Less than 20 miles from the Canadian border lies the small city of Presque Isle. Here, main street spreads out from stores and restaurants into quiet residential neighborhoods. Residents are close to recreation opportunities and local employers, including hospitals and universities. “It’s one of the hub cities in the area along with Caribou,” says Lydia Kieffer-Till, a broker with Kieffer Real Estate who has served the community for over 10 years. “It’s got big-box stores and some of the larger employers, so it sees a lot of traffic from all over.”
Within the welcoming neighborhoods of Presque Isle, a diverse tapestry of residential architecture unfolds, from the classic lines of Cape Cod cottages to the practical designs of ranch-style houses.
Presque Isle has a Walmart, providing residents with a convenient one-stop shopping destination for groceries, household goods, and a wide array of other necessities.
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Northern Maine trails and Riverside Park
Aroostook State Park, with almost 1,000 acres of forest, has year-round hiking trails and summer kayak rentals. Closer to home, Riverside Park, is family-oriented with a splash pad, playset and a seasonal ice rink. On the outskirts of the city, residents can also stop by the Nordic Heritage Center, which Kieffer-Till says offers more hiking trails and has been the spot for multiple national and international biathlon championships.
Aroostook State Park, near Presque Isle, is a gem of northern Maine, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature's beauty, no matter the season.
In the heart of Presque Isle, Riverbank Park transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring an ice skating rink that becomes a popular gathering spot.
Riverbank Park in Presque Isle has a playground, that provides a valuable service to the community, by providing a safe place for children to play, and get exercise, while enjoying the outdoors.
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Home variety in Presque Isle
The median housing price in Presque Isle is around $190,000, lower than the U.S. median. Buyers will find a variety of styles, including farmhouses, Cape Cods and New Englander-inspired residences. Even close to downtown, most houses sit on larger lots and have garages and driveways. “There is a lot more space to spread out here; getting a quarter-acre lot is considered pretty small,” Kieffer-Till says.
Cape Cod homes can be found in Presque Isle, their cozy, often one-and-a-half story designs providing warm, inviting havens during the region's long, snowy winters.
In the heart of Presque Isle, where the community spirit thrives, this two-story dwelling provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, its structure suggesting a history of family gatherings and cozy evenings.
This bungalow can be found in Presque Isle, where its classic, understated style complements the town's unpretentious and community-focused atmosphere.
In Presque Isle, the prevalence of single-family homes creates a welcoming atmosphere, with well-maintained properties and friendly neighbors contributing to the town's strong sense of community.
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Public schools and northern Maine universities
Students can attend public school at Regional School Unit No. 79 (MSAD 79), which receives an overall B-minus rating on Niche. The district includes two elementary schools, one middle and one high school. There is also a local vocational school. Higher education options are available at the Northern Maine Community College and the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. “There is not a huge influx of students because most of them are local, but they do breathe some extra life into the community in the fall,” Kieffer-Till says.
Presque Isle High School stands as a cornerstone of the local community, providing comprehensive education and fostering a strong sense of belonging for students across the region.
Eva Hoyt Zippel School, a welcoming and vibrant elementary school in Presque Isle, provides a nurturing educational foundation for the city's youngest learners, fostering a love of learning and a strong sense of community
Presque Isle Middle School serves the local community by providing a crucial bridge between elementary and high school, fostering academic growth and social development during the formative middle school years.
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Dining and shopping along Main Street
Dining options in Presque Isle can primarily be found along Main Street. Rodney’s at 436 Main has a daily happy hour, and Ferris BBQ and The Maple Pig are the city’s two barbeque restaurants. Residents can shop at Marden’s and at Walmart next to the Aroostook Centre Mall. Additionally, the Presque Isle Farmers Market is open every Saturday from May to October.
The Marden's in Presque Isle provides a distinctly Maine shopping experience, offering a mix of practical goods and surprising bargains.
Locals enjoy the all-you-can-eat salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's in Presque Isle, finding it a welcome option for a light and healthy meal, amidst the hearty fare that characterizes many Maine dining experiences.
In Presque Isle, Ferris BBQ has earned a reputation as a must-visit dining spot, known for its tender, slow-cooked meats, flavorful sauces, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal a memorable experience.
In Presque Isle, The Maple Pig has carved out a niche as a beloved dining destination, known for its creative menu that celebrates local flavors and ingredients.
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Prominent Maine roads and bike trails
The major employers in Presque Isle are the Northern Light AR Gould Hospital and the area's two universities. For those who work outside of the city, U.S. Route 1 and State Route 163 provide routes to Caribou and Ashland. Pedestrians and bikers can also hop on the Downing Park Bike Path on the city's east side. Presque Isle Northern Maine Airport offers daily flights to Boston and has plans for a new building in the near future.
The University of Maine has a campus in Presque Isle, providing residents of the region access to higher education, and providing a location for cultural events, and community enrichment.
Northern Maine Regional Airport is in Presque Isle, serving as a vital transportation link for the region, connecting residents and visitors to destinations beyond Aroostook County with reliable air service.
Presque Isle has a paved 4-mile trail, offering a smooth and accessible surface for walkers, runners, and cyclists to enjoy the picturesque landscapes that surround the town, making it perfect for both leisurely strolls and invigorating workouts.
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Balloon festivals and block parties
Presque Isle is a local hub city with several events, the biggest being the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival in August. With over 20 years of history, this event includes a 5k race and a golf tournament highlighted by the sight of hot air balloons. “You can see at least twenty balloons in the sky at any time from anywhere in the city,” Kieffer-Till says. Presque Isle also has a rotating block party with Caribou, where each week, the cities switch off on closing part of downtown and filling it with live music, vendors and food.
Decreasing incidents in Presque Isle
According to Presque Isle’s 2023 annual report, the city saw a 20% increase in overall incidents and cases between 2022 and 2023.
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rhonda Gopan,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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