Farms shape Clinton’s rural identity as the dairy capital of Maine
Clinton is a small town where the rhythm of life follows the hum of tractors and the quiet churn of dairy production. Known as the dairy capital of Maine, it’s home to more cows than people and produces about 15% of the state’s milk. Two-lane roads wind through Clinton, leading past verdant pastures and rolling farmlands that reflect its strong agricultural heritage. Among the town’s multi-generational farms is Flood Brothers Farm, which stands out as Maine’s largest dairy farm and the site of its first community renewable natural gas digester. “When you think of rural Maine, Clinton is somewhere that you can really experience that true country living,” says Nick Isgro, a Realtor with eXp Realty who was born and raised in central Maine.
Although residents live in a rural community with deep roots, Clinton’s location between the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers means outdoor recreation and bigger cities are within reach. “This is a great option for people who want to have their own little slice of space, but you still have access to I-95 and you’re 15 minutes out of Waterville,” Isgro says.
Year-round outdoor recreation near the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers
The town has a handful of green spaces downtown, including Cindy Blodgett Park, which features a playground and a multi-use sports court next to the Jay Galusha Dog Park. Along the Sebasticook River, Old Mill Park has a wooden gazebo where the town hosts concerts in the summer and a free ice rink during the winter. The park is also a hub for seasonal celebrations, such as a trunk-or-treat event around Halloween and a festive tree lighting during the holidays.
The town’s newest green space, Wiffle Fenway, opened in 2025 and offers a miniature replica of Fenway Park where wiffle-ball players can swing for the Green Monster. For golf enthusiasts, the Clinton Golf Course is a public 9-hole course open seasonally. Outdoor adventurers can explore the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers, where activities include whitewater rafting, tubing, and paddle boating. Clinton receives an average annual snowfall of four feet, and the Town and Country Trail Riders Snowmobile Club maintains nearly 40 miles of snowmobile trails for residents to enjoy during the snowy season.
Rural living with New England architecture and spacious, wooded lots
Homes are spaced out along winding, country roads that branch off I-95. Common housing options include traditional New Englander, Cape Cod, ranch-style and split-level homes with spacious, tree-lined lots. Clinton also has a handful of cabin-inspired cottages and mobile home communities. The town’s median lot size is over three-quarters of an acre, and some properties have enough acreage for a small homestead. "You're looking at bigger lots with more farmland," Isgro says. Homes along Clinton’s western edge provide access to the Kennebec River, though they may carry a higher risk of flooding. Prices for single-family homes generally range from $190,000 to $340,000, while larger builds can reach upwards of $500,000. Mobile homes typically sell for $90,000 to $230,000.
Small class sizes in the Maine School Administrative District 49
Clinton is part of the Maine School Administrative District 49. The district earns an overall grade of C from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Students can attend Clinton Elementary School before moving on to Lawrence Junior High School, both of which receive a C-plus from Niche. Lawrence High School scores a C and partners with Kennebec Valley Community College and Thomas College to offer dual enrollment courses that high schoolers can take for college credit.
A quaint downtown with local stores, services and community spaces
Downtown Clinton is a small village center with a post office, a gas station and a handful of small businesses. God’s Will Kids is a secondhand store offering toys, clothes and books for children, while Dirigo Drug is the local pharmacy. Clinton Variety is a convenience store and a restaurant, selling essentials alongside a small dining area where residents can enjoy pizza, sandwiches, and other casual fare.
The downtown area also includes the Brown Memorial Library and houses of worship such as the Clinton Baptist Church. For everyday necessities, residents have access to Dollar General and a full-service grocery store at Tradewinds Market Plus. Larger retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Hannaford are located about 10 miles away in Waterville.
Annual Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair celebrates rural communities
For four days after Labor Day, Clinton comes alive as thousands gather for the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair. This beloved tradition has been a staple for over 70 years and celebrates the region’s rural heritage with activities like pig scrambles, 4-H shows, tractor pulls and demolition derbies. Attendees can also enjoy classic fair attractions, including carnival rides, games and food stands.
I-95 connects this car-dependent community to bigger cities
Clinton is a car-dependent area with few sidewalks outside of downtown. I-95 is the town’s main thoroughfare, leading roughly 30 miles southwest to Augusta and 50 miles northeast to Bangor. The closest airport is Augusta State Airport, where Cape Air provides daily service to Boston. There are more commercial flights available at Bangor International Airport. For healthcare, Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is 15 miles away.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
