$400,417Average Value$436Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
What’s old becomes new again
Not long ago, Biddeford was a hollow shell of a mill town along the Saco River. Its sister city, Saco, and the nearby coastal resort community of Old Orchard Beach hogged most of the spotlight. Today, the southern Maine city honors its history while focusing on the future. “There was a time when Biddeford was not considered a great place to live because when the mills closed, we had all these empty storefronts,” says Diane Cyr, president of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center. “But now they’re revitalizing the mills and working on a plan for a trail along the water. It’s also becoming known as a foodie town.”
Find this beautiful mural on York Street in Downtown Biddeford, Maine.
The Pepperell Mill on Maine Street in Downtown Biddeford hosts many restaurants and stores.
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Downtown dining
Biddeford’s old mill buildings set the stage for the city’s up-and-coming restaurant scene. Neighbors meet over micro-roasted coffee at Elements, a café and bookstore that also pours craft beer. At The Dunn Bar, pub-goers tuck into Irish comfort food like boxty and shepherd’s pie, washed down with pints of Guinness. Beer lovers also have easy access to taprooms like Sacred Profane Brewery and Banded Brewing Company. The Palace Diner, dishing up counter-service comfort food from an old railcar, is a local institution, and the Greek-style personal pies from Pizza by Alex regularly land on “Best Pizza in Maine” lists. Shoppers duck into Briar & Bone, Trillium and Suger for handmade jewelry, unique gifts and fine clothing. Tran’s Market is the place to go for produce and hard-to-find ingredients for Asian dishes, but there’s also a Hannaford supermarket nearby.
Elements Coffee is a favorite hang in Downtown Biddeford.
Residents flock to the historic Palace Diner in Downtown Biddeford.
The Dunn Bar is a classic Irish pub in Downtown Biddeford.
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Converted condos and multi-family homes
Homes in downtown Biddeford are primarily multi-family residences. Some early 19th-century brick mill buildings have been converted into condos and apartments. While it’s possible to snag a single-family home, those are rare finds in this part of the city. Condos and single-family homes start at about $400,000, but a multi-family unit could cost over $1 million, especially if it’s on the river. Residential buildings are packed close together, and most residents park on the street. Fortunately, street parking is free in downtown Biddeford, provided it’s in a legal space. The downtown area is highly walkable, with paved sidewalks leading the way to the many dining and retail options.
Multi-Family homes are everywhere in the Downtown Biddeford neighborhood.
This is a row of home in Downtown Biddeford, Maine.
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Jamming on the Saco River
For a weekend in August, River Jam invites Biddeford residents to feast and frolic beside the water in Mechanic Park. Local vendors set up stalls, and food trucks park along Water Street. The Cultural Cuisine tent serves ethnic delicacies from the many countries represented in Biddeford’s diverse population. Adult celebrants can sip beer and wine in the Gazebo while enjoying live music from the main stage. Kid-friendly activities may vary from year to year, but past River Jams have featured a wet obstacle course, a magic show and interactive dinosaur-themed entertainment.
Mellow out at Mechanics Park
When River Jam isn’t in session, Mechanics Park is a relaxing riverside haven at the corner of Main and Water Streets. The Gazebo is the focal point, but there are also lighted walking paths and a workout station where visitors can get their daily exercise.
Mechanics Park on Water Street in Downtown Biddeford offers a peaceful place to sit, relax and take in the views of the Saco River.
The Riverwalk links Downtown Biddeford to the historic mill buildings.
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Riding the rails
The Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB) stops in various downtown Biddeford locations, many of them on Main Street. Additionally, the RiverWalk transports traffic and pedestrians to Factory Island in Saco. From here, locals can hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for the 30-minute ride north to Portland or the two-hour journey south to Boston.
The Amtrak station is conveniently located near Downtown Biddeford.
There are bus stops on Main Street in Downtown Biddeford.
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Book learning in Biddeford
Biddeford students attend a progression of five schools, each a short drive from downtown. They enter kindergarten at John F. Kennedy Memorial School, which earns a B from Niche. For grades 1-3, they’ll move on to Biddeford Primary School, which gets a C-plus. Then it’s on to Biddeford Intermediate, Middle and High Schools. All these schools receive a C grade.
Biddeford High School is a public high school located in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Intermediate School for grades 4-5 in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Middle School serves students in grades 5-8.
Biddeford Primary School offers a variety of academic programs.
John F. Kennedy Memorial School is for K and Pre-K in Central Biddeford.
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The Springs Island side
Crossing the bridge onto Springs Island takes residents to another section of downtown Biddeford. Residents will find blue-collar businesses like Deering Lumber, Bedard's Roofing & Construction and Always Green Tree Lawn and Landscape here. Buyers with romantic preconceptions about islands in Maine should be aware that this isn’t the nicest side of town.
Springs Island in Downtown Biddeford has blue collar business, such as Deering Lumber.
Downtown Biddeford is recovering from decades of industrial neglect.
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Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Benjamin Clark
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Jonathan Safford
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
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
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Reach out to
Jonathan Safford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mechanics Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Clifford Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Pepperell Park
Playground
Jubilee Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Saco Dog Park
Dog Park
Shevenell Park
Events
Transit
Airport
Portland International Jetport
25 min drive
Bus
Biddeford Post Office
Bus
Elm St & Gooch St
Bus
Biddeford City Hall
Bus
Oak St
Bus
Alex Pizza
Bus
Main St & York St
Bus
North Dam Mill
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Biddeford
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Biddeford, Biddeford sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Biddeford, Biddeford over the last 12 months is $486,829, up 81% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This condo, with its stunning views, one bedroom, one bath and dining or office space has so much charm with exposed brick and stunning views of the Saco River. Modern conveniences include an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, and an in-unit washer/dryer. The bedroom also has an A+ view of the falls and feels like you are in your own
This loft style, 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo is a stunner. The condo exudes historic charm with its 16ft ceilings, exposed brick and beams, radiant heated and polished concrete floors, and floor to ceiling windows. Modern conveniences include an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, and an in-unit washer/dryer hookup. The lofted layout
Imagine living vibrantly and connected in the heart of revitalized Biddeford, Maine. Enthusiasm is palpable for the chance to own a home within the Pepperell Mill community, where a dynamic blend of businesses, artists and residents co-exist harmoniously. Once an essential mill town powered by the Saco River, Biddeford has transformed into a creative hub, offering an ideal environment for
Excellent investment opportunity in the heart of downtown Biddeford! This 3-unit property offers a strong rental history and potential for increased cash flow. Unit 201 was fully remodeled in 2020, and Unit 202 was updated in 2014. Major system upgrades include a new boiler, hot water heater, and oil tank installed in 2023. Enjoy a prime location just steps from the Biddeford mills, restaurants,
Imagine living vibrantly and connected in the heart of revitalized Biddeford, Maine. Enthusiasm is palpable for the chance to own a home within the Pepperell Mill community, where a dynamic blend of businesses, artists and residents co-exist harmoniously. Units are selling fast: 15 under in 9 weeks! Once an essential mill town powered by the Saco River, Biddeford has transformed into a creative
This two bedroom, two bathroom condo features a sun filled den that leads to your private balcony. The condo exudes historic charm with its high ceilings, exposed brick and beams, antique maple hardwood floors, and over sized windows. Modern conveniences include an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, kitchen island and granite counter tops, heat pumps for efficient heating and
Welcome to Lofts on the Levee. Located in a historic mill building, Lofts on the Levee is the first residential community to arrive at The Levee. Featuring oversized windows, exposed concrete, and mixed-metal accents, Lofts on the Levee establishes the feel of a city loft while still remaining true to its location and history. These sophisticated, design-forward apartments leverage the buildings
Welcome to The Eleven, a newly restored mill community at 50 Laconia Street in Biddeford, Maine. Just steps from Biddeford’s lively downtown, The Eleven offers 76 modern apartments with premium amenities, all designed for comfort and convenience. Enjoy secured entry, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a stylish clubroom, and electric vehicle chargers right onsite. Pet lovers will appreciate our
Bringing modern luxury living into Biddeford's manufacturing past, Riverdam is just steps from cafes, restaurants, shopping, and the Amtrak Transportation Center granting immediate access to Boston & New Hampshire. This apartment home features new cabinetry, fixtures, and stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, dishwasher, and in-unit washer/dryer. Individual, resident-controlled
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Safford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,317
Median Age
37
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,638
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,513
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.4%
College Graduates
19.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 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.
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.
