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Trying the top The Largest Cities In Maine cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Portland, ME (Population: 69,104)
Portland is Maine’s largest city and its cultural and economic center. Located on Casco Bay, it is famous for its scenic waterfront, working fishing wharves, and vibrant Old Port district with cobblestone streets and lively restaurants. Portland is also a hub for craft breweries and has a strong arts community.
Interesting Fact:
Portland has more restaurants per capita than almost any other U.S. city.
2. Lewiston, ME (Population: 38,404)
Lewiston, located along the Androscoggin River, is Maine’s second-largest city. Historically a mill town, Lewiston has transformed into a cultural center with a growing immigrant population, including a large Somali community. It is also home to Bates College, a prestigious liberal arts school.
Interesting Fact:
Lewiston’s Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the second-largest church in New England.
3. Bangor, ME (Population: 31,628)
Bangor is known as the “Queen City” of Maine and serves as a commercial hub for northern and eastern Maine. It was once a lumber capital and today is recognized for its historic downtown, arts scene, and as the hometown of author Stephen King.
Interesting Fact:
Bangor has a 31-foot statue of Paul Bunyan, honoring its logging history.
4. South Portland, ME (Population: 26,840)
South Portland, across the harbor from Portland, is known for its commercial centers, including the Maine Mall, and its working waterfront. The city also features popular parks, coastal trails, and views of Casco Bay.
Interesting Fact:
South Portland’s Bug Light Park features a historic lighthouse and hosts an annual kite festival.
5. Auburn, ME (Population: 24,793)
Auburn, directly across the Androscoggin River from Lewiston, is part of the “Twin Cities” region. It has a mix of suburban and rural character, with parks, riverside trails, and strong ties to Maine’s industrial history.
Interesting Fact:
Auburn is home to Festival Plaza, which hosts concerts, farmer’s markets, and community events.
6. Scarborough, ME (Population: 23,656)
Scarborough is a fast-growing suburb of Portland with miles of beaches, marshlands, and nature preserves. It offers both coastal beauty and suburban living, making it one of Maine’s most desirable communities.
Interesting Fact:
Scarborough is home to the largest salt marsh in Maine, covering over 3,000 acres.
7. Brunswick, ME (Population: 22,434)
Brunswick is a historic town along the Androscoggin River and the home of Bowdoin College, one of the nation’s top liberal arts schools. It has a thriving arts community, museums, and a strong maritime heritage.
Interesting Fact:
Brunswick’s Bowdoin College Museum of Art houses works by masters such as Winslow Homer and Gilbert Stuart.
8. Biddeford, ME (Population: 22,367)
Biddeford, once a textile mill city, is experiencing revitalization with new businesses, breweries, and restaurants moving into its historic mills. It is also close to Maine’s southern beaches, making it a popular place to live and visit.
Interesting Fact:
Biddeford is one of Maine’s fastest-growing cities thanks to its downtown revival.
9. Sanford, ME (Population: 22,251)
Sanford is located in southern Maine and has a history rooted in the textile industry. Today, it offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, outdoor recreation areas, and small-town charm.
Interesting Fact:
Sanford has one of the largest municipal forests in New England, with over 6,000 acres of public woodland.
10. Saco, ME (Population: 20,960)
Saco is a historic mill city along the Saco River, paired with its twin city Biddeford across the river. It features sandy beaches, family attractions, and a growing residential community.
Interesting Fact:
Saco is home to Funtown Splashtown USA, Maine’s largest amusement and water park.
