Best Senior Communities in Maine

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Jan 2026
Over 10 homes analyzed

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Maine Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos
Watch this Video to see Maine's Top-rated Senior Communities

Recognized for its scenic coastline and national parks, Maine is a U.S. state that offers unique experiences with its thriving cuisine, diverse culture, and natural beauty. The state has the lowest cost of living in the region of New England, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery, outdoor recreation, and employment opportunities, without breaking the bank. Alongside good healthcare, there are also a variety of senior communities across the state that provide exceptional senior care options to ensure retirees flourish surrounded by ethereal fall foliage and an inviting environment.

Compare Senior Communities around Maine

Huntington Common
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Kennebunk (Kennebunk)
82
Yes
-
30
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Avita of Brunswick
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Brunswick (Brunswick Station)
75
No
-
20
-
Scarborough Terrace
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Scarborough (Oak Hill)
77
No
A+
13
Studio / 1 Bed
Woodlands Assisted Living of Brewer
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Brewer
72
No
-
49
Private / Shared
Avita of Stroudwater
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Westbrook
75
No
A+
19
Studio / 1 Bed
The Enclave of Scarborough
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

Scarborough (Oak Hill)
92
No
-
57
Studio / 1 Bed
Atria Kennebunk
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

Kennebunk (Kennebunk)
74
Yes
-
51
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Cape Memory Care
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Cape Elizabeth
72
No
-
14
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Birchwoods at Canco Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

RC

Respite Care

Portland (Back Cove)
80
Yes
A+
44
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Stroudwater Lodge
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Westbrook
115
No
-
18
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bolster Heights Residential Care
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Auburn
84
No
-
48
-
The Landing At Cape Elizabeth
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Cape Elizabeth
60
Yes
-
19
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Bay Square at Yarmouth
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

RC

Respite Care

Yarmouth (Yarmouth)
60
Yes
F
44
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Grande At South Portland
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

South Portland
52
No
-
32
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Dirigo Pines
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Orono (Orono)
50
Yes
-
1
1 Bed
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Spend a blissful retirement at Apple Ridge, a friendly retreat in Bowdoin, ME, that offers assisted living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, a competent and well-trained team provides top-tier care for their daily living activities 24/7. Household services, medication reminders, and incontinence care are also provided to ensure residents can maintain their independence without hassles.

Here, residents can interact with their surroundings and gain meaningful experiences with a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. With transportation services, residents can travel conveniently and safely. The community is a good option for those aiming to maintain their independence in retirement, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

Overview of Apple Ridge

Spend a blissful retirement at Apple Ridge, a friendly retreat in Bowdoin, ME, that offers assisted living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, a competent and well-trained team provides top-tier care for their daily living activities 24/7. Household services, medication reminders, and incontinence care are also provided to ensure residents can maintain their independence without hassles.

Here, residents can interact with their surroundings and gain meaningful experiences with a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. With transportation services, residents can travel conveniently and safely. The community is a good option for those aiming to maintain their independence in retirement, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Shared Rooms

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Apple Ridge

Arbor View

9 Arbor View Ln, Scarborough, ME 04074

Situated in the peaceful residential area of Scarborough, ME, Arbor View is a distinct community that offers assisted living. Here, residents receive high-quality assistance for their daily living activities and household tasks from a compassionate and well-trained team available around the clock. The community also provides medication management and incontinence care for residents’ convenience.

With a carefully curated calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs, residents can make new friends and explore new hobbies. Delicious and healthy meals are also served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Transportation services and parking spaces are also provided, so residents can travel conveniently and safely. Promoting a nurturing and inviting environment, the community ensures residents feel at ease during their stay.

Overview of Arbor View

Situated in the peaceful residential area of Scarborough, ME, Arbor View is a distinct community that offers assisted living. Here, residents receive high-quality assistance for their daily living activities and household tasks from a compassionate and well-trained team available around the clock. The community also provides medication management and incontinence care for residents’ convenience.

With a carefully curated calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs, residents can make new friends and explore new hobbies. Delicious and healthy meals are also served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Transportation services and parking spaces are also provided, so residents can travel conveniently and safely. Promoting a nurturing and inviting environment, the community ensures residents feel at ease during their stay.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Shared Rooms

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Arbor View

The McLellan

26 Cumberland St, Brunswick, ME 04011

Maintain your independence in retirement at The Mclellan, a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 19 beautifully furnished and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping and laundry services are also taken care of, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to make new friends and gain meaningful experiences. One delicious and well-balanced meal is also provided daily, easing the burdens of meal preparation for a delightful dining experience. Scheduled transportation is also available for convenience and safety. This pet-friendly community has a library, a sauna and jacuzzi, a patio game room, a fitness center, a library, parking garage, and a well-maintained garden, creating the ideal setting where residents can thrive in their golden years.

Overview of The Mclellan

Maintain your independence in retirement at The Mclellan, a purposely built 62+ community that offers independent living. Featuring 19 beautifully furnished and secure accommodations, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping and laundry services are also taken care of, ensuring residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

With a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to make new friends and gain meaningful experiences. One delicious and well-balanced meal is also provided daily, easing the burdens of meal preparation for a delightful dining experience. Scheduled transportation is also available for convenience and safety. This pet-friendly community has a library, a sauna and jacuzzi, a patio game room, a fitness center, a library, parking garage, and a well-maintained garden, creating the ideal setting where residents can thrive in their golden years.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Independent Living

Kennebec Home Care

69 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04330

Based in Augusta, ME, Kennebec Home Care is a dedicated home care agency that offers living assistance, personal care, and help with daily tasks. A compassionate and well-trained team also provides top-notch care tailored to older adults’ daily living activities and personal needs whenever necessary. Older adults can keep their peace of mind, as housekeeping and other chores are also taken care of.

Older adults are also encouraged to maintain social connections and live actively to prevent them from getting lonely. This home care provider also assists older adults with eating and moving around the house for convenience. With its dedication to maintaining older adults’ independence without hassles, this home care agency provides dedicated services and is open from Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Overview of Kennebec Home Care

Based in Augusta, ME, Kennebec Home Care is a dedicated home care agency that offers living assistance, personal care, and help with daily tasks. A compassionate and well-trained team also provides top-notch care tailored to older adults’ daily living activities and personal needs whenever necessary. Older adults can keep their peace of mind, as housekeeping and other chores are also taken care of.

Older adults are also encouraged to maintain social connections and live actively to prevent them from getting lonely. This home care provider also assists older adults with eating and moving around the house for convenience. With its dedication to maintaining older adults’ independence without hassles, this home care agency provides dedicated services and is open from Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.

What does this home offer?

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Personal Care Assistance

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Grocery Shopping and Errands

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Housekeeping Services

Type of Care Available

Home Care

Ashton Gardens is a Gracious Retirement Living community in the heart of Portland, Maine.With a dedicated staff available 24 hours a day, Ashton Gardens ensures seniors receive the highest support and assistance. With its commitment to quality care, engaging activities, delightful culinary offerings, and a range of independent living floor plans, this residence is truly worth every penny.

From the beautiful common areas to the carefully curated events and excursions, Ashton Gardens strives to make each day exciting and fulfilling for its residents. Seniors can look forward to engaging experiences such as visiting museums, going on day trips to interesting places, and participating in planned activities that foster socialization and engagement. The community also offers a variety of independent living floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, providing seniors with the freedom to choose a living space that suits their individual needs and preferences. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Overview of Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

Ashton Gardens is a Gracious Retirement Living community in the heart of Portland, Maine.With a dedicated staff available 24 hours a day, Ashton Gardens ensures seniors receive the highest support and assistance. With its commitment to quality care, engaging activities, delightful culinary offerings, and a range of independent living floor plans, this residence is truly worth every penny.

From the beautiful common areas to the carefully curated events and excursions, Ashton Gardens strives to make each day exciting and fulfilling for its residents. Seniors can look forward to engaging experiences such as visiting museums, going on day trips to interesting places, and participating in planned activities that foster socialization and engagement. The community also offers a variety of independent living floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, providing seniors with the freedom to choose a living space that suits their individual needs and preferences. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 355 - 590 / 485 - 920 / 940 - 1085 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Transportation Services

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Recreational Activities

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Housekeeping Services

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living
Bella Point Bridgton is a 57-bed community located in Maine’s Lakes Region. It provides a warm and supportive environment with engaging daily activities and social events. Residents enjoy easy access to local attractions and personalized care.
Overview of Bella Point Bridgton
Bella Point Bridgton is a 57-bed community located in Maine’s Lakes Region. It provides a warm and supportive environment with engaging daily activities and social events. Residents enjoy easy access to local attractions and personalized care.
Coastal Shores is an assisted living community that provides excellent care in a lovely environment. It consists of 40 private apartments designed for individuals who require assistance with personal care while maintaining an independent lifestyle. The community aims to offer the comforts of home for its residents.
Overview of Coastal Shores, INC.
Coastal Shores is an assisted living community that provides excellent care in a lovely environment. It consists of 40 private apartments designed for individuals who require assistance with personal care while maintaining an independent lifestyle. The community aims to offer the comforts of home for its residents.
Coastal Landing is an independent living facility located in the scenic midcoast town of Brunswick, Maine. It offers eighty-three apartments and is locally owned and operated by Rousseau Management. The facility aims to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare opportunities to families.
Overview of Coastal Landing LLC
Coastal Landing is an independent living facility located in the scenic midcoast town of Brunswick, Maine. It offers eighty-three apartments and is locally owned and operated by Rousseau Management. The facility aims to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare opportunities to families.
The Casco Inn Residential Care Facility in Casco, Maine, is a 39-resident assisted living facility serving the community for over 25 years. It provides a comfortable home environment with 24-hour staffing and assistance with daily living activities. Residents enjoy home-cooked meals, activities, and personalized care in a warm, homelike setting.
Overview of Casco Inn Residential Care Facility
The Casco Inn Residential Care Facility in Casco, Maine, is a 39-resident assisted living facility serving the community for over 25 years. It provides a comfortable home environment with 24-hour staffing and assistance with daily living activities. Residents enjoy home-cooked meals, activities, and personalized care in a warm, homelike setting.
The Cedars is a non-profit retirement community in Portland, Maine, offering a full continuum of living and healthcare options for older adults. It provides services such as Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Care. The community is known for its innovative programming and commitment to person-centered care.
Overview of Assisted Living Household at the Cedars
The Cedars is a non-profit retirement community in Portland, Maine, offering a full continuum of living and healthcare options for older adults. It provides services such as Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Care. The community is known for its innovative programming and commitment to person-centered care.

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

  • Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
  • Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
  • Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
  • Health deficiencies and regulatory history
  • Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

  • Nurse hours per patient per day
  • Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
  • Administrative stability and ownership quality
  • Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

  • Year built or renovated
  • Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
  • Revenue per bed
  • Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

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