Founded in 1834, Bangor, Maine, was then home to more than 300 sawmills, leading it to become known as the nation’s lumber capital. Today, healthcare, education, retail and services have replaced lumber as its economic engine. The city now spans 34.5 square miles, and its median age is 37.9 (2022).

When it comes to real estate, Bangor includes the most popular home styles in Maine: Cape Cod, Ranch, Colonial, Split Level, and Victorian. The average price of a home in Bangor is $240,888, up 12.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). The city also offers family-friendly events year-round, such as a canoe race, the state fair, craft festivals, art fairs, and a harvest festival.

Bangor sits along I-95 and I-395. The quiet and desirable Fairmount neighborhood, which offers homes of all sizes and styles, lies just off I-95. The highway is also close to the Whitney Park Historic District. The streets are wider in this area, where mansions that had been built by wealthy lumber barons still stand. Homebuyers seeking a multi-family home can consider the Broadway Historic District, just off U.S. Route 2.

Bangor is a growing, scenic city with a small-town feel and friendly residents. In 2019, it earned a spot on Livability’s 100 Best Places to Live list.