The range in grades is not large because I cherry-picked these 23 towns as the best.
That means all 23 are excellent places to live and hence the range in grades is nominal.
Healthcare: Mount Desert Island Hospital provides reliable local care with specialty services available.
Home Stratosphere
Weather: Coastal location moderates temperatures, though fog can be frequent in summer months.
Cultural: Acadia National Park proximity and year-round cultural events create an exceptional activities calendar.
Crime: Tourist-friendly atmosphere is matched by excellent safety records and low crime rates.
Bath
Housing: Maritime industry town offers historic homes at reasonable prices.
Healthcare: Mid Coast Hospital nearby provides comprehensive care.
Weather: River location moderates coastal weather patterns.
Cultural: Maritime Museum and active shipyard create unique cultural identity.
Crime: Strong community pride contributes to excellent safety record.
Belfast
Housing: Revival of historic downtown has maintained affordable housing options.
Healthcare: Waldo County General Hospital provides reliable local care.
Weather: Mid-coast location offers balanced maritime climate.
Cultural: Working waterfront meshes with vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.
Crime: Strong community bonds contribute to consistently low crime rates.
Brunswick
Housing: University town offers diverse housing options while maintaining reasonable market rates.
Healthcare: Mid Coast Hospital provides outstanding medical care with comprehensive services.
Weather: Southern coastal location enjoys milder winters and pleasant summers compared to inland regions.
Cultural: Bowdoin College brings exceptional cultural programming, including museums and performances.
Crime: Strong community policing and stable population contribute to consistently low crime rates.
Calais
Housing: Border town location offers some of Maines most affordable housing options.
Healthcare: Calais Regional Hospital provides essential services to the region.
Weather: Interior location experiences more extreme seasonal variations.
Cultural: International border creates unique cultural mix with regular community events.
Crime: Strong border patrol presence contributes to excellent safety record.
Healthcare: The town benefits from proximity to Pen Bay Medical Center, offering comprehensive medical services.
Weather: Protected harbor location provides more moderate temperatures and less severe winter conditions than inland areas.
Crime: Consistently low crime rates make Camden one of Maines safest communities.
Cape Neddick
Housing: Coastal community maintains balanced housing market despite premium location near famous Nubble Light.
Healthcare: York Hospital provides comprehensive care with additional specialists readily available.
Weather: Southern coastal position offers Maines mildest winter temperatures and pleasant summer breezes.
Cultural: Rich maritime history combines with active community calendar and proximity to Portsmouths amenities.
Crime: Tight-knit community and effective police presence ensure consistently low crime statistics.
Ellsworth
Housing: Gateway to Acadia offers good value despite strategic location.
Healthcare: Maine Coast Memorial Hospital provides reliable local care.
Weather: Inland location experiences greater temperature extremes.
Cultural: Historic downtown and proximity to Acadia create rich cultural environment.
Crime: Growing tourist traffic impacts crime rates but remains generally safe.
Falmouth
Housing: Upscale suburb maintains reasonable housing market despite premium location.
Healthcare: Direct access to Portlands extensive medical web connection.
Weather: Protected coastal location offers moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: Town landing and active recreation department provide year-round activities.
Crime: Excellent police force maintains consistently low crime rates.
Healthcare: Benefits from immediate proximity to Portlands extensive medical web connection and specialists.
Weather: Protected cove location provides shelter from harsh coastal storms while enjoying moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: Blend of outdoor recreation and easy access to Portlands cultural amenities creates diverse activity options.
Crime: Excellent police presence and engaged community watch programs maintain exceptional safety standards.
Farmington
Housing: College town offers excellent housing value in western Maine.
Healthcare: Franklin Memorial Hospital serves regional population effectively.
Weather: Mountain foothills location experiences more extreme seasonal changes.
Cultural: University of Maine campus provides steady stream of cultural activities.
Crime: Small college town atmosphere maintains very low crime rates.
Freeport
Housing: Shopping destination maintains balanced housing market despite tourism.
Healthcare: Access to Portlands medical online grid plus local urgent care.
Weather: Coastal location provides moderate maritime climate.
Cultural: L.L.Bean flagship store anchors year-round events calendar.
Crime: Excellent police presence maintains exceptional safety record.
Hallowell
Housing: Historic district offers charming period homes at more affordable prices than coastal regions.
Healthcare: MaineGeneral Medical Center provides good coverage with specialty services nearby in Augusta.
Weather: Inland location experiences more temperature extremes, but downtown area is well-protected from winter winds.
Cultural: Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, antique shops, and historic Water Streets dining and entertainment.
Crime: Small-town atmosphere and active community engagement contribute to very low crime rates.
Kennebunkport
Housing: Despite celebrity cache, maintains reasonable housing market with diverse options.
Healthcare: Southern Maine Medical Center provides comprehensive care with specialists readily available.
Weather: Protected harbor location offers moderate coastal climate with ocean breezes.
Cultural: Famous for presidential connections and artist colonies, with year-round cultural events.
Crime: High-profile police presence maintains exceptional safety standards.
Kittery
Housing: Mix of historic and modern homes maintain reasonable prices despite being Maines southernmost town.
Healthcare: Portsmouth Regional Hospital nearby plus York Hospital services provide excellent coverage.
Weather: Southernmost location offers Maines mildest climate with moderate winters.
Cultural: Shopping outlets, maritime history, and vibrant food scene create diverse cultural landscape.
Crime: Strong police presence and community engagement maintain very low crime rates.
Kittery Point
Housing: Historic maritime village offers character while maintaining reasonable prices.
Healthcare: Access to both York Hospital and Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Weather: Peninsula location provides stunning views and moderate coastal climate.
Cultural: Fort Foster and maritime history create rich cultural landscape.
Crime: Remote location and community vigilance ensure very low crime rates.
Old Orchard Beach
Housing: Seasonal tourist destination maintains reasonable year-round housing market.
Healthcare: Southern Maine Medical Center provides good coverage with Portland specialists nearby.
Weather: Seven-mile beach creates moderate climate with cooling summer breezes.
Cultural: Famous pier and beach events create vibrant summer cultural scene.
Crime: Seasonal fluctuations impact crime rates but remain generally low.
Portland
Housing: Maines largest city maintains reasonable housing market despite urban amenities.
Healthcare: Maine Medical Center provides states most comprehensive medical care.
Cultural: Museums, restaurants, world-class arts scene, and diverse entertainment options create states richest cultural environment.
Rockland
Healthcare: Pen Bay Medical Center is in nearby Rockport.
Rockport
Housing: Artisan community maintains reasonable housing costs despite picturesque harbor setting.
Healthcare: Shares medical resources with Camden and Pen Bay Medical Center.
Weather: Protected harbor position moderates coastal weather extremes.
Cultural: Maine Media Workshops and active arts scene create vibrant cultural environment.
Crime: Small-town vigilance contributes to excellent safety record.
Scarborough
Housing: Diverse housing stock from beachfront properties to inland neighborhoods keeps market competitive.
Healthcare: Immediate access to Portlands medical data pipe plus local Maine Medical Center facility.
Weather: Protected beaches and pine woods moderate coastal weather patterns.
Cultural: Famous beaches combine with strong recreational programs and proximity to Portlands amenities.
Crime: Professional police force and engaged community maintain very low crime rates.
West Bath
Housing: Quiet coastal community offers better value than neighboring Bath while maintaining waterfront access.
Healthcare: Benefits from proximity to Brunswicks medical facilities and Mid Coast Hospital.
Weather: Protected location in Merrymeeting Bay provides shelter from harsh coastal conditions.
Cultural: Close access to Baths maritime culture while maintaining quiet community character.
Crime: Small-town atmosphere contributes to excellent safety record.
York
Housing: Balanced market offers mix of historic homes and new developments at reasonable coastal Maine prices.
Healthcare: York Hospital provides excellent local care with comprehensive services.
Weather: Southern Maine coastal location enjoys some of the states mildest year-round temperatures.
Cultural: Rich colonial history combines with active arts scene and beautiful beaches for year-round activities.
Crime: Strong community policing and engaged residents maintain exceptional safety records.
