$241,214Average Value$150Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
An evolving neighborhood with an industrial past in Androscoggin County
Twin cities, Lewiston and Auburn, are built along both sides of the Androscoggin River in south-central Maine. Downtown Lewiston, the core of the historically more industrial city, was once the economic center of the area. “Lewiston has a rich history with the textile mills and shoe factories. It went through an identity crisis after those closed, but now it’s reinventing itself,” says Brian DuBois, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who has served the area for 11 years. Downtown is beginning to re-emerge as a gathering place that emphasizes community gatherings and pays homage to its roots. The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor creates displays out of old machinery and preserves artifacts related to the textile Bates Mill and brickmaking factories that opened in the mid-1800s. The museum recently added a memorial dedicated to the 18 people who lost their lives in Lewiston during a mass shooting in October 2023. Placards commemorate the victims and posters with the phrase “Lewiston Strong” highlight how the community came together for support and comfort. The theme of progress and comradery is carried through Downtown Lewiston's frequent community events, which are held at local breweries and plazas.
Downtown Lewiston is redefining itself as a dynamic community space.
Downtown Lewiston has a rich history with the textile mills and shoe factories.
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Elevated diners and cafes are in former mill buildings in Downtown Lewiston
Once the employment hub of the city, Downtown Lewiston has transitioned away from its days as an industrial or business district. “Pre-Covid we saw a lot of businesses and offices going back to the downtown area, but now that a lot of people work from home that business office mentality has waned a little bit,” DuBois says. “It’s not as robust of an office space, but there are a lot of restaurants and local shops.” Mornings call for breakfast sandwiches and iced lattes from Forage Market, a café decorated with vintage furniture, paintings by local artists and pride flags. Residents may order curry and garlic naan for takeout from Mother India or go to DaVinci’s Eatery to enjoy large portions of pasta and other Italian dishes. Fish Bones Grill, an upscale seafood restaurant with classic cocktails, and Baxter Brewing Company, which serves pints of craft beer with burgers and fries, are both in former mill buildings and embrace the industrial ambiance. Fresh produce and essentials line the shelves at Wards Neighborhood Market, a family-owned grocery store downtown. Shoppers can also travel a mile south to stock up on groceries from Shaw’s or Save A Lot. Many office buildings belong to legal and insurance organizations, but there are some local retail shops. Paul’s Clothing and Shoe Store sells boots and outdoor apparel, and Rainbow Bicycle is a bike repair shop. In Auburn, 3 miles northwest, locals find shopping centers with nationally known stores like Target and T.J. Maxx.
Grab a bite in Downtown Lewiston at Fish Bone Grill.
You will love the festive atmosphere at Baxter Brewing in Downtown Lewiston.
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Pocket parks and riverside walking trails downtown
Pocket parks are scattered throughout Downtown Lewiston; kids climb on playground equipment or play pickup basketball games at Lionel Potvin Park. Simard-Payne Memorial Park is a stretch of green space along the Androscoggin River, best known as the venue for the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival in August. But residents can also pick up the Auburn Riverwalk trail at the park. Walking along the paved footpath takes them across the river on a trestle footbridge and into Auburn, where they can continue to walk to murals and scenic river overlooks. Kennedy Park is a large green lawn landscaped with walkways and tall trees near the center of downtown Lewiston. The public park has basketball courts and a playground, as well as a pool that’s open from the beginning of July until mid-August. Lewiston residents swim for free, though they must register for a membership to use the pool. Rustic hiking trails that wind by lakes and through dense forests can be found in Auburn, about 3 miles west of downtown Lewiston. Taylor Pond, in the same area, is a popular spot to go fishing and sailing.
Simard-Payne Memorial Park is a riverside park with stunning views.
Downtown Lewiston residents enjoy spending time at Simard - Payne Park.
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Sprawling multi-unit properties from the 1800s
Lewiston’s history as a dense industrial city is highlighted in the housing stock, as multifamily properties originally built to house mill workers and their families fill the neighborhood’s gridded streets. Nearly all the properties were built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, as the Industrial Revolution reached Lewiston. Investors can find buildings with as many as 21 units; price and condition of the property creates a wide price range. A 10-unit brick building in need of renovations may cost around $500,000, while a 10-unit Second Empire property in better condition may be priced around $1.2 million. Shotgun-style duplexes usually cost between $190,000 and $260,000, and homebuyers can buy a single condo in a multi-unit property for about $100,000 to $150,000. Occasionally, buyers can buy a single-family workers’ cottage for between $250,000 and $300,000.
Multifamily homes are common in the Downtown Lewiston area.
Older large brick homes have been converted into multifamily homes in Downtown Lewiston.
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Colorful hot air balloons float over the Twin Cities in August
Downtown Lewiston has a non-profit association dedicated to supporting local businesses and the community. The organization puts together events like the summer art walk, which takes place on the last Friday of every month between May and September. Over 30 businesses and local establishments participate, showcasing visual, musical and performing artists. One of the most well-known downtown events is the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, which DuBois says is one of the most popular. “I mean, what’s better than seeing a bunch of hot air balloons fill the sky?” he says. The community gathers at Simard-Payne Memorial Park to watch inflatable characters and rainbow-colored balloons inflate and drift upward, as they enjoy snacks from local vendors and live music plays from the main stage. The city organizes seasonal events as well; in early December, they welcome the winter months through Holiday at the Plaza. Families pile into horse-drawn wagons, live carolers stroll down Dufresne Plaza, kids wave to Santa and live reindeer and ice skaters glide around the rink.
More frequently, residents may gather at places of worship, like the Lewiston/Auburn Islamic Center, which is a masjid and community center, and the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a gothic cathedral from the early 1900s.
Downtown Lewiston is famous for its bright colorful murals.
Breath taking views of the river adds to the charm of Downtown Lewiston.
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Career programs through Lewiston Regional Technical Center
Children may attend Robert V. Connors Elementary School through sixth grade, and then progress to Lewiston Middle School. Both schools have C-minus ratings from Niche. Lewiston High School has a C rating, and offers high school students the chance to enroll in vocational training programs through the Lewiston Regional Technical Center. High schoolers may study fields like firefighting, medical science, multimedia technology and plumbing.
The student population of Lewiston Middle School is 770.
Lewiston High School is a public high school in Lewiston, ME.
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Walkable streets and a network of public buses
Sidewalks line nearly all downtown’s streets, allowing community members to walk to local restaurants and parks. Citylink buses traverse the neighborhood and take residents throughout Lewiston and Auburn. DuBois notes that the Central Maine Medical Center hospital is a major employer in the neighborhood, and St. Mary’s Medical Center is also close by. Commuters who work out of town can drive 3 miles south to merge onto the Maine Turnpike or Interstate 95. Augusta, the state capital, is 34 miles northeast and Maine’s most populated city, Portland, is about 42 miles south. For longer flights, the Portland International Jetport is also 37 miles south. Downtown Lewiston has a CAP Crime Index Score of 9 out of 10 due to higher-than-average scores for violent and property crimes. The national average is 4 out of 10.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Greenwood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Gas Light Park
Kennedy Park
Simard-Payne Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Transit
Airport
Portland International Jetport
48 min drive
Bus
Lewiston
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Lewiston
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
10
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Lewiston, Lewiston sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Lewiston, Lewiston over the last 12 months is $168,800, down 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Offering a 10% cap rate, this 6-unit property is a rare find in the heart of downtown Lewiston. With three 3-bedroom units and three 4-bedroom units, the building boasts extra-large layouts that are always in demand — perfect for attracting long-term tenants and maximizing rental income.The property features a new EPDM roof installed in 2018 and a large 15-space parking lot, providing both peace
Don't miss this six-unit property situated in the heart of downtown Lewiston. This unique setup features two separate buildings on one lot, each offering three spacious units. Tenants will appreciate the convenience of off-street parking and proximity to shopping, restaurants, and a park with a playground and garden just across the street. Quick access to the I-95 Turnpike makes commuting a
Don't miss this unique opportunity to own your own spacious, sunny 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 1,300 square foot condo! This single-family house is move-in ready and walkable to all downtown amenities including the schools, library, Bates College, City Hall, bus station, restaurants, hospitals, and local businesses. This 1904 home retains its original character with period woodwork and hardwood floors
Great location with upside potential! Well-kept 7-unit, all studio apartments. Currently fully-occupied. Off-street parking. Efficient natural gas heat. Ideally located in a quiet residential area within walking distance to Central Maine Medical Center. Great opportunity for furnished or short-term rentals to accommodate hospital workers and/or visitors.
---- SCHEDULE A SHOWING ONLINE AT: ----Available Now: Second Floor 2BR/1BA in Lewiston!- Located in a Secure, Locked Building- Features a Dine-In Kitchen, Original Hardwood Floors, and a Large Bay Window- Two Similar-Sized Bedrooms with Closets- Within Walking Distance of Numerous Stores, Restaurants, and a Laundromat$1,250/month. Heat and Water/Sewer Included.
---- SCHEDULE A SHOWING ONLINE AT: ----Available Now: Spacious 2BR/1BA Apartment in Lewiston!- Located in a Secure, Locked Building- Features a Massive Dine-In Kitchen, Original Hardwood Floors, and a Large Windows- Two Large Bedrooms with Closets- Within Walking Distance of Numerous Stores, Restaurants, and a Laundromat$1,350/month. Heat and Water/Sewer Included.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Greenwood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
8,780
Median Age
32
Population under 18
31.7%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$17,963
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$31,188
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.6%
College Graduates
7.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.7%
% Population in Labor Force
46.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
67''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
