Cresswind Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Lewiston, Maine
What It Is Like to Retire in Lewiston
Located between the capital city of Augusta, and the cultural center of Portland, the city of Lewiston, Maine, is located along the Androscoggin River and has a population of about 36,000. Lewiston has undergone a renaissance during the last several years and has gained national recognition in economic and community development, and was named as one of Forbes Magazine's 25 top places to retire in 2017, due to its low cost of living, access to health care and low crime rate. The city is home to Bates College, along with over 40 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Basillica of Saints Peter and Paul, the only basillica in Maine. Photo of postcard of Mills and canal in c. 1915 courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain); photo of The Stephens Observatory atop the Carnegie Science Building, courtesy of Wikipedia and Cdogsimmons (public domain).
Where to Retire in Lewiston and Home Prices
Lewiston is made up of several neighborhoods and offers many types of housing. Zillow reports the median home value was $163,996 in early 2020. There is a 55+ communities here, see link at left.
What Is Special about Lewiston
Lewiston is a culturally diverse community and has the largest French-speaking population in the United States. The historic college town features parks, golf courses, museums, performing arts, a symphony orchestra, and along with the neighboring city of Auburn has formed a business and cultural center of Androscoggin County.
What Is Not Special about Lewiston
As should be expected, winters here are cold and snowy.
Who Will Like Retirement in Lewiston
Lewiston offers low housing costs, a low crime rate, public transportaion, health care, and many community events and festivals.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Economy is driven by manufacturing and retail. Health care providers are the largest employers in Lewiston.
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 21 degrees, with July's average at 68 degrees. Lewiston receives over 65 inches of snow annually.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The Lewiston Public Library plays a major role in the cultural scene and contains the Hartley Cultural Center where it hosts various events; Bates college is home to a Museum of Arts and the Atrium Gallery is located at town's campus of the University of Southern Maine. Lewiston also features a Public Theatre, and a performing arts center. The many festivals include the Great Falls Balloon Festival held each August, a Greek Festival, an Ice Festival and Emerge Film Festival.
Crime
The crime rate here is below the national average.
Medical facilities
Central Main Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center are both located in Louiston.
Transportation
There is a free downtown shuttle; The nearest airports are in Augusta and Portland, both approximately 35 miles away.
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