Lewiston, Maine

All across New England, former textile mill towns collapsed when the industry moved overseas. In the last couple of decades many of these towns started revitalizing around tech, tourism, rebuilt downtowns and waterfronts, and increasingly diverse populations. Lewiston is one of these places. While it is a work in progress there is a lot of development happening; on the waterfront, in redeveloped mills, and in an increasingly diverse population that includes Somali refugees that have brought new energy to the commercial sector and neighborhoods, and have created a more vital city.

Here's a somewhat raw pov from a local:
I lived in Lewiston a few years ago, and it really isn't that bad. Especially if you go near Auburn a lot and you drive past Country Kitchen.

From what I've heard from older folks, Lewiston used to be a massive shithole, but a lot of that changed once the Somali immigrants started flowing in.

While Lewiston has been making a comeback it’s still pretty quiet socially. This isn’t a huge issue since Portland is just 20 minutes away but if you’re aspiring for the kind of high walkscore bar and restaurant scene you get in Portland you’ll be disappointed. While we expect the continuing revitalization to keep upping Lewiston’s game you should manage your expectations in the meantime.

Here's a local on the social scene options in the area:
Have you visited either area? Where are you coming from? Lewiston is definitely poorer, more run-down, and there is less “young people” activities (bars, restaurants, etc). But you’re right it’s substantially cheaper. If you squint your eyes just right you might call it “up and coming” but I would say not quite yet…

If you want a single person city experience I think Portland probably wins. If you want to save money and don’t care so much about trendy breweries and tapas bars, Lewiston could be a good choice.