The city of Brewer, with a population of around 9,600, is across the Penobscot River from Bangor. Residents here are close to two different downtown areas and are afforded a bit more space than in neighboring communities. There is an assortment of retail and dining options along Wilson Street, just a short drive from many area homes. “It’s a really nice community that is closely linked to Bangor’s downtown,” says James Spear, an associate broker with RE/MAX Collaborative who has been serving the area since 2020. “The communities share a lot of similarities, but Brewer tends to be a bit more spread out.”
Downtown Bangor is just across the river from Brewer.
The comforting presence of single-family homes dominates Brewer's neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and stability that resonates throughout the city.
Brewer is across the Penobscot River from Bangor.
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Numerous retail options along Wilson Street
Along Brewer’s main road, there are a number of stores ranging from mom-and-pop eateries to international chains. “A lot of people from neighboring communities like Holden and Clifton end up doing their shopping here,” Spear says. Emery’s Meat & Produce prepares items like freshly brined pickles and all-white meat chicken tenders. Locals can also enjoy the waterfront patio views at High Tide. “In my opinion, it has some of the best wings you can find in northern Maine,” Spear says. “My wife and I go there almost every week for date night.” Nearby shopping options include the local Hannaford and the Walmart along Wilson Street. Additionally, the Bangor-Brewer and Penobscot County farmers markets operate Tuesday through Saturday from May to October.
Emery's Meat and produce in Brewer goes beyond just meat, providing a diverse range of fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples to complement your culinary creations.
The Walmart in Brewer is known for its commitment to providing low prices and a vast selection of products, ensuring that customers can find what they need at affordable prices.
The Hannaford in Brewer is an option for grocery shopping in Brewer.
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Spread out Colonial Revival and ranch-styles
The median housing price in Brewer is around $280,000, which is much lower than the U.S. median. Along the residential streets, Colonial Revivals, split-levels and ranch-style homes make up most of the market. Residences sit on medium-sized open lots, often set back from the street with room for a garden. Sidewalks are common, and residents often walk their dogs and go for morning jogs.
The enduring popularity of ranch-style homes in Brewer speaks to their adaptability and livability, offering a blend of simplicity, functionality, and timeless appeal.
The enduring appeal of Colonial Revival architecture in Brewer is evident in the homes' harmonious proportions, balanced layouts, and use of traditional materials, creating a sense of refined comfort.
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Penobscot trails and indoor recreation
Brewer Municipal Pool and Playground has a modern jungle gym and a seasonal pool. Brewer Riverwalk is a popular spot for dog walking, especially in the summer. "It’s a really nice loop with views of the river,” Spear says. Residents can use the indoor gym at the Joseph L. Ferris Community Center or head to Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes, one of Maine's few candlepin bowling alleys.
The rumble of bowling balls and the cheerful clatter of pins provide a familiar soundtrack to evenings in Brewer, where the local bowling alley serves as a vibrant community hub.
The Joseph L. Ferris Community Center is more than just a building; it's a vital resource for the Brewer community, fostering a sense of belonging, promoting civic engagement, and enriching the lives of its residents.
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Ice arenas and Brewer Public Schools
Brewer School Department serves area students, and the district receives an overall B-minus rating on Niche. Students can begin their education at Brewer Community School, a prekindergarten through eighth-grade school that earns a B rating. Brewer High School scores a C-plus. The high school is known for its athletic programs, and its hockey team uses the Penobscot Ice Arena.
The Penobscot Ice Arena stands as a symbol of Brewer's vibrant community spirit, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its residents.
Brewer High School offers a wide array of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic opportunities, ensuring that students have diverse pathways to success.
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Commuted along Wilson Street
Brewer is considered a car-dependent area. “It’s the kind of place where you can walk your dog around the neighborhood, but you need to hop in the car for shopping or work,” Spear says. Major employers are in the fields of health care, retail and educational services, all located along the city’s main road or across the river in Bangor. U.S. Route 1A and Interstate 395 are nearby, and Bangor International Airport is less than 4 miles away. The Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is less than 2 miles away across the river.
Events in downtown Bangor
The Bangor State Fair, one of the oldest in the country, occurs over two weekends each August and is filled with carnival rides, demolition derbies and a tractor pull. Downtown is also home to the Maine Savings Amphitheater and the Cross Insurance Center, which hosts concerts, monster truck rallies and comedy shows.
Brewer crime rates and statistics
Crime data is not readily available for the city of Brewer.
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.
