Maine’s capital city has big aspirations and strong community ties
Split down the middle by the Kennebec River, the humble city of Augusta, Maine has a population of just under 20,000. Despite being a small city by most measures, it holds an important role as the capital of the Pine Tree State. First settled as a trading post in 1628, Augusta continues to preserve its history while keeping an eye on the horizon. “It’s a real progressive city, and by that, I mean things are constantly evolving and updating,” says John Blouin, a Realtor with Vallee Harwood & Blouin Real Estate. “There been a lot of community support and millions of dollars raised for a new hospital, museum renovations and the restoration of one of our historic theaters, all within the past 10 years or so.” Far from a rapidly growing megalopolis, Augusta’s slow and steady lifestyle is what keeps long-time residents around.
Across Kennebec County, government jobs account for four out of ten jobs in the region. “A lot of people from the surrounding area commute into the city. Because it’s the capital of Maine, it’s got a lot of business,” Blouin says. MaineGeneral is another major employer and operates the Alfond Center for Health, the city’s only hospital which opened in 2013. Other top industries include energy, manufacturing and distribution.
Maine's majestic capitol building, the State House, overlooks Capitol Park in Augusta.
MaineGeneral Health of Augusta's mission is to enhance the every day health of patients, families and community.
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From century-old Colonial Revivals to newly build townhouse developments
On both sides of the Kennebec River, historic cottages and Colonial Revival homes from the 19th and 20th centuries are easy to come across. “I grew up on one side of the Kennebec and think it’s the best place to live, but people from across the river would probably say the same about their side,” Blouin says. Straying farther from downtown yields more midcentury ranch-style homes and New Traditional houses, plus some newly built townhouses and single-homes on multi-acre lots. The median home price in Augusta is $285,000, well below the state median of around $400,000. Homes typically stay on the market for an average of 34 days, which is less than the national average of 44 days.
Smaller Cottage style homes can be found on quiet, tree lined streets with well maintained yards in Augusta.
Ranch homes have amble room to stretch out on large Augusta property lots.
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Augusta Public Schools and a University of Maine campus
Augusta Public Schools serves about 2,200 students in the city and scores a C-plus grade from Niche. It operates four elementary schools, plus Cony Middle and Cony High. The University of Maine also has a campus in Augusta, which has a total enrollment of roughly 3,000 students.
Cony High School is a public school located in Augusta, that educates students from Grades 9 to 12.
University of Maine at Augusta is a four year public college that offers advance education for the community.
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Hike, fish or boat along the Kennebec River
The Maine State House is framed by the rows of trees that comprise Capitol Park, a popular place for midday picnics and lunch break strolls. Much of the city’s recreation is centered around the Kennebec River, flanked by the Kennebec River Rail Trail to the west and the Augusta Greenway Trail to the east. Boat launches and fishing spots can be found along the river, which once served as an early transportation corridor. On the east side of the river, Viles Arboretum spans 224 acres of forested trails with interpretive signage and offers free entry every day of the year. It provides a haven for year-round hiking, skiing and wildlife watching. Directly across the road, the Capital Area Sports Complex hosts local and regional soccer and lacrosse tournaments on its four Olympic-sized fields.
The rows of trees that comprise Capitol Park lead up to the steps of the capitol in Augusta.
Viles Arboretum in Augusta provides a haven for year-round hiking, skiing and wildlife watching.
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Riverfront shopping and dining on Water Street
Augusta’s downtown district is situated along the west bank of the Kennebec River, home to popular waterside pubs and eateries. Some of these brick storefronts with arched windows have stood here since the 18th and 19th centuries, although renewed interest in revitalizing the city’s downtown area picked up in the late 2000s. Here, along Water Street, is where many of the city’s annual celebrations are held, including a Fourth of July parade and Halloween trick-or-treating. The Augusta Colonial Theater has long been a downtown landmark known for its live theater performances, concerts and film screenings. Just south is the Maine State House and the adjacent Maine State Museum, which archives and exhibits the state’s history and is expected to reopen after renovations in 2025. A handful of local shops and cafes can be found on the east side of the river around Cony Circle, a well-trafficked roundabout. Chain restaurants and supermarkets line Western Avenue and the Interstate 95 corridor. Big-box stores such as Walmart, name-brand clothing retailers and a Regal movie theater can be found at the Market Place at Augusta.
The Augusta Colonial Theater has long been a downtown landmark known for its live theater performances.
For a night out, check out the Regal movie theater at the Market Place in Augusta.
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Access to I-95 and flights to Boston from Augusta State Airport
Interstate 95 runs through the west side of Augusta, intersecting with U.S. Route 202 and numerous state highways. U.S. Route 1 also passes through the city. Portland is about 60 miles south, and Bangor is 75 miles northeast. “Even though it’s a small town, you can drive 10 miles in any direction and hit another town where another few thousand people live,” Blouin says, noting that the area feels far from remote. “We’re within one and half hours of 85% of the population of Maine.” Augusta State Airport offers commercial flights through Cape Air, which flies to Boston, Massachusetts and provides connecting flights through Jet Blue. The nearest international airport is Portland International Jetport.
Violent crime decreasing, property crime up
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crime in Augusta fell by 11% and property crime rose by 30% between 2018 and 2023.
The aftermath of the Kennebec River flooding
Although Augusta experiences four seasons, Maine winters can be famously harsh and the city receives 70 inches of snowfall annually. Summertime highs can reach 80°F, while winter lows can sink to 10°F. Flooding can occur around the Kennebec River and its tributaries, as occurred in December 2023 when multiple downtown businesses suffered water damage as a result of a major storm. Since then, the city has begun to undertake new measures to mitigate the potential for future flooding.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Matthew Link
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Augusta, ME sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Augusta, ME over the last 12 months is $298,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE!!! Sunday, June 22nd from 11am - 1pm!! Charming cape with shared water access on the pristine Three Cornered Pond. Features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinets and a center island, while the living room boasts a gas fireplace. The first floor hosts a primary bedroom with an en-suite bath. Upstairs, you'll find two additional bedrooms
On the corner of Northern Ave and Ryan Court. It is being sold strictly as-is, where-is, with no guarantees or representations of any kind. Use caution when entering the property, as conditions may be unsafe or unknown. Buyers are responsible for all inspections and due diligence.
.33 acres on a private road. At the end of the road is Three Cornered Pond.Unable to find the deed. It is being sold strictly as-is, where-is, with no guarantees or representations of any kind. Use caution when entering the property, as conditions may be unsafe or unknown. Buyers are responsible for all inspections and due diligence.
Convenient location with easy access to Western Ave and the Marketing Place of Augusta. Over 1 acre of land.This property has been acquired by the City of Augusta through tax foreclosure. The City has limited to no information regarding its condition or history. It is being sold strictly as-is, where-is, with no guarantees or representations of any kind. Use caution when entering the property, as
***Available June 2025 for Month to Month Rentals*** This unit is part of a 4 unit building that's in a quiet location 4-5 minute drive to I95. Suitable for those in Central Maine looking for a furnished apartment on a month to month or longer lease. Comfortable Kitchen includes coffee and tea station and all the basics you need to prep a good meal at your home away from home.First Month
Located in the heart of Maine's Capital this three bedroom apartment provides walking access to everything downtown Augusta has to offer. Freshly renovated with brand new appliances and high end details this apartment is not one to miss. One dedicated off street parking spot and all utilities included in rent.Fully Furnished. Flexible lease terms for as low as a single month available for
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