Mexico is a mill town along the Androscoggin River
On the western downslope of Harlow Ridge, Mexico is a small Maine community of less than 3,000 along the Androscoggin River. Its unique moniker dates to the early 1800s, when local support for the North American country over 2,300 miles away during the Mexican War of Independence led to the name’s adoption. More than two centuries later, the more populated riverside gives way to a sparse landscape valued for its space. “The thing that draws people to Mexico is the seclusion,” says Aaren James, an associate broker with Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader. “It’s vast and open. There are towns, so it’s not desolate, but at the same time you really get to breathe. People move there to get out of the hustle and bustle and get more of that outdoor life, and the homes are less expensive than southern Maine.” Mexico and the adjacent community of Rumford are sister towns, which flank the river and are anchored by a historic paper mill.
Older Maine housing stock with architectural variety
Due to the town’s proximity to the ND-Rumford Paper Mill, many homes in Mexico were built for workers in the early 20th century. “The housing style in that area is factory homes, but styles vary,” James says. “There are a lot of Victorians and everything from Cape Cods to large multi-units.” Architectural styles also include colonial- and ranch-style homes. Homes on the outskirts typically offer significant acreage and more space between properties. “The great expanse of Maine’s north country is attracting a lot of people,” James says. “Some buyers want a slower pace of life and more things outdoors.” Most single-family properties cost between $150,000 and about $280,000, though homes on larger lots can sell for over $400,000. Manufactured homes often range between around $100,000 and $150,000.
Students attend a three-school pipeline in the Mexico area
Regional School Unit No. 10, known locally as MSAD 10, serves the area and earns a C rating from Niche. Students can start out at Meroby Elementary School, which receives a C-minus and spans kindergarten through fourth grade. Mountain Valley Middle School also has a C-minus, while Mountain Valley High School gets a B-minus. Mountain Valley High’s football and soccer teams have won class and conference championships in the past.
Recreation on and around the Androscoggin River
Mexico is dubbed the “Gateway to the Western Mountains,” a moniker that is noted by several signs around the community, and residents are close to recreation. “There are tons of outdoor things to do, like hiking, four-wheeling, ATVing and skiing,” James says. The Androscoggin River is one of the area’s most popular recreational landmarks. Locals often hike on trails flanking the water, fish in the river, or take canoes or kayaks out for paddling. The Oakdale Country Club offers a public nine-hole course for golfers. On the north side, Halfmoon Pond has a variety of fish for anglers. About 5 miles west, Black Mountain of Maine is a seasonal skiing destination during the winter.
Mexico and Rumford both offer locally owned restaurants
Residents have several dining options nearby. In Mexico, Dick’s Restaurant opens early for breakfast six days a week, and Far East serves Chinese food. In Rumford, diners can order seafood and Thai dishes at The Lure or classic American fare at the Brick & Stone Tavern. Down Route 2, Jimmie’s is a seasonal restaurant serving dishes like lobster rolls and ice cream during the summer. For shopping, locals can head to Hannaford in Rumford, or go about 2 miles down the river to a Walmart.
Traveling across Maine on major routes and highways
The GreenLine Connection offers bus service to multiple stops around the southern Maine area, with a stop in Mexico off Riverside Avenue. United States Route 2 runs along the southwest-facing side of Mexico, but most drivers use it to get on Interstate 95, nearly 50 miles south. “In Maine, going north-south is never that bad,” James says. “It’s going east-west that takes a while, because of the way the highways are.” Portland is around 75 miles south. Rumford Hospital is about a mile from town. Air travelers can fly to Boston on Cape Air out of the Augusta State Airport, about 50 miles away; the Portland International Jetport offers a larger range of departure options and sits about 75 miles away.
The ND-Rumford Paper Mill creates potential health concerns
In Mexico’s sister town, the ND-Rumford Paper Mill has served as an employer of the area for over a century. However, potential buyers should be aware that the plant was named as one of Maine’s primary contributors to toxic chemical release by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2025.
