Biddeford, Maine

Biddeford, Maine, originally part of the town of Saco, now stands alone just 16 miles outside of Portland, along the shores of Saco Bay on the scenic Gulf of Maine. Incorporated as a city in 1855, Biddeford maintains its standing as York County’s largest city. A principal city in the Portland – South Portland – Biddeford Metropolitan Area, Biddeford lies within 73 miles of the charming capital city, Augusta, and within a reasonable drive of such interesting cities as Auburn, Bangor, Lewiston, Rockland and Waterville.Biddeford includes nearly 15 miles of Saco River frontage, where rolling hillsides and pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches characterize this vibrant New England community. Census 2000 data reports Biddeford’s population as 20,942. This total includes the resort towns of Biddeford Pool, Fortune Rocks, Granite Point and Hills Beach.

Biddeford residents take pride in the education of their students. The K-12 schools are among ME’s newest facilities, and both the middle and high schools enjoy a designation as a National School of Excellence. Those seeking higher education in Biddeford have access to a campus of the University of New England, while York Community College is nearby in Wells, and the University Of Maine operates a campus in Saco. In nearby Portland post-secondary facilities include Maine College of Art, the University of Maine School of Law, the University of New England and the University of Southern Maine.

As York County’s center of commerce and industry, Biddeford boasts a diverse economic base with all major sectors represented. Due to close proximity to northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region, Biddeford continues to enjoy its ranking as ME’s fastest-growing commercial hub. Southern Maine Medical Center and the University of New England anchor the thriving economy, while providing more than 1,500 local jobs. GAF Decking Systems and Great Works Internet are local companies listed among the nation’s fasting growing, while Biddeford Crossing, Five Points Shopping Centers and Gateway Plaza establish ME as a premier retail-shopping destination.

Biddeford features enchanting ocean views and a historic downtown district anchored by the City Theater for the Performing Arts and McArthur Library, which houses the Biddeford Historical Society.

Biddeford has nine parks, complete with ball fields, hiking trails, playgrounds and tennis courts. Local waterways afford opportunities for boating, fishing and canoeing.

Biddeford is home to Wood Island Light, on Biddeford Pool, where local waterfowl make their nests. Those interested in lighthouses can also visit Portland Breakwater Lighthouse and Spring Point Ledge Light in South Portland, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse and Spring Point Ledge Light in Portland, and Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Preserve and East Point Sanctuary, both in Biddeford, also provide ideal settings for viewing harbor seals and waterfowl.

Biddeford, Maine’s low crime rates, affordable housing, top-notch schools, and high-tech careers are mainstays in this scenic community. These qualities combine with small-town charm and the coastal New England atmosphere to afford the ideal setting for a low-key vacation or a quiet place in which to live and work.