$373,542Average Value$481Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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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On average, homes in Downtown Biddeford, Biddeford sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Biddeford, Biddeford over the last 12 months is $449,000, up 39% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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