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Damariscotta, Maine

What It Is Like to Retire in Damariscotta

Damariscotta, is a small mid-coastal town in Lincoln County, Maine, with a population of approximately 2,200. Located an hour north of Portland, at the lower falls, and head of navigation on the Damariscotta River, the town is popular for boating, fishing and for a thriving oyster and mussel industry. The name Damariscotta means “a gathering place of alewives”, which are small salty fish that gather here in such numbers that an annual Alewives Festival is celebrated each Memorial Day. Early industries here included sawmills, brickyards and a tannery, but shipbuilding is what brought wealth to Damariscotta in the 1800's, and today the old seaport town reflects it in its architecture style and the charm that attracts many summer tourists. With an average age of 50, Damariscotta is a vibrant town of seafood restaurants, waterfront activity, community services, and galleries. Photo of Main Street from a 1910 postcard, and picture of Damariscotta Steamboat Fleet from a 1906 Postcard courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain), photo of Lincoln Theater (upper level) and the Maine Coast Bookshop at 158 Main Street, Damariscotta courtesy of Wikipedia and Smuconlaw, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirement in Maine

Where to Retire in Damariscotta and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value to be $461,134 in mid-2023.

What Is Special about Damariscotta

Damariscotta is a small coastal town known for its oysters and mussels, and features historic buildings, shops and art galleries. There is also a bookstore, a performing arts theater, library, and a YMCA.

What Is Not Special about Damariscotta

The town may be too small for some, and too cold. Winters can be brutal with averages of 6 feet of snow.

Who Will Like Retirement in Damariscotta

Retirees who want a small town on the water, and enjoy all seasons, (or perhaps are snowbirds), would like it here. The town has a hospital, performing arts theater, walkable downtown, farmers market, and volunteer opportunities. The library and YMCA offers programs and services for seniors, and Central Lincoln County Adult Education offers personal enrichment classes.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Sales, management, administrative support

Climate and Physical Environment

The average Janurary temperature is 23, July's average is 68. Damariscotta gets about 70 inches of snow annually.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Damariscotta is located at the heart of Maine’s Mid-Coast region and serves as the gateway to lakes and areas of protected land. The town is popular with summer visitors, and hosts several festivals including the Annual Oyster Festival, and the Pumpkinfest and Regatta. The town is also home to the Lincoln Theatre which presents plays, musical productions, and events, and the library is award-winning and was recognized as a top library by Laura Bush at a White House ceremony.