Maine Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life

Maine offers military retirees complete exemption from state income tax on retirement pay, property tax benefits for disabled veterans, and exceptional quality of life. But with housing costs ranging from $200,000 in small towns to $665,000 in Portland, choosing where to live matters.

This guide ranks Maine's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran services, job opportunities, and quality of life.

Bottom Line Up Front

Best overall for veterans: South Portland (VA clinic, jobs, quality of life, lower housing than Portland) Best for affordability: Lewiston/Auburn, Augusta, Bangor Best for VA healthcare access: Augusta (Togus Medical Center) Best for defense jobs: Kittery (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard), Brunswick (former Navy base area) Best coastal lifestyle: Brunswick, Scarborough, South Portland

Median home price range: $230,000 (Lewiston) to $665,000 (Portland) State median: $415,600

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Maine

1. South Portland - "Portland's Better Deal"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Best combination of VA healthcare access, strong job market, reasonable housing (for Greater Portland), and top-ranked quality of life.

Veteran Population

• Cumberland County veterans: 18,500+ (highest in Maine)
• Concentration: Approximately 9-10% of adult population
• Military connection: Former South Portland Shipyard, proximity to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (45 mins)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $450,000
• Year-over-year trend: Stable with moderate appreciation
• Property tax with homestead + veteran exemption ($31K): Saves ~$612/year
• Property tax rate: ~$19.75 per $1,000 of assessed value
• Property tax without exemption: ~$8,888/year on $450K home

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~115 (15% above national average, but below Portland proper)
• Housing: Above national average but competitive for coastal New England
• Utilities: ~$180/month average
• Groceries: Slightly above national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• WEX (formerly Wright Express) - Payment processing technology (2,500+ employees)
• IDEXX Laboratories (Westbrook, adjacent) - Veterinary diagnostics (3,000+ regional)
• Maine Medical Center (Portland, 5 minutes) - 8,000+ employees
• MaineHealth system
• City of Portland (adjacent)
• Portland International Jetport
• Retail/service sector (Maine Mall area)

Defense contractors: Pratt & Whitney (North Berwick, 45 mins)

Average household income: $85,000+

VA Healthcare Access

• Portland VA Clinic: 707 Sable Oaks Drive, South Portland (IN THE CITY!)
• Phone: (207) 253-7000
• Services: Comprehensive primary care, mental health, specialty care, lab, radiology
• Portland Vet Center: Same location (readjustment counseling)
• Distance to Togus VA Medical Center: 55 miles (1 hour)

This is the best VA clinic access in Maine - brand new state-of-the-art facility opened in 2023.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Coastal Maine (mild winters 20-35°F, comfortable summers 65-80°F)
• Outdoor recreation: Casco Bay beaches, Bug Light Park, hiking, boating
• Culture: Access to Portland's food scene, arts, music
• Education: Strong public schools; University of Southern Maine in Portland
• Crime: Below state average
• Walkability: Good in neighborhoods; car helpful

Transportation

• Portland International Jetport: 5 minutes
• Amtrak: Portland station (10 minutes)
• I-295/I-95: Easy highway access

Pros:

• Best VA clinic in Maine (right in the city)
• Portland job market without Portland prices
• Excellent schools
• Coastal lifestyle
• Strong veteran community
• Tax-free military retirement income

Cons:

• High housing costs ($450K median)
• Higher cost of living than rest of Maine
• Winter weather (though milder than inland)
• Traffic during summer tourist season

Bottom line: If you can afford the housing, South Portland offers the best overall package - excellent VA access, strong job market, and New England coastal living.

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2. Brunswick - "Classic Maine Coastal Town"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: Former Naval Air Station community, excellent quality of life, reasonable housing, strong veteran presence.

Veteran Population

• Sagadahoc County veterans: ~4,000
• Brunswick veteran community: Strong due to former Brunswick Naval Air Station (closed 2011, now Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority)
• Military legacy: Navy patrol squadron heritage

Housing Market

• Median home price: $450,000
• Property tax rate: ~$17.50 per $1,000
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$543/year
• Property tax without exemption: ~$7,875/year

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~110 (10% above national average)
• Housing: Competitive for coastal Maine
• Overall: Moderate

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Bath Iron Works (Bath, 10 minutes) - 6,800 employees (Navy destroyer shipbuilding)
• Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (former BNAS)
• Brunswick Landing - business park with varied employers
• Maine Street - retail and services
• Bowdoin College - 1,800 students, ~600 employees
• Mid Coast Hospital

Bath Iron Works actively recruits veterans - particularly those with Navy shipboard experience.

Average salary: BIW trades $22-38/hour; professional positions higher

VA Healthcare Access

• Closest VA Clinic: Portland (30 miles, 35 minutes)
• Togus VA Medical Center: 30 miles (35 minutes)

Best of both worlds - between Portland clinic and Togus hospital.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Coastal (mild winters, comfortable summers)
• Outdoor recreation: Androscoggin River, coastal access, hiking
• Culture: Bowdoin College cultural events, music, theater
• Education: Excellent public schools (top-rated in Maine), Bowdoin College
• Crime: Very low
• Walkability: Excellent downtown

Community

Brunswick maintains a strong veteran community from the Naval Air Station legacy. VFW Post, American Legion Post, veteran events.

Pros:

• Bath Iron Works jobs for veterans
• Strong veteran community
• Excellent schools
• Safe, walkable downtown
• Access to both Togus and Portland VA
• Classic Maine coastal charm
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• Housing prices approaching Portland levels
• No VA clinic in town (30-min drive)
• Winters can be cold and snowy
• Limited nightlife/entertainment compared to Portland

Bottom line: Brunswick is perfect for veterans who want classic Maine coastal living, especially those interested in Bath Iron Works careers. The former Naval Air Station creates a strong military community feel.

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3. Kittery - "Gateway to Maine"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #3: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (largest federal employer in Maine), affordable compared to NH seacoast, veteran community.

Veteran Population

• York County veterans: 15,000+ (second-highest in Maine)
• Kittery veteran concentration: Very high due to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
• Military connection: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (7,000+ employees)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $430,000
• Property tax rate: ~$14.50 per $1,000 (lower than many Maine coastal towns)
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$450/year
• Property tax without exemption: ~$6,235/year

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~112 (12% above national average)
• Housing: High, but cheaper than adjacent Portsmouth, NH
• No sales tax: Unlike neighboring New Hampshire (no income tax but 0% sales tax doesn't help at grocery stores)

Employment Opportunities

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard dominance:

• 7,000+ employees (largest federal employer in Maine)
• Jobs: Shipfitters, welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers, planners
• Security clearance required: U.S. citizenship mandatory
• Federal pay scale: GS-5 to GS-13+ (trades); higher for professional
• Veterans hiring preference: Federal preference applies

Other employers:

• Pratt & Whitney (North Berwick, 20 mins)
• Portsmouth, NH businesses (10 minutes across bridge)
• Kittery outlets (retail)

Kittery is THE place in Maine for federal shipyard careers.

VA Healthcare Access

• Closest VA Clinic: Portland (50 miles, 55 minutes)
• Togus VA Medical Center: 65 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
• Alternative: Manchester VA Medical Center (NH) - 55 miles

Healthcare access is the main weakness - you'll drive to Portland or Togus.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Coastal (mild winters, cool summers)
• Outdoor recreation: Beaches, Fort McClary State Historic Site, sailing, fishing
• Culture: Access to Portsmouth, NH cultural scene
• Education: Decent schools; access to University of New Hampshire
• Crime: Low
• Shopping: Kittery outlets (tax-free shopping)

Transportation

• I-95: Direct access
• Portsmouth, NH: 5 minutes
• Boston: 60 miles (1 hour)
• Portland: 50 miles

Pros:

• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard jobs (best federal employment in Maine)
• Federal hiring preference for veterans
• Strong veteran community
• Access to Portsmouth, NH amenities
• Coastal lifestyle
• Lower property tax than many coastal towns
• Tax-free military retirement (Maine) + shopping access to NH (no sales tax)

Cons:

• Limited VA healthcare access (must drive to Portland)
• High housing costs
• Small town (limited local entertainment)
• Border traffic can be heavy

Bottom line: Kittery is ideal for veterans seeking federal employment at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The shipyard alone makes it a top choice for technical veterans. Just plan for VA healthcare drives.

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4. Bangor - "Queen City of the East"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: Most affordable major city, VA clinic access, decent job market, lower cost of living.

Veteran Population

• Penobscot County veterans: 12,000+
• Concentration: ~9% of adult population
• Military connection: Bangor Air National Guard Base, former Dow Air Force Base

Housing Market

• Median home price: $290,000 (very affordable for Maine)
• Property tax rate: ~$24.50 per $1,000
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$760/year
• Property tax without exemption: ~$7,105/year

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~95 (5% below national average)
• Housing: Very affordable for Maine
• Utilities: Near state average
• Groceries: Competitive

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Northern Light Health (formerly Eastern Maine Medical Center) - 12,000 employees regionally
• Bangor Air National Guard Base
• Husson University - 600+ employees
• University of Maine (Orono, 10 mins) - 2,000+ employees
• City of Bangor
• Cross Insurance Center (events, sports)

Industries: Healthcare, education, government, retail

Average household income: $58,000

VA Healthcare Access

• Bangor VA Clinic: 304 Hancock Street, Bangor
• Phone: (207) 561-3600
• Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
• Togus VA Medical Center: 70 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)

Solid VA clinic access locally; Togus for complex care.

Quality of Life

• Climate: True Maine winters (cold, snowy); warm summers
• Outdoor recreation: Penobscot River, hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing
• Culture: University of Maine influence, museums, Cross Insurance Center events
• Education: Good public schools; Husson University, University of Maine nearby
• Crime: Moderate (higher than small towns, lower than national average)
• Entertainment: Growing food scene, outdoor focus

Stephen King Connection

Bangor is Stephen King's hometown - you'll find his mansion and references throughout the city.

Pros:

• Most affordable major Maine city
• VA clinic in town
• Strong healthcare job market
• Access to University of Maine
• True Maine seasons (if you like snow)
• Tax-free military retirement
• Lower cost of living

Cons:

• Limited defense contractor jobs
• Cold winters (can be harsh)
• Farther from coast (30 miles to ocean)
• Smaller job market than southern Maine

Bottom line: Bangor is perfect for veterans prioritizing affordability while maintaining access to a VA clinic and regional amenities. Great for outdoor enthusiasts who embrace Maine winters.

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5. Lewiston/Auburn - "The Twin Cities"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #5: Most affordable metro area, VA clinic, Franco-American culture, improving economy.

Veteran Population

• Androscoggin County veterans: 7,000+
• Concentration: Moderate
• Military connection: Historical textile mill workers, recent refugee integration

Housing Market

• Median home price: $230,000 (most affordable metro in Maine)
• Property tax rate: ~$23.85 per $1,000 (Lewiston), ~$21.50 (Auburn)
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$740/year (Lewiston)
• Property tax without exemption: ~$5,486/year (Lewiston, $230K home)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~92 (8% below national average)
• Housing: Very affordable
• Overall: Lowest among Maine metros

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Central Maine Healthcare (Central Maine Medical Center) - 3,000+ employees
• Bates College - 1,800 students, 500+ employees
• Androscoggin County government
• St. Mary's Health System
• Manufacturing (varied)

Industries: Healthcare, education, government, light manufacturing

Average household income: $52,000

VA Healthcare Access

• Lewiston VA Clinic: 32 Mollison Way, Lewiston
• Phone: (207) 689-3200
• Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
• Togus VA Medical Center: 35 miles (40 minutes)

Great access - VA clinic in town, Togus close by.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers
• Outdoor recreation: Androscoggin River, Range Ponds State Park, hiking
• Culture: Franco-American heritage, Bates College events, Museum L-A
• Education: Improving schools; Bates College (one of top liberal arts colleges nationally)
• Crime: Higher in some neighborhoods (research specific areas)

Community Revitalization

Lewiston/Auburn has seen significant revitalization in recent years with new restaurants, downtown development, and economic growth.

Pros:

• Most affordable metro housing in Maine
• VA clinic in town
• Close to Togus hospital
• Healthcare job market
• Bates College cultural influence
• Tax-free military retirement
• Lowest cost of living in southern Maine

Cons:

• Limited veteran-specific job programs
• Higher crime in some areas
• Smaller job market than Portland/Bangor
• Industrial history (some older neighborhoods)

Bottom line: Lewiston/Auburn is ideal for veterans on fixed income who want affordability, VA access, and metro amenities. Best value in Maine if you're not concerned about coastal location.

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6. Augusta - "The Capital City"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: State capital (government jobs), Togus VA Medical Center, affordable housing, veteran preference hiring.

Veteran Population

• Kennebec County veterans: 8,500+
• Concentration: ~9% of adult population
• Military connection: Togus VA Medical Center legacy (since 1866)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $250,000
• Property tax rate: ~$23.85 per $1,000
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$739/year
• Property tax without exemption: ~$5,963/year

Cost of Living

• Overall index: ~95 (5% below national average)
• Housing: Affordable
• Overall: Below national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• State of Maine government (largest employer) - veterans preference applies
• Togus VA Medical Center - 2,500+ employees
• MaineGeneral Health - 2,500+ employees
• University of Maine Augusta
• Kennebec County government

State government hiring preference for veterans is valuable here.

Average household income: $54,000

VA Healthcare Access

• Togus VA Medical Center: 1 VA Center, Augusta (IN THE CITY!)
• Phone: (207) 623-8411
• Services: Full VA hospital (emergency department, surgery, mental health, all specialties)

Best VA hospital access in Maine - it's right in Augusta.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers (inland Maine)
• Outdoor recreation: Kennebec River, Belgrade Lakes (15 mins), hiking
• Culture: State museums, Capitol Park, limited nightlife
• Education: Decent schools; University of Maine Augusta
• Crime: Moderate (higher in some areas)

State Capital Atmosphere

Augusta has a government-town feel - quieter than Portland/Bangor, but stable employment.

Pros:

• Togus VA Medical Center right in town (best hospital access)
• State government jobs with veteran preference
• Affordable housing
• Central Maine location
• VA employment opportunities
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• Small city feel (limited entertainment/dining)
• Government town atmosphere (some find boring)
• Limited private sector veteran employment
• Cold winters

Bottom line: Augusta is perfect for veterans who prioritize VA hospital access or want state government employment. The presence of Togus alone makes it attractive for veterans with service-connected conditions requiring regular medical care.

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7. Scarborough - "Beach Suburb"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #7: High quality of life, beaches, excellent schools, but very expensive.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $575,000 (very expensive)
• Property tax rate: ~$16.25 per $1,000
• Property tax with exemptions ($31K): Saves ~$504/year

Quality of Life

• Ranked #2 in Maine for overall quality of life (Niche.com)
• Beaches: Scarborough Beach, Pine Point Beach, Higgins Beach
• Schools: Excellent (top-rated in Maine)
• Crime: Very low

Employment

• Access to Portland job market (15 minutes)

VA Healthcare

• Portland VA Clinic: 15 minutes

Pros: Beaches, schools, safety, quality of life Cons: Very expensive housing ($575K), property taxes

Bottom line: Scarborough is for veterans with higher retirement income who want beach living and top schools. Beautiful but pricey.

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8. Westbrook - "Forest City"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #8: Portland suburb, affordable alternative to South Portland/Scarborough.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $360,000
• Property tax rate: ~$21.00 per $1,000

Employment

• IDEXX Laboratories headquarters - 3,000+ employees
• Access to Portland jobs

VA Healthcare

• Portland VA Clinic: 10 minutes

Pros: More affordable than Scarborough/South Portland, IDEXX jobs, Portland access Cons: Less coastal charm, higher property taxes

Bottom line: Good value for accessing Portland area without highest costs.

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9. Biddeford/Saco - "Mill Cities"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #9: Coastal access, revitalizing downtowns, more affordable than southern neighbors.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $375,000 (Biddeford), $400,000 (Saco)

Employment

• Light manufacturing, retail, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (40 mins)

VA Healthcare

• Portland VA Clinic: 20 minutes

Pros: Coastal location, more affordable, revitalization Cons: Limited high-paying jobs, formerly industrial

Bottom line: Good value for coastal southern Maine.

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10. Portland - "The Forest City"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #10: Best job market, culture, VA clinic, but extremely expensive.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $665,000 (highest in Maine)
• Property tax rate: ~$20.65 per $1,000
• Property tax without exemption: ~$13,732/year on $665K home

Employment

• Best job market in Maine
• WEX, MaineHealth, financial services, tech startups

VA Healthcare

• Portland VA Clinic: In South Portland (adjacent)

Pros: Best jobs, culture, dining, arts, airport Cons: Extremely expensive housing, high cost of living

Bottom line: Portland offers the most opportunities but at the highest cost. Most veterans choose nearby suburbs (South Portland, Westbrook) for better value.

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Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (no exemption)	Savings with Exemptions ($31K)
Portland	$665,000	$13,732	$640/year
Scarborough	$575,000	$9,344	$504/year
Brunswick	$450,000	$7,875	$543/year
South Portland	$450,000	$8,888	$612/year
Kittery	$430,000	$6,235	$450/year
Saco	$400,000	$7,200	$450/year
Biddeford	$375,000	$7,125	$427/year
Westbrook	$360,000	$7,560	$651/year
Bangor	$290,000	$7,105	$760/year
Augusta	$250,000	$5,963	$739/year
Lewiston	$230,000	$5,486	$740/year

State median: $415,600

Property Tax Rates (per $1,000 of assessed value)

Lowest rates:

1. Kittery: $14.50
2. Scarborough: $16.25
3. Brunswick: $17.50

Highest rates:

1. Bangor: $24.50
2. Augusta: $23.85
3. Lewiston: $23.85

Note: Higher rates don't always mean higher bills - they often reflect lower home values.

Rental Market

2-bedroom apartment average rents:

• Portland: $1,800-$2,400
• South Portland: $1,600-$2,200
• Scarborough: $1,700-$2,300
• Brunswick: $1,400-$1,900
• Bangor: $1,100-$1,600
• Lewiston/Auburn: $900-$1,400
• Augusta: $1,000-$1,500

Affordability Analysis

Most affordable (home price + cost of living):

1. Lewiston/Auburn
2. Augusta
3. Bangor

Best value (price vs. quality of life/jobs/VA access):

1. South Portland
2. Brunswick
3. Bangor

Least affordable:

1. Portland
2. Scarborough
3. Brunswick (coastal premium)

Cost of Living Breakdown

South Portland

• Housing: 115 (15% above national avg)
• Groceries: 105
• Healthcare: 100
• Utilities: 110
• Transportation: 105
• Overall: ~115

Bangor

• Housing: 85 (15% below national)
• Groceries: 100
• Healthcare: 95
• Utilities: 100
• Transportation: 95
• Overall: ~95

Lewiston/Auburn

• Housing: 75 (25% below national)
• Groceries: 98
• Healthcare: 95
• Utilities: 100
• Transportation: 90
• Overall: ~92

Maine state average: 111.5 (11.5% above US average)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Maine Climate

• Winters: Cold (10-30°F average), snowy (50-100+ inches annually depending on location)
• Summers: Comfortable (65-80°F), low humidity near coast
• Fall: Spectacular foliage (peak October)
• Spring: Mud season (March-April), slow warmup

By Region

Southern Coast (Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Kittery)

• Milder winters due to ocean influence
• Cooler summers (ocean breeze)
• Snow: 50-60 inches annually
• Best for those who dislike extreme cold

Midcoast (Brunswick)

• Moderate coastal climate
• Snow: 60-70 inches
• Four distinct seasons

Inland (Augusta, Lewiston, Bangor)

• Colder winters (-10°F not uncommon)
• Warmer summers (can reach 90°F)
• More snow: 70-100+ inches (Bangor)
• True Maine seasons

Veteran Health Considerations

Cold weather: Can exacerbate joint pain, arthritis, respiratory conditions. Winters are real in Maine.

Snow: Driveway/walkway maintenance required. Consider snow removal costs/effort.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winters are long and dark. Mental health consideration for some veterans.

Summer comfort: Coastal areas offer excellent summer weather - comfortable temperatures, low humidity compared to southern states.

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Populations

1. Cumberland County (Portland area): 18,500+ veterans
2. York County (Kittery area): 15,000+ veterans
3. Penobscot County (Bangor area): 12,000+ veterans
4. Kennebec County (Augusta area): 8,500+ veterans
5. Androscoggin County (Lewiston area): 7,000+ veterans

VFW and American Legion Posts

Most active posts: Portland area, Bangor, Augusta, Brunswick, Lewiston

Veterans Day events: Major ceremonies in Portland, Bangor, Augusta

Military Installations (Current and Former)

• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery) - Active
• Brunswick Naval Air Station - Closed 2011, strong veteran legacy
• Bangor Air National Guard Base - Active
• Togus VA Medical Center (since 1866) - Active

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Best coastal access: Kittery, South Portland, Scarborough, Brunswick

Best outdoor recreation: Bangor (Acadia National Park 1 hour, ski areas, hunting, fishing)

Best for boating/sailing: Portland area, Brunswick, Kittery

Best for winter sports: Inland cities (Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston) - closer to ski areas

Culture and Entertainment

Best food scenes: Portland, South Portland, Brunswick Best arts/culture: Portland, Brunswick (Bowdoin College) Best music: Portland Best museums: Portland (Portland Museum of Art), Augusta (State Museum), Bangor

Education (for families)

Best school districts:

• Scarborough
• South Portland
• Brunswick
• Cape Elizabeth (adjacent to South Portland)
• Falmouth (near Portland)

Best universities:

• Bowdoin College (Brunswick) - top 10 liberal arts college nationally
• University of Southern Maine (Portland)
• Bates College (Lewiston)
• University of Maine (Orono, near Bangor)

Healthcare Access

Best overall healthcare: Portland (Maine Medical Center is state's best hospital) Best VA access: Augusta (Togus hospital), South Portland (best clinic)

Transportation

Airports:

• Portland International Jetport (best service in Maine)
• Bangor International Airport (moderate service)

Amtrak:

• Portland (Downeaster to Boston)
• Brunswick (Downeaster to Boston)

Public transit: Very limited statewide (car required)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose South Portland if:

• You want the best VA clinic in Maine
• You need access to Portland job market
• You value quality of life and can afford $450K housing
• Coastal living appeals to you
• You want strong schools for family

Choose Brunswick if:

• Bath Iron Works employment interests you
• You want classic Maine coastal charm
• You value excellent schools
• You like college town atmosphere (Bowdoin)
• You want veteran community (former BNAS legacy)

Choose Kittery if:

• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employment is your goal
• Federal job with hiring preference appeals
• You want coastal southern Maine
• You can manage drives to VA facilities

Choose Bangor if:

• Affordability is critical
• You want VA clinic access
• Healthcare jobs interest you
• You embrace true Maine winters
• You want outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, skiing)

Choose Lewiston/Auburn if:

• Maximum affordability is priority #1
• You want VA clinic + close to Togus
• Healthcare jobs interest you
• Coastal location isn't important
• You want lowest cost of living

Choose Augusta if:

• Togus VA hospital access is critical
• State government employment interests you
• You want central Maine location
• Affordability + VA access is ideal combination

Key Takeaways

1. South Portland leads for overall value - VA clinic, jobs, quality of life
2. Lewiston/Auburn leads for affordability - $230K median, VA clinic, low cost of living
3. Augusta leads for VA hospital access - Togus right in town
4. Kittery leads for federal employment - Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
5. All cities benefit from zero state tax on military retirement
6. Property tax savings $450-$760 annually with veteran + homestead exemptions

Maine offers exceptional quality of life for military retirees, but housing costs vary dramatically. Unlike sunbelt states, Maine provides four seasons, coastal beauty, and low crime - but you'll pay for it in housing (southern Maine) and endure real winters.

The best city for you depends on priorities: VA access (South Portland/Augusta), jobs (Kittery/Brunswick), affordability (Lewiston/Bangor), or coastal charm (Brunswick/Scarborough).

Additional Resources

• Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services: (207) 430-6035 | maine.gov/veterans
• Housing market data: Zillow.com/ME, Redfin.com/state/Maine
• Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
• Job search: MaineCareerCenter.gov
• VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations

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Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions.