Relocate to Maine

With its rugged natural beauty, rich cultural scene, acclaimed restaurants, abundant outdoor recreation and deeply rooted small-town culture, it’s easy to find yourself thinking, “I could live in Maine.”
You’re not the only one.

Living in Maine

Each year, individuals and families—young professionals, retirees, remote workers, veterans and newcomers—relocate to Maine for the benefits of safe towns and cities, strong schools, welcoming communities and easy access to nature from ocean cliffs to mountain trails.

Public trails, land preserves and widespread access to rivers and lakes make outdoor recreation part of everyday life. Maine hospitals are nationally recognized for both general and specialized care, and many people choose to spend their retirement years here thanks to the state’s quality of life and quality of place—historic downtowns, vibrant arts scenes, and close-knit communities where neighbors still look out for one another.

Mainers who were here first still take the state’s long-standing slogan, “the way life should be,” to heart.

Moving to Maine

Choosing Where to Live: Regions & Cities

Portland named one of the “Best Food Cities in the U.S.”
— Travel + Leisure, 2025

Castine named “Best Small Town in the Northeast”
— USA Today 10Best, 2025

Ogunquit named one of “The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages”
— Forbes, 2025

Your new Maine home could be a loft in a revitalized mill, a restored Victorian in a quiet seaside town, or a house with a big backyard where kids and dogs can roam. Choosing the right home—and the region— depends on your priorities: jobs, affordability, access to nature or cultural amenities.

Greater Portland & Casco Bay

Cities & towns: Portland, Biddeford, Freeport, Yarmouth
Pros: Strong job market, dining & arts scene, coastal access, proximity to Boston and major airports
Cons: Higher housing costs, competitive market, traffic (by Maine standards)

DownEast & Acadia

Cities & towns: Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Stonington, Machias, Eastport
Pros: Working waterfronts, access to Acadia National Park, dramatic coastal scenery
Cons: Limited year-round housing, seasonal economy

The Maine Beaches

Cities & towns: Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach
Pros: Sandy beaches, walkable downtowns, strong dining scenes
Cons: Heavy summer tourism, higher home prices, quieter off-season

Maine’s MidCoast & Islands

Cities & towns: Bath, Brunswick, Camden, Rockland
Pros: Coastal charm, arts and maritime culture, walkable downtowns
Cons: Seasonal population swings, limited rentals

Maine’s Lakes & Mountains

Cities & towns: Bethel, Rangeley, Lewiston
Pros: Four-season outdoor recreation, quieter pace, strong community pride and local events
Cons: Fewer job options, limited nightlife and dining, longer drives for essentials

The Kennebec Valley

Cities & towns: The Forks, Skowhegan, Waterville, Augusta
Pros: More affordable housing, year-round communities, growing arts and food scenes, river recreation
Cons: Fewer large employers, car-dependent lifestyle, less coastal access

The Maine Highlands

Cities & towns: Bangor, Millinocket, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville
Pros: Strong wilderness culture, gateway to Katahdin, more affordable housing
Cons: Isolation in rural areas, fewer cultural amenities, longer winters

Aroostook County

Cities & towns: Presque Isle
Pros: Affordability, tight-knit communities, dark skies and open landscapes
Cons: Isolation in rural areas, fewer services, longer/colder winters

Find Jobs in Maine

Work Source Maine – Virtual CareerCenter

Search for job openings, find upcoming job fairs, attend information sessions and gain interview skills with interviewing workshops through the Work Source Virtual Career Center portal.

Tourism & Hospitality Openings

Maine’s tourism industry offers everything from seasonal roles to long-term careers. More than 80% of tourism jobs are year-round, spanning lodging, food, recreation, arts, events, marketing, and operations—making it one of the state’s most flexible employment sectors.
Maine Tourism Career Center Job Listings

Healthcare Openings

MaineHealth employs thousands of professionals statewide and welcomes job seekers at all stages, from newly graduated nurses to experienced clinicians.
MaineHealth Job Opportunities

Outdoor Industry Openings

From gear builders and designers to guides and conservation advocates, Maine’s outdoor industry blurs the line between work and play. The Maine Outdoor Brands job board is a go-to resource for finding opportunities in this growing sector.
Maine Outdoor Brands Job Board

Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

With more than 160,000 small businesses and comprising 54.5% of Maine’s total workforce, Maine’s economy is driven by entrepreneurs and locally owned companies, particularly in construction, retail, real estate and service trades. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development supports growth through tax credits, grants, capital loans and research and development incentives.

Resources for New Mainers

Young Professionals Networking & Community Groups

The Realize Maine Network brings together regional groups focused on attracting and retaining young people in Maine. It includes organizations such as:
KV Connect
YPG Biddeford-Saco
PROPEL: Next Generation Business Leaders
Educate Maine
AGC Emerging Maine Contractors Group

These groups offer networking events, leadership development and ways to plug into local communities.

Opportunity Maine: Student Loan Repayment Tax Credit

Often called Opportunity Maine, this program offers an annual refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 to eligible Mainers who live and work in Maine while repaying student loans. For many young professionals, it’s a meaningful incentive that helps make long-term roots in Maine more attainable.

Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)

For those looking to build new skills or pivot careers after moving to Maine, the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) helps make education and workforce training more accessible. The program supports eligible Maine residents pursuing two- or four-year degree programs or employer-recognized credentials tied to high-wage, in-demand jobs across the state. CSSP covers tuition and required fees not already paid for through federal financial aid or other sources and may also help offset everyday barriers to training, with potential support for childcare, transportation and books.

Programs and Services for Refugees & Veterans

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition or starting fresh in a new community, 211 Maine connects people to essential programs and services across the state.

New Americans and refugees: housing assistance, English language classes, food programs, job training, and employment resources

Veterans: home loans, job training, employment assistance, benefits counseling, childcare resources, and support groups

Ready to Move to Maine?

Relocating to Maine is as much a lifestyle decision as a logistical one. For those who value community, access to nature, and a deeply connected way of life, the state offers not just a place to live but a place to belong. Find more resources, such as information about getting a Maine driver’s license, registering your car, local government officials and more with the Maine.gov Moving Guide.