Belfast, Maine
What It Is Like to Retire in Belfast
Belfast, Maine, is a mid-coastal seaport town located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River estuary on Penobscot Bay, and is the county seat of Waldo County. The small town of just 6,660 residents (2013 census), is a historic shipbuilding town with a beautiful coastline that is popular for sailing, and attracts tourist to its historical districts that feature stately homes, antique architecture, maritime history, and a shipbuilding waterfront. Picture of The Original Perry's Nut House, Belfast, Maine, courtesy of Wikipedia and Tichnor Brothers (public domain). Photo of Main St. from Post Office Square courtesy of Wikipedia and Centpacrr at en.wikipedia, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to Retire in Belfast and Home Prices
Zillow reports the median home value to be about $355,104 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Belfast
Belfast has an interesting history with several sites on the National Register of Historic Places. It has beautiful scenery along the coast and is popular for sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The town also has a library, hospital, museums, a Harbor Walk, restaurants and art galleries.
What Is Not Special about Belfast
Belfast is a bit isolated with the nearest large city (Bangor), 35 miles away; It's cold during the winter with a lot of snow, and July's average temperature is only in the 60's.
Who Will Like Retirement in Belfast
Those who like the outdoors, sailing, and living near the water may enjoy living in Belfast.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Retail, Administrative and Support Services
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 24 degrees, July's average is 68 degrees. Belfast's annual snowfall is about 64 inches.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Belfast features galleries, restaurants, parks with trails along the waterfronts, and many art and historical venues. Museum In the Streets is a self-guided walking tour that lead through the downtown, residential and waterfront neighborhoods; Arts in the Parks festival is a popular annual event on the water's edge; the Belfast Historical Society and Museum features collections of artifacts relevant to Belfast history which include photographs, maps, postcard collections and interpretive displays; The Belfast Maskers is an organization for the performing arts; Belfast also hosts a variety of events and festivals including the Maine Celtic Celebration and Harbor Fest.
Crime
The crime rate is about half the national average.
Medical facilities
Waldo County General Hospital is located in Belfast.
Transportation
Belfast has a municipal airport for charter flights, with large airpots located in Bangor about 35 miles away, and in Portland, about 100 miles from Belfast.
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