Sign In Register
Allison Lee best-worst

What surprised you most about Biddeford?

Hey folks, Been living here since 2023. Household incomes average around $69,794 in Biddeford. It's a a small town city with about 22,463 people. The median home value here is around $349,300, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,187/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 11.2%, which is around average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Low crime in most areas
- Easy commute
- Good internet infrastructure

Cons:
- Cold winters
- Poor road conditions
- Limited cultural events
- Chain restaurants dominate
What would you do? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
14 upvotes

2 Replies

Isaac G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a project manager, 36, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
29 upvotes
Lucas Chavez
I'm a nurse and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
← Back to Biddeford Community