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Downtown Auburn

Downtown Auburn

Neighborhood in Auburn, Maine

Androscoggin County 04210

$289,304 Average Value
$175 Average Price per Sq Ft

The laidback core to the low-key city of Auburn

As mills popped up along Maine’s waterways during the Industrial Revolution, the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn were established on both sides of the Androscoggin River. Shoe factories became the primary industry in Auburn, the city built on the western banks of the river. In the 1910s, a shoe factory in downtown Auburn was responsible for making 75% of the white canvas shoes in the world. Still, Auburn was the quieter of the two cities, as Lewiston had booming textile mills, which took up more space and caused more pollution. “Auburn had the shoe factories, but it didn’t have nearly the industry as Lewiston. While Lewiston was all factories and compact homes and smokestacks, Auburn was closer to apple orchards and farms,” says Brian DuBois, an Auburn native and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. Downtown Auburn's more understated reputation holds true today; its historic commercial district is filled with office spaces, and its roads with 20th-century houses. Most of the area's events and restaurants are across the river, in downtown Lewiston. Though it's still the core of a small city, Downtown Auburn offers convenience without much downtown hustle and bustle.

Victorian multifamily homes and cottages are small lots

Historic homes sit close together on small lots throughout the neighborhood. Most houses in Downtown Auburn are multifamily properties from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, originally built to house shoe factory workers. Today, investors find that these Victorian and Greek Revival buildings can cost anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000 for a property with two to four units, while those with eight to 11 units are priced between $600,000 and $800,000. Single-family homes aren’t as common, but there are some cottages in Downtown Auburn. These are often priced between $150,000 and $250,000. As some houses are built along the river, there are flood risks. According to Risk Factor, houses built on the shore of the Androscoggin River have an extreme risk of flooding, while those a couple of blocks inland have a moderate or minimal risk of flooding.
This classic Greek Revival Multifamily home stands out from the crowd within Downtown Auburn.
This classic Greek Revival Multifamily home stands out from the crowd within Downtown Auburn.
Victorian multifamily homes sit stately on the main street of Downtown Auburn.
Victorian multifamily homes sit stately on the main street of Downtown Auburn.
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Riverside walks along the Androscoggin River

Pockets of green space brighten Downtown Auburn. Rodney Bonney Memorial Park is a small, landscaped lawn with a playground next to the Androscoggin River. From the park, locals pushing strollers or walking dogs can pick up the paved Auburn Riverwalk, which follows the river for about 1.6 miles. A steel trestle footbridge crosses the river, connecting Downtown Auburn to Downtown Lewiston, where neighbors can hang out at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. As they follow the riverwalk trail, visitors encounter scenic overlooks like the Great Falls Viewpoint, where they can appreciate views of the Twin Cities, and low-key fishing spots. Those seeking more adventurous recreation often drive a few miles west of downtown, where the landscape opens up into dense forests. Sailboats and kayaks float around Taylor Pond, skiers glide down the slopes at the Lost Valley Ski Area and in the summer, Tabers is a popular spot for mini golf, ice cream and time on the driving range.
Bikers get a fantastic view of the river along the Auburn Riverwalk in Downtown Auburn.
Bikers get a fantastic view of the river along the Auburn Riverwalk in Downtown Auburn.
Great Falls Plaza has a small waterfall that spills into the Androscoggin River.
Great Falls Plaza has a small waterfall that spills into the Androscoggin River.
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A large performing arts center at Edward Little High

Children may begin at Sherwood Heights Elementary School, which has a C rating from Niche. Students can progress to Auburn Middle School and then Edward Little High School, which have C-plus and C-minus ratings, respectively. “The high school just added a 1,200-seat performing arts center, which is the third-largest center in the state. So, it’s pretty major for a high school to offer that,” DuBois says. Students may enroll in drama and performing arts electives at Edward Little High. High School students also can enroll in vocational programs to begin careers in cosmetology, industrial arts, business and more through the Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

Community plays in Downtown Auburn and large gatherings across the Androscoggin River

DuBois notes that there are more events in downtown Lewiston than in Auburn, “but we do have a community theater with a volunteer cast that puts on productions.” The Community Little Theatre is one of the longest-running community programs in Maine; the group puts on four musicals or plays every season. Lewiston and Auburn usually collaborate on events, but most are held in downtown Lewiston. Downtown Auburn residents cross the river to enjoy summer art walks, the annual hot air balloon festival in August and a holiday festival with caroling, hot chocolate and photo ops with Santa in December.

More frequently, residents congregate at houses of worship, like the Court Street Baptist Church, which has Sunday evening services and fellowship gatherings on Wednesday nights. The First Universalist Church of Auburn is a Unitarian Universalist establishment that incorporates a wide variety of religious and secular texts into its Sunday services. High Street Congregational Church collaborates with other local organizations on a neighborhood potluck every third Monday of the month.
The First Universalist Church of Auburn is a friendly gathering space in the middle of Downtown.
The First Universalist Church of Auburn is a friendly gathering space in the middle of Downtown.
High Street Congregational Church of Christ welcomes all community members in Downtown Auburn.
High Street Congregational Church of Christ welcomes all community members in Downtown Auburn.
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Citylink buses go throughout Auburn and Lewiston

Narrow concrete sidewalks line most of the streets, allowing neighbors to walk around the neighborhood. Employees who work in the downtown offices may be able to walk to work, and there are Citylink bus stops throughout the area, which connect residents to the greater Lewiston/Auburn region. Commuters might also drive south, where they can merge onto Interstate 95 and drive 40 miles to Portland, Maine’s most populated city. The state capital of Augusta is a 34-mile drive northwest on the same interstate. Industrial train tracks arc through the neighborhood, but there aren’t passenger trains in Auburn. Downtown Auburn has a CAP Crime Index Score of 8 out of 10 due to higher-than-average scores for violent and property crimes. The national average is 4 out of 10.
The buses within Downtown Auburn are an easy way to get around town.
The buses within Downtown Auburn are an easy way to get around town.
Downtown Auburn has several major roads that provide easy access to the city.
Downtown Auburn has several major roads that provide easy access to the city.
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Family-owned food stands and breweries in Downtown Auburn

Corporate offices and auto repair shops make up most of the businesses in the neighborhood. Downtown Auburn isn’t packed with restaurants, but there are a few local establishments. 84 Court Pizza and Restaurant is a casual Greek and Italian eatery where patrons order gyros and pies. Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub is a contemporary riverside brewery with an industrial ambiance and an outdoor patio that serves beer and cider. Locals can also eat pub fare like fish and chips, nachos and wings as they enjoy views of the Androscoggin River. Craft Brew Underground is a dimly-lit lounge that also serves craft beer. There are a couple of family-owned food stands like Roy’s All Steak Hamburgers, an old-school, cash-only diner popular for its large breakfast platters, burgers and lobster rolls. Ice cream cones and sundaes are served at Dairy Joy, a family-owned ice cream stand. For groceries, there’s Hannaford, a regional supermarket. Residents drive 2 miles north to go shopping at retail stores like Target and T.J. Maxx.
The local Target near Downtown Auburn has many home staples to choose from.
The local Target near Downtown Auburn has many home staples to choose from.
Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub has a large mug club and serves up tasty food in Downtown Auburn.
Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub has a large mug club and serves up tasty food in Downtown Auburn.
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Amanda Boivin
Written By
Amanda Boivin
Noel Poage
Photography Contributed By
Noel Poage
Luke Mancari
Video By
Luke Mancari

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jon Mercier, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International Jetport

46 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Auburn US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Auburn Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$245,000
Median Sale Price
$265,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$265,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
43%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$175

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
71
Median Year Built
1917
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,313
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,573
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,316

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jon Mercier, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,859
Median Age
39
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$20,590
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$32,670

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.4%
College Graduates
16.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
41.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
67''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

75 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Auburn
Jon Mercier
Maine Source Realty
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