$344,643Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Balancing the University of Maine and acres of wilderness
The town of Orono balances being a thriving college town and a Central Maine community surrounded by natural recreation. Home to the University of Maine, some say that Orono is to Maine what Cambridge is to Massachusetts, with both communities being college towns just outside bustling cities like Bangor and Boston. While the college put Orono on the map, the town continues to grow, with a historic downtown area with many dining and shopping options for students and residents alike. Orono also offers a range of housing options that are just a quick drive away from hiking trails or kayaking along the Penobscot River. “it’s kind of like the classic college town, but it has more of a balance between residents and students,” says James Spear, an associate broker with RE/MAX Collaborative who has been serving the area since 2020. “There is less of a downturn in the summer when the students go away, the businesses all do well year round.”
The town of Orono settled in 1774 in the state of Maine.
The town of Orono is the perfect place to call home.
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Apartments and homes along the Penobscot River
The home styles in Orono are as abundant as the number of houses, with Cape Cod, colonial revival, ranch style, and New Englander-inspired residences being the most common sights in town. “Parts of Orono have some beautiful large homes, especially down by the river, but some of them are used by fraternities and sororities,” Spear says. Homes commonly range from smaller two—and three-bedroom homes costing between $150,000 and $400,000 to larger three—and four-bedroom houses that average between $450,000 and $575,000. Closer to the college, there are also several apartment buildings with rents ranging from $1,250 to around $1,800.
You can find a variety of colonial style homes in the town of Orono.
Colonial homes in Orono vary in price and size.
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Bog boardwalks and river trails
According to Spear, the Stillwater River trail, also known as the university bike path, is one of the big draws to the area. The 3-mile paved trail spans from Orono to Old Town, where residents of all ages and skill levels can walk, bike or jog through the DeMeritt University Forest and along the Stillwater River. The town also shares The Orono Bog with the city of Bangor and is known for the mile-long boardwalk that winds through the bog, home to over 110 different species of bird and almost 100 different plant species. The Penobscot Valley Country Club offers outdoor recreation on well-maintained greenways. The course is an 18-hole championship golf course that was built in 1924 and has been used by famous golfers like Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. The Union Street Boat Landing sits just south of Ayers Island and is popular with kayakers and canoers alike for putting the boat in the water.
Enjoy a walk at Stillwater River Trail in Orono, Maine.
Sit and enjoy the scenery that the town of Orono offers in Webster Park.
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Orono schools and the University of Maine
Students can start their education at Asa C Adams School, which receives a B-plus rating on Niche. From there, they can move on to Orono Middle School, which receives an A rating before finishing up at the A-minus-rated Orono High School. The school is known for the OHS-International Program, which allows students from around the globe to live with host families and spend a year at the school. For higher education, the town is known for being home to the University of Maine, most famous for its hockey team and notable alums like Stephen King. “I got to go to a hockey game a while ago, and it was a super great time,” Spear says, “it was not even a playoff game, but the stadium was pretty packed with students and residents.”
The town of Orono is known for hosting The University of Maine.
Orono Middle School receives an overall rating of A from niche.
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Summer concerts and community Thanksgivings
The town of Orono has a large number of events throughout the year to help bring the community together. The annual Summer Concert Series on the Orono Village Green is a popular summer activity where the community gathers behind the library every Tuesday in July with rock, jazz, and pop music filling the evening air. In the fall, the community holds its larger events, like the Scott Scripture Memorial Community Thanksgiving Dinner, where town employees cook a number of dishes and send them to residents’ homes for them to enjoy. There is also a popular Trunk or Treat, which not only allows for a safer Halloween but also allows local businesses to join in the fun and pass out treats.
Interstates and the Black Bear Orono Express
Orono offers several ways to get around town, with U.S. Route 2 running through the heart of the community and Interstate 95 running along the northwestern end of town. This streamlines the drive to nearby cities like Bangor, 9 miles away, and Old Town, 4 miles away. The town also offers the Black Bear Orono Express bus line alongside numerous sidewalks and trails downtown and on the college’s campus for additional transportation options. Bangor International Airport is 11 miles away, and the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is 6 miles away.
Black Bear Orono Express is used for students who attend the University of Maine to get around.
Commuters in Orono use I-95 and Route 2 to get around the town and other nearby cities.
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Orono's local food and brews
Downtown Orono is home to many different bars and eateries, with Pat's Pizza having served the town since 1931. About a block from Pat’s is The Family Dog, a newer restaurant known for its pub fare, especially its hamburgers and hot dogs. For a fresh pint, residents can head to Orono Brewing Company, which has a bright, cheery interior and an open-air beer garden. Spear says the Tubular IPA is a popular option and was one of their flagship drinks. Residents can grab groceries at The Local or head to the Orono Farmers’ Market, which runs year-round.
The Family Dog offers both interior and exterior seating in Orono.
Margaritas Mexican Restautant in Orono offers Mexican cuisine and a beautiful ambience.
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
Joshua Cottrell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Marden Park
Stillwater River Trail
Webster Park
Orono Bog Boardwalk
Transit
Airport
Bangor International
24 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Orono
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Orono Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Orono, Old Town sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Orono, Old Town over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Amazing 1990 Condo situated less than 2 miles from both the University of Maine and Downtown Orono. Offering 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths w/freshly updated paint & lighting, energy efficient gas fireplace insert, newer boiler & hot water heater, vented skylight & appliances! The HOA has mindfully cared for these units w/paved driveway, exterior stained siding and shingled roof within the past 5 years.
Looking for a peaceful place to call home—away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Don't wait too long to check out this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offering nearly 1,700 sq/ft of beautifully finished living space. Nestled on a quiet dead-end road, this home combines comfort, quality, and serenity in one unbeatable package. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the
This adorable Cape sits in a quiet, established neighborhood, yet is just a stones throw from campus.Whether a student, professor, or resident of Orono, the culture is established and growing. Local shops and restaurants downtown, two rivers, and college hockey!With 4 beds and 1 full bath, this home sits in a wonderful location; walking distance to campus and athletic fields. Hardwood floors,
The Reserve at Orono is top-quality student housing serving the University of Maine, just a mile from campus and all the essentials. Enjoy a spacious Orono, ME apartment or townhome in a setting offering a complete lifestyle, including a resort-style pool, clubhouse and game room, enclosed dog park, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor grill and fireplace, and resident social events – all close to
Newly renovated 4 Bedroom home that is available for a group of 4 students going to the University of Maine! This home hasn't been on the market for many years and is a rare opportunity for mature students to grab this for the 25-26 school year. It includes all heat and electricity and so the only additional cost would be for WiFi.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Cottrell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,659
Median Age
26
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,024
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,300
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.9%
College Graduates
70.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
42.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
9°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
69''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 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.
