Rumford’s downtown is part of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region
The heart of Rumford lies on a bend in the Androscoggin River in southwestern Maine. From there, the mill town sprawls across part of the state’s Lakes and Mountains region, encompassing homes dating as far back as the 19th century, a ski resort and nature trails that wander through the Maine wilderness. The historic ties and access to abundant recreation are a draw for buyers here. “It’s a very small, tight-knit community,” says Sylvia Rhodes, an associate broker with Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader. “They have a lot of beautiful, old, restored homes and a lot of older properties up in that area. Housing is affordable, and that’s another thing that draws people to the area.”
Lower housing prices draw homebuyers to Rumford proper
Most housing in Rumford is concentrated near the Androscoggin, with some other properties on more acreage scattered across the rest of the community. Architectural styles throughout town vary widely, though ranch- and colonial-style homes are common, as are farmhouses. . Single-family homes are mostly priced between $100,000 and $300,000, while those on multi-acre lots farther from downtown can cost above $400,000. Multi-family properties typically sell for between $100,000 and $350,000. Homes near the river do have a moderate flood risk.
Getting outdoors in the Maine wilderness
Some small community parks sit within downtown Rumford. The Hosmer Field Athletic Complex offers trails and fields for baseball, football and soccer. Other small green spaces include Veteran’s Memorial Park, Morency Park and Stephens High School Memorial Park. Black Mountain of Maine is located in north-central Rumford and is the best-known recreational site in the community, with ski lifts open during the winter and early spring months. “Black Mountain is the main ski resort up in Rumford,” Rhodes says. “It’s a pretty nice, family-friendly mountain.”
Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve has several trails leading in and out, with the 4.8-mile Black and White Trail extending all the way to downtown Rumford. The Androscoggin River is popular for fishing and canoeing, and visitors can also hike along the banks. Just outside Rumford, the Oakdale Country Club has a public nine-hole golf course.
MSAD 10 serves the Rumford area
Kids are served by Regional School Unit No. 10 (MSAD 10), which earns a C rating from Niche. Students can attend Rumford Elementary School, which also receives a C, for kindergarten through fourth grade. Mountain Valley Middle School gets a C-minus, while Mountain Valley High School has a B-minus. Mountain Valley High offers sports programs like golf, water polo and lacrosse.
Local restaurants near the Androscoggin River
Rumford’s commercial sector is undergoing some revitalization. “In downtown Rumford, they are trying to recreate it with little shops and restaurants and things like that to get more of a community vibe,” Rhodes says. On the south side of downtown, locals can stop for a bite at the Brick & Stone Tavern, which serves American fare and drinks, or go to The Lure for Thai and seafood options. Gatch’s Food & Spirits offers a laid-back atmosphere, complete with an outdoor area and live music, while in nearby Mexico, Dick’s Restaurant has breakfast dishes. Shoppers can head to a Hannaford in Rumford or a Walmart about 2 miles southeast.
Rumford is a significant driving distance from highways
Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) has several bus stops in Rumford. For those who opt to drive themselves, multiple state routes in the area allow drivers to access major highways. U.S. Route 2 is the closest main road, running along the opposite side of the Androscoggin River. Maine State Route 4 is accessible about 22 miles east, while Interstate 95 is nearly 50 miles away. “It’s a pretty straight shot if you go from the Auburn and Lewiston area to Rumford,” Rhodes says. “It’s a gorgeous drive.” Portland is over 75 miles south, where travelers will find the Portland International Jetport. Rumford Hospital provides medical care within the community.
Events at Black Mountain during the winter
Black Mountain of Maine is also home to some events, including the annual Winterfest in February, which features a “Last Skier Standing” competition, a parade and live music. Other concerts take place there while the resort is open. Black Mountain of Maine is also home to some events, including the annual Winterfest in February, which features a “Last Skier Standing” competition, a parade and live music. Other concerts take place there while the resort is in-season.
Potential health risks due to the ND Paper-Rumford Mill
Potential buyers should be aware of potential pollution in the area due to a nearby paper mill. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has cited the ND Paper-Rumford Mill as one of the top three toxic chemical release contributors in the state. However, the mill remains a longtime presence and major employer in the area.While the United States Environmental Protection Agency has cited the ND Paper-Rumford Mill as one of the top three toxic chemical release contributors in the state, the mill remains a longtime and major employer of the area.
