Hallowell is a historic city with a quaint downtown near Augusta
Once a bustling riverport on the Kennebec River, Hallowell is now a small city full of historic charm and New England character. Its collection of well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture is part of the Hallowell Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and perched on a hillside overlooking the river. Homes surround downtown Hallowell, where red-brick sidewalks lead past small businesses. “It has a really vibrant restaurant area and a vibrant arts scene,” says John Blouin, a Realtor with LAER Realty Partners who has sold several homes in the area. “It has all kinds of different events throughout the year. There’s always something going on.” With historic homes and a walkable downtown, Hallowell offers a slice of small-town living just south of Augusta.
Local shops, restaurants and artistic flair meet in Downtown Hallowell
Downtown Hallowell thrives on local flavor. The Hallowell Antique Mall features rooms full of vintage finds, while Hallowell Seafood & Produce offers fresh catches from Maine waters. The dining scene also stays close to home, with The Liberal Cup serving its house-brewed beers alongside homestyle English pub fare. Spots like The Quarry Tap Room overlook the Kennebec River, and nearby bars, bakeries and cafés round out the downtown mix. For groceries and errands, Hallowell is within 3 miles of several shopping centers along U.S. Route 202.
Hallowell’s creative community is on display at downtown’s Gaslight Theater, which produces four shows a year and is the longest-running community theater in Maine. Residents can browse locally made glassware at the Forbidden Fruit Gallery, or check out books from the historic Hubbard Free Library, the state’s oldest free public library.
From the Hallowell Historic District to honest New England-style homes
The Hallowell Historic District includes a full spectrum of architectural styles. "There are some very unique, historic homes in Hallowell," Blouin says. Common finds include well-preserved Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and Victorian-style homes, many of which have been thoughtfully renovated to balance old-world charm with modern amenities. Prices in the district generally range from $380,000 to $540,000. Some of its larger properties have been converted into condos, which typically sell for around $300,000.
Outside the historic district, New Englander, Cape Cod and ranch-style homes are common and sell for $280,000 to $500,000. A handful of custom-designed properties can fetch upwards of $700,000. The city’s most recent construction includes a new condo development in Stevens Commons, where units sell for $540,000 to $600,000. The riverfront is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, which can impact riverside businesses and homes. The city’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 3 out of 10, just below the national average of 4.
Lower-than-average student-to-teacher ratio in Regional School Unit 2
Hallowell is part of Regional School Unit 2, which earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche and has a lower-than-average student-to-teacher ratio of 11-to-1. Students in the area can attend Hall-Dale Elementary School, which receives a B, and Hall-Dale Middle & High School, which holds a C-plus. The high school is known for its strong athletic programs, including a standout softball team that won four consecutive state championships from 2021 to 2024.
Four seasons of outdoor recreation near the Kennebec River
Hallowell’s green spaces include Granite City Park, a downtown spot with rainbow-colored Adirondack chairs popular for sunset views over the Kennebec River. The state maintains a public boat launch along the waterfront, and the Kennebec River Rail Trail passes through the city as it spans nearly 7 miles between Augusta and Gardiner.
At Vaughan Field, residents can access a playground, ball field, basketball court and fenced-in dog park. Expansive green spaces like the Hallowell Recreation Area and City Forest, Berry Conservation Area and Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area have miles of nature trails for hiking. Local clubs maintain snowmobile trails for the city’s winters, which average just under five feet of snowfall. The Thomas College Ice Vault provides public skating year-round.
Old Hallowell Days and a seasonal farmers market bring people together
Old Hallowell Days is the city’s signature event, celebrating community spirit every third Saturday in July since 1968. It features beloved traditions like the 5K road race, cribbage tournament and a festive parade down Water Street. At dusk, a dazzling fireworks display over the Kennebec River caps off the day’s festivities.
Outside downtown is the Stevens Commons, a mixed-use development that includes off-campus student housing for the University of Maine at Augusta, new residential subdivisions and office spaces. It also hosts the seasonal Hallowell Farmers Market, a local favorite held each Saturday from May through October.
Driving is common, with highways linking to nearby Augusta and beyond
Beyond its walkable downtown and a few sidewalk-lined streets, Hallowell is largely car-dependent. The city’s main thoroughfares are U.S. Route 201 and the Maine Turnpike, which carry traffic north and south across the state. Residents are less than 5 miles from Augusta, home to major employers in government, education and health care, as well as the Alfond Center for Health and Augusta State Airport. For broader travel options, Portland is about 55 miles away and claims the state’s largest airport, Portland International Jetport.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
