Living in the County

Those who live in southern Aroostook claim there is no better place to raise a family, and to pass on the values that are central to the northern Maine way of life.  Your business and employees will also find there’s no place in New England that mixes business with pleasure better than Aroostook.  With abundant natural beauty, strong communities, and plenty of recreational and cultural opportunities, Aroostook County offers an unsurpassed way of life.

The land that has shaped its people is an integral part of Aroostook’s way of life. Four distinct seasons have taught those in The County the disciplines of harvesting what every season has to offer. And, every season offers excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, such as: camping, hiking, biking, golf, snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, and much more.

Recreation and Cultural Opportunities

Living in Aroostook County means that you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, cultural and historical sites and performances, as well as take in one of the many natural attractions, landmarks, and parks in the area. (Please visit nmdc.org for more detailed information about events, tourism and activities.)

Summer/Fall Activities

  • Hiking, camping, fishing, golf, biking, water sports, hunting.

Winter Activities

  • Snowmobiling, skiing(alpine and cross-country), snowshoeing ice fishing.

The County’s history and cultural heritage is evident in the people, places and events that populate Aroostook. Cultural, agricultural and sporting events provide year-round cause to celebrate the abundance of the land and its people. (Please visit nmdc.org for more detailed information about events, tourism and activities.)

Museums/Historical Societies and Performance Halls

  • There are a number of museums and historical societies to learn about the culture and heritage of The County:
  1. Aroostook Historical and Art Museum – Houlton.
  2. Nylander Museum – Caribou
  3. Lumberman’s Museum – Patten.
  4. Canadian Pacific Caboose Railroad Museum – Fort Fairfield.
  5. Lyndon School Museum – Caribou.
  6. Frenchville Historical Society Caboose Museum – Frenchville.
  7. Caribou Historical Society – Caribou.
  8. Museum of Vintage Fashions – Island Falls.
  9. Tante Blanche Acadian Museum – Madawaska.
  10. Acadian Village Art & Historical Museum – Van Buren.
  • Performance Halls and Arenas have a variety of performances to enjoy:
  1. The Forum – Presque Isle.
  2. The John Millar Arena – Houlton.
  3. Caribou Performing Arts Center – Caribou.
  4. Fox Auditorium, University of Maine at Fort Kent.
  5. Wieden Theatre, University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Cost of Living

 And if the beauty of the land and its people weren’t enough, the cost of living in Aroostook is low  – far below average in New England.

HOUSING COSTS — Aroostook vs. Other Regions (4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home)

Median Value of Housing(owner occupied) Median Gross Rent(renter occupied)
United States $301,414 $871
Connecticut $321,656 $962
Massachusetts $202,633 $849
New Hampshire $116,031 $849
Maine $172,300 $744
Aroostook $94,000 $725(Est.) 
SOURCE: 2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Home Listing Report

Crime Rate

 And like the cost of living, the crime rate is significantly below the average for New England, as well as for the United States.

Aroostook Maine New England United States
Crime Rate Per 100,000 People 96.2 122.7 349.0 396.3 
SOURCE: 2012 FBI Crime Statistics

Hospitals and Health Center Services

Hospitals

  • Houlton Regional Hospital: 24 hour emergency service; 25 beds and 16 physicians on staff; 8 specialty clinics.

Home Health Center Services

  • Visiting Nurses of Aroostook: Home health care including skilled nursing and therapy services, counseling and personal care.
  • Aroostook Home Health Services
  • Madigan Home Care
  • Aides Services
    • Eastern Maine Home Care
    • Comfort & Care

Nursing Home Facilities

  • Gardner Health Care Facility
  • Madigan Estates Nursing Home
  • Crestview Manor

Daycare Facilities

 Southern Aroostook County is home to several:

  • Licensed Family Daycares.
  • Registered Home Baby Sitting Services.
  • Daycare Centers.

Preschools(private and public) including Head Start.