Eddington offers rural charm near Maine's major travel routes
The Penobscot River runs along the eastern edge of Eddington, a small town with just under 2,200 residents. Its rural setting offers a quiet escape from city life in Bangor, about 10 miles away. Commuters can reach the city via a 6-mile extension of Interstate 395 that opened in July 2025 between Eddington and Brewer, just across the river from Bangor. “It’s made Eddington even more accessible to all those amenities,” says Karen Burns, a Realtor with Century 21 Queen City Real Estate and a Penobscot County native.
The extension also links I-395 and state Route 9, a busy route through Eddington that leads to Calais and into Canada. “I’ve got a house for sale in Eddington now, and people were looking at it because they wanted to be able to get to Canada pretty quickly,” Burns says. Residents are about 80 miles from the border, and Eddington maintains a peaceful feel despite its central location and highway access. The town’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
A range of housing styles and comparative affordability near Bangor
A handful of country roads branch off the town’s state highways and feature a variety of homes. Cape Cod, raised ranch and ranch-style homes are most prevalent; the town also has a few custom-built properties and newer construction communities. Waterfront homes offer scenic views, though they rarely come on the market. Prices for single-family homes typically range from $150,000 for smaller ranch-style builds to $480,000 for larger properties and newer construction. “We have three or four other areas right outside of Bangor where the prices are higher, so this community is very reasonably priced for the homebuyer,” Burns says. The average home value in Eddington is around $320,000, nearly 10% lower than the average across the greater Bangor metro area. Properties here sell after an average of roughly one month on the market, and the town’s median lot size is just over an acre.
Residents can access the I-395 extension from Brewer to Eddington
The town lacks sidewalks and public transportation, making it a heavily car-dependent area. State Route 9 links directly to I-395, which leads over the Penobscot River before connecting to Interstate 95 near downtown Bangor. Residents can drive into the city and reach Bangor International Airport, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and St. Joseph Healthcare, all within 15 miles of Eddington. Augusta is roughly an 85-mile drive away via I-95.
Route 9 offers essentials, while Brewer and Bangor have more options
Shopping and dining are limited, though state Route 9 does feature a few businesses. Dollar General carries essentials alongside convenience stores like Tradewinds Market, where residents can get gas or use the Dunkin’ drive-thru. Brewer is about 8 miles away for trips to larger retailers like Hannaford, Walmart and Lowe’s. Local businesses and events thrive in downtown Bangor, less than 10 miles from town. “There’s shopping and a variety of restaurants,” Burns says. “We have a concert series right on the water, and there’s also a casino here in Bangor.”
Students attend RSU 63 before going to a high school of their choice
Eddington is part of Regional School Unit 63, which earns an overall grade of B from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. The district serves prekindergarten through eighth grade at the C-minus-rated Eddington Elementary School and the B-plus-rated Holden Elementary and Holbrook Middle Schools. RSU 63 covers tuition for ninth through 12th-graders to attend a nearby public or private school of their choice. “School choice is a big asset for people who have children. The majority of children in these communities go to Brewer or a private school, which is John Bapst,” Burns says. Brewer High School scores a C-plus, while John Bapst Memorial High School earns an A and was recognized as a 2023 and 2024 AP Platinum School by the College Board for its wide Advanced Placement course offerings.
Year-round recreation on the Penobscot River and snowmobiling trails
There are two public boat launches along the Penobscot River, a destination for boaters, paddlers and fishermen. The riverfront is also home to the Eddington Salmon Club, a fishing club active since 1982. Dean’s Landing is a private beach on Chemo Pond where locals can pay for access to boating, swimming or sunbathing on the sandy shoreline. The Holbrook Recreation Committee runs youth sports programs for several towns in the area, and there’s a small playground behind the Eddington Town Office. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Eastern Maine Snowmobilers maintain a trail network through Eddington, popular during winters that average over four feet of snow.
Historical society and churches host events, including a Fall Bazaar
The Eddington Historical Society hosts community events year-round. Popular festivities include its Fall Bazaar, a fundraising event with an outdoor market featuring local vendors, a bake sale and a raffle. Houses of worship also organize events for residents, with past gatherings at the North Brewer-Eddington United Methodist Church including community dinners, a summer music festival and a holiday fair. East Eddington Community Church operates the Crossroads Christian Camp, a summer camp on Chemo Pond.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
