

Custom co-op single and duplex homes. Also, rental apartments. Minutes from Portland set amidst natural surroundings. I don't know if it has an ocean view but is near the ocean.  7 miles to Portland.  Entrance fee.  Sister community to Highland Green 55+ in Topsham. (Sister community to Highland Green.) 

Schoolhouse Cottages at Ocean View  - Final phase of cottages - selling well -  20 Blueberry Lane, Falmouth - 207-781-4460


Gorham

Gorham...15 minutes to Portland - Features independent living with one meal and housekeeping - Independent Plus will include 3 meals/day - also available assisted living and memory care.  Also nursing care.  50 New Portland Rd., Gorham - 207-839-5757

Gorham...by Kasprzak...22 duplex condos in a country setting yet near Portland.  Started mid-$200's.  Sold out.  Ridgefield Rd., Gorham 

  • Ridgefield at Pheasant Knoll 

Gorham...By Kasprzak - Across from University of Southern Maine - Condos New 60 unit 55+ condo 77 acre pastoral in Gorham - 15 minutes to Portland. Sold out.  Ridgefield Dr., Gorham

Woods Edge at Pheasant Knoll retirement community in MaineWoods Edge at Pheasant Knoll
Woods Edge at Pheasant Knoll retirement community in MaineWoods Edge at Pheasant Knoll

Adjacent to the popular community Ridgefield which is now sold out is another 55+ condo community by Kasprzak (also almost sold out): 

Woods Edge at Pheasant Knoll

by Kasprzak

 2-4 bedroom homes started from mid-$200's. Masters on first floor.  Across from the University of Maine.  Seniors can get a pool and gym membership there (verify).  Sold out. See local Realtors. 
100 Falconcrest Dr., Gorham (walk to downtown) 

Bridgton

An interesting opportunity -- Smaller cottage homes and low prices:

The Cottages at Willett Brook 

Bridgton...Inland 40 miles to Portland - By Bridgton Living - Energy efficient, community garden, clubhouse.  60 homes on 29 acres.  Started low $100's.  May be a few left.  234 South High St. 


Wilson Pond in Wilton MaineJust an hour or two drive from Portland are beautiful wilderness lakes like these--hear the loons - Wilson Pond in Wilton.
Wilson Pond in Wilton MaineJust an hour or two drive from Portland are beautiful wilderness lakes like these--hear the loons - Wilson Pond in Wilton.

Acadia Area

sailboat in Maine

Rockland...Independent living apts. with meals and housekeeping.  Ala carte assisted services.  Resale Stonewood Cottages at Bartlett Woods are cooperatives priced in high $100's.  90 minutes to Portland.
20 Bartlett Dr., Rockland - 207-593-2530  

  • Sunbury Village 

Bangor...Near University of Maine at Orono - by Holiday Retirement Communities with chef-prepared meals and housekeeping - rental independent living.  No long-term leases.
922 Ohio St., Bangor - 207-618-9777

Blue Hill...45 minutes to Bangor - Owned by Christopher Place Senior communities - apartment-style and assisted living apts - cottage residence - view of Blue Hill Bay - meals, library van service - Blue Hill Memorial Hospital 3 miles - also has rentals.
63 Parker Ridge, Blue Hill - 207-374-2306

Orono...Affiliated with the University of Maine - apartments and cottages for sale - smoke free (verify). 
9 Alumni Dr., Orono

Hollowell...Near Univ of Maine - apartments and cottages on 135 acres - also lifecare - Affiliated with the University of Maine at Augusta Senior College (UMASC). 60 Balsam Dr. - 888-321-1119 University of Maine Senior College

Wooded views at Avalon Village in Hampden MaineViews at Avalon Village in Hampden
Wooded views at Avalon Village in Hampden MaineViews at Avalon Village in Hampden

Hampden...I haven't visited this East Maine community but I want to from viewing their quaint and charming website. It features their main house as an elegant Manor House above the Penobscot River, retirement cottages and condominiums in a natural setting with walking trails. Not a template design at all. Also, minutes to Bangor and the Univ. of Maine. 
50 Foxglove Dr., Hampden, Suite 11 - 207-862-5100

Bar Harbor...Retirement Village - Borders Acadia National Park - Also rental apartments. Purchase cottages and assisted living building.  Nearby Mount Desert Island Hospital.  25 Village Inn Rd. - 207-288-8014

Southern Coast and Down East

  • Edgewater at Hobbs Pond - 100 detached condominium homes priced from $500's.  360 Hobbs Farm Rd., Wells - 603-479-0015 - please verify all information

Saco...cooperative - Also assisted living available - 1 Harbor Dr. 

Wells...not over 55 but very nice community can be for retirement. Luxury 2, 3, and 4 bedroom condominiums.   Triple-pane windows.  By Kasprzak. Start high $300's.  Gateway Dr. 

Kittery...across from Portsmouth Harbor, NH - carefree living in rental apartments by Holiday Retirement with meals and housekeeping as plusses.
220 State Rd., Kittery - 207-618-9750 

  • Shepard's Cove

Kittery...on Spruce Creek - Southern Maine - has boathouse and dock for kayaks and canoes only.  Gove Group.  Sold out. Check for resales.

  • Sentry Hill at York Harbor Retirement Community  

York...on Coast - also life care.

Acton...Over 55 community custom built on acre+ lots by Built by Adams. Started $239,900.   Sold out.
Ph: 207-490-9886

Resources

  • Newspaper:

  Maine Today

  • Here is a list of educational programs in Maine for seniors: 

Senior College Network  

  • Continuing Education:

There are continuing education programs through Osher Lifelong Learning at the University of Southern Maine in the Portland area: 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Southern Maine in Portland

Most popular on this page:

Cottages of Willett Brook

Eagles Trace   Acton

Riverbend Woods   Wells


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About Maine

If you would like to know more about Maine, read our Interview with our Expert from Highland Green, Maine Living.  Also see more photos of Maine.

Highland Green homeHighland Green

A visit to the Rangeley Lakes area of Maine was highly enjoyable.  Read about my vacation in Maine.

Hayley's Pond