Bangor, Maine

Bangor is an absolutely beautiful part of the New England landscape. Its lush forests, clean air, seaside cliffs, and neighboring mountains make for some of the best preserved nature in the country. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, someone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, or someone looking to raise a family in a picturesque rustic paradise, you will find Bangor to your liking. This also extends to the city itself, filled with gorgeous architecture and striking landmarks such as the Paul Bunyan statue, as well as a downtown area that practically leaps off of a postcard; the views in Bangor are second to none.

Bangor's rural charms and out-of-the-way nature are part of its appeal; to some, this can prove a bridge too far. The long, cold winters can be a dealbreaker to many, as is the fact that it’s a long drive from most major cities. There is also a lack of diversity in terms of ethnic and religious makeup, with the majority of the population being white and Christian; if this is something you might find isolating, perhaps another location is to your liking. The lack of diversity also extends to the job market- if you are not in retail, healthcare, or education, and you do not work remotely, you may struggle to find jobs in the area.

The lifestyle of Bangor favors those who enjoy a simpler life. While there are a decent number of historic sights, bars, restaurants- particularly for seafood lovers-, concert venues, sporting events at the local colleges, and tourist spots such as the house of noted horror author Stephen King, Bangor is ultimately a small city (albeit with a pretty cool downtown) located in the heart of the wilderness. There are an abundance of trails for biking, running, and hiking, easy access to both the river and the seashore for fishing, and plenty of public parks for simply relaxing in the sunshine. Additionally, Bangor is considered a good place to raise a family and a good place to retire by most residents.

We highly recommend visiting Bangor and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.

Bangor’s public schools are rated well by most ratings agencies, scoring a B+ on niche.com, an acclaimed public high school, and a serviceable trade school. Beal University, University of Maine at Orono, and Husson University all provide higher education options in the area, with strong discounts offered by public universities to in-state residents. Part of the reason for the city’s popularity with families is the plentiful options for schools, so consider your educational needs met.