Used to be Mainers of retirement age would head south for the winter, enjoying sun and golf while the rest of the state persevered through snow and ice. This pattern is still true for some, but in recent years, the Pine Tree State has seen more and more seniors stay put. Not only that, it has seen an actual influx of people who want to enjoy their golden years on the Maine coast, weather be damned. The state has grown exponentially in the retirement market—villages like Damariscotta and Camden are brimming with the older set—and senior communities have sprouted up all along the coast like mushrooms. They range from assisted-living facilities to simply condo villages where the common theme is age.
Many of these new Mainers have a history with the state, vacationing here for years and years and pining for the day when they could move north permanently. Others are simply drawn by the quality of life enjoyed Down East. The resort communities that cater to tens of thousands of vacationers in summer, with their shops and restaurants, are perfectly suited to serve retirees in winter. Crime is a nonissue, the climate is actually fairly hospitable (global warming?), the pace of life is easy and pleasant, and the state is made up of actual communities where it’s not difficult to become involved and feel like you play an important part. Neighbors are still neighbors here, looking out for one another. And the health care system in Maine is now competitive with those found elsewhere. It’s a nice place to grow old.
Of course, a lot of people who retire here have no intention of sitting around on their duffs. Many enjoy very active retirements, starting new businesses, exploring the outdoors, joining town boards and volunteering for worthy causes, and taking advantage of the excellent elder learning opportunities to be found here. Places like Bowdoin College in Brunswick allow seniors to audit courses for free, innumerable communities have great adult ed programs, fitness centers offer eldercize-type workouts, and on and on. The state park system can be enjoyed gratis by people over 65, and Audubon has a wealth of field trips geared toward older folks. A lot of people find themselves busier after leaving the 9-to-5 world behind than they were when they were working. There is no end to the things to do in Maine.
This chapter includes a list of retirement communities, information on elder education, and further resources for retirees.