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Downtown Biddeford

Downtown Biddeford

$374,123 Average Value
$493 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes 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.
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.
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.
Elements Coffee is a favorite hang in Downtown Biddeford.
Residents flock to the historic Palace Diner in Downtown Biddeford.
Residents flock to the historic Palace Diner in Downtown Biddeford.
The Dunn Bar is a classic Irish pub 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.
Multi-Family homes are everywhere in the Downtown Biddeford neighborhood.
This is a row of home in Downtown Biddeford, Maine.
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.
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.
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.
The Amtrak station is conveniently located near Downtown Biddeford.
There are bus stops on Main Street in 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 High School is a public high school located in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Intermediate School for grades 4-5 in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Intermediate School for grades 4-5 in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Middle School serves students in grades 5-8.
Biddeford Middle School serves students in grades 5-8.
Biddeford Primary School offers a variety of academic programs.
Biddeford Primary School offers a variety of academic programs.
John F. Kennedy Memorial School is for K and Pre-K in Central Biddeford.
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.
Springs Island in Downtown Biddeford has blue collar business, such as Deering Lumber.
Downtown Biddeford is recovering from decades of industrial neglect.
Downtown Biddeford is recovering from decades of industrial neglect.
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Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Jeff Tippett
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Benjamin Clark
Video By
Benjamin Clark

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

Parks in this Area

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

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Downtown Biddeford neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Biddeford US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
193
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1918
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,461
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,536
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,134
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
720
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 14
    11am - 12pm

    2 Main St Unit 15-311, Biddeford, ME 04005

    $525,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,169 Sq Ft
    • 2 Main St
    • Unit 15-311

    A fantastic two-bedroom, two-bath condo featuring a sun-filled den that opens to your private balcony. Historic character shines throughout with soaring ceilings, exposed brick and beams, antique maple hardwood floors, and oversized windows. Thoughtful modern updates include an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a kitchen island, efficient heat pumps for

    Erin Oldham Mindy Phillips Portside Real Estate Group

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    11am - 12pm

    2 Main St Unit 17-407, Biddeford, ME 04005

    $345,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 650 Sq Ft
    • 2 Main St
    • Unit 17-407

    Welcome home to this beautiful one-bedroom condo located in the vibrant Pepperell Mill community - an iconic riverside mill complex reimagined for modern living. This standout unit exudes character with its 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick and beams, antique maple hardwood floors, and over-sized windows that fill the space with natural light and warmth. The thoughtfully designed kitchen is both

    Erin Oldham Mindy Phillips Portside Real Estate Group

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    11am - 12pm

    2 Main St Unit 15-502, Biddeford, ME 04005

    $850,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,767 Sq Ft
    • 2 Main St
    • Unit 15-502
    • New 15 days ago

    This exceptional unit offers stunning, direct views of the Saco River Falls. Spanning 1,767 square feet, it features two bedrooms, a den, and two bathrooms--an incredible opportunity to live in a unique space. The condo boasts historic charm with sky high ceilings, exposed brick and beams, oversized windows, original 1850s maple hardwood floors, and tons of natural light. The kitchen is a true

    Erin Oldham Mindy Phillips Portside Real Estate Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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
$79,601
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

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

60 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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 Biddeford
Kristen Roy
Elevate Maine Realty
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