Lisbon offers a small downtown and rural living in Maine
The rural expanse of Lisbon belies just how close the southern Maine community is to some of the state’s largest cities. Its appeal is the region’s central location – less than 10 miles from the Interstate 95 and 295 corridors, which flank the area – that puts it almost equidistant from both Portland and Augusta. The compound proximity to highways and major cities draws commuters to Lisbon, where they can seek out a rural escape or more goings-on near the Androscoggin River. “Lisbon has had a resurgence of their small town,” says Jon Mercier, a broker and owner with Maine Source Realty. “They’ve gained a lot of momentum. They’re in style right now because they feature a lot of what people really like about small towns in Maine.” The Lisbon Falls area offers a litany of restaurants along the river, and trademark outdoor Maine recreation is also close by.
Homes in Lisbon are a mix of older and newer constructions
Most housing in Lisbon is concentrated close to state Route 196. Homebuyers can typically find ranch-style homes and Cape Cods in the area, along with some Colonial-style homes, and properties can date to before 1900, though the median year of construction here is 1973. Most single-family homes cost between $270,000 and $400,000. Manufactured homes often range from $70,000 to $290,000. “Lisbon is a little more affordable than the Brunswick-Topsham market,” Mercier says. “They do have a lot of old housing stock, but also a lot of newer developments; there is steady development going on in Lisbon with new housing.”
Students are served by Lisbon Public Schools
Lisbon Public Schools serves the area and has a C rating from Niche. The Lisbon Community School receives a C-minus, while Philip W. Sugg Middle School garners a B-minus. Lisbon High School also earns a B-minus and offers numerous co-curricular clubs, including a student culture organization called Student Voice. Lisbon High is the alma mater of author Stephen King, and the high school library is named in honor of King and his wife Tabitha.
Nearby interstates and prominent Maine cities
Locals are within driving distance of Interstates 95 and 295, which each sit less than 10 miles west and east of the community. “Those are your two major roads in Maine,” Mercier says. “295 is the coastal shortcut to Augusta from Portland, and Lisbon is sort of right in the middle of those two. It’s a good location for people who might commute to both cities.” Western Maine Transportation Services offers several bus stops in Lisbon along state Route 196. Augusta is about 30 miles north, while Portland is just over 30 miles south. The Portland International Jetport is also more than 30 miles away. St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is about 8 miles from central Lisbon.
Recreation on the Androscoggin River or on dry land at Beaver Park
The Androscoggin River runs along the south side of Lisbon and is the most prominent spot for recreation. Swimming, paddling and fishing are all popular in the river. More than 6 miles of trails line Beaver Park on the west side, where visitors can also go for picnics, swim in the ponds or go fishing. Paper Mill Trail / Miller Park offers more than 2 miles of trails; during warmer months, visitors can walk or bike the pathways, while snowshoeing and skiing are permitted in the winter. Lisbon and Lisbon Falls are connected by the Lisbon Rail Trail. The Purinton Homestead Conservation Area offers more trails.
Restaurant variety in the neighboring Lisbon Falls
The downtown area of Lisbon is concentrated along the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls. “Most of Lisbon is pretty rural, but you have the little downtown. It does encompass a small-city feel,” Mercier says. “You’ve got the best of both worlds. The downtown does food trucks all summer long.” Most area restaurants are in Lisbon Falls. Big Dipper offers an ice cream-parlor atmosphere, while Flux Restaurant & Bar specializes in classic American dishes and craft beers. “Flux is really good,” Mercier says. “They’ve gotten some notoriety.” In Lisbon itself, Grazi to Go offers Italian dishes, as does Angelo’s Pizzeria of Lisbon. Shoppers can find groceries at a Food City in Lisbon Falls and other necessities at a Target about 10 miles southeast.
The Moxie Festival commemorates a Maine-based soda
Every July, a three-day festival celebrates a local soft drink creation. “Lisbon puts on the Moxie Festival,” Mercier says. “They celebrate it every year and it’s a big deal.” Originally created in Massachusetts in the late 19th century, Moxie is the official soft drink of Maine. Lisbon High School hosts some of the events, as well as local restaurants, and the festival features contests, a parade, vendors, live music and more. The Moxie Museum also commemorates the drink. Beyond the celebration of Maine’s favorite carbonated beverage, the Lisbon Library hosts events like story times and workshops.
