Living in Biddeford ME can be exciting, invigorating, and affordable! According to Wikipedia, the first European settlers arrived in the area of what is now Biddeford in 1616. People began moving to Biddeford gradually over the next few decades, and the community was incorporated as a town in 1653. It was initially known as Saco, and it was renamed to Biddeford in 1718 in honor of Bideford, a town in England.
The community remained small until the 19th century, when it became a milling center. Many people began moving to Biddeford to work in the mills, and Biddeford was reincorporated as a city in 1855. The mills began to close in the mid-1900s, and Biddeford became a resort and summer destination.
Biddeford is best known for its downtown district, which contains locally run stores and restaurants that attract visitors throughout New England. Biddeford's nickname is the "Twin City," and its motto is "A Proud City Rising Where the Water Falls." Biddeford is a nice place to live, with a revitalized and growing downtown district, delicious restaurants, and a millennial-friendly environment.
Moving to Biddeford may be one of the most important things you ever do. But before you start your moving journey, you should learn more about living in Biddeford ME. Here's what to know about living in this special Maine city.
Where Is Biddeford Maine?
Where is Biddeford Maine, and what county is Biddeford Maine in? Biddeford Maine is in York County, Maine, inside the Portland metropolitan area and the Greater Portland area. It is 16.7 miles from Biddeford to Portland, making Biddeford a suburb of Portland. Biddeford borders Saco, Dayton, Kennebunkport, and Lyman.
Biddeford is a sprawling city, with Downtown Biddeford being well-developed and outlying areas containing large green areas without paved roads. The community has an extensive coastline along the Saco River and along the Atlantic Ocean.
Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) provides local transit bus services in Biddeford, Saco, and surrounding communities. Several routes run through Biddeford, including Route 50-51, which circles through Biddeford and starts and stops at the Saco Transportation Center. You can use the BSOOB Transit map to see what other routes and stops are in Biddeford.
Biddeford Maine Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Biddeford Maine population in 2020 was 22,552, up by 6.0% since 2010. The Biddeford Maine population has hovered around 20,000 people living in Biddeford ME since 1940, with increases and decreases of less than 10% in each subsequent decade. The Portland metropolitan area has a population of 551,470, and Biddeford is one of the largest communities in the metropolitan area. The Biddeford Maine population density is 749.6 people living in Biddeford ME per square mile.
Notable people living in Biddeford ME include Ms. Rachel, Joan Wasser, and Ryan Fecteau. Notable Biddeford ME demographics include:
- 50.2% female, 49.8% male
- Median age of people living in Biddeford ME: 36.1
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Biddeford ME: 89.0% White (88.2% non-Hispanic), 4.7% two or more races, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Asian, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
- Median household income of people living in Biddeford ME: $69,794 (2.8% lower than the state median income)
- Educational attainment of residents living in Biddeford ME: 94.5% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 30.4% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of people living in Biddeford ME: 3.7%
Biddeford is a very young community, with its median age being nearly 10 years younger than the Maine median. 21.7% of the population living in Biddeford ME are between the ages of 20 and 29, over 10 percentage points higher than the state rate. 61.2% of residents living in Biddeford ME are single, and nearly half have never been married. The community is also teen-friendly, with 12.7% of residents living in Biddeford ME being between the ages of 10 and 19.
Here are the community's latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2024, from Beautify Data:
- Overall crime rate: 2,698.34 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Biddeford ME (44.3% higher than the Portland ME crime rate, 117.3% higher than the Maine average, 27.3% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 313.76 crimes per 100,000 people living in Biddeford ME (213.76% higher than the Maine rate, 12.6% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 2,384.58 offenses per 100,000 people living in Biddeford ME (108.8% higher than the Maine rate, 35.5% higher than the national average)
While Biddeford's crime rates are higher than the national average, most people living in Biddeford ME rarely report experiencing crime. The overwhelming majority of crimes in Biddeford are property crimes like shoplifting, which occur in businesses in Downtown Biddeford, not homes. According to Beautify Data, the total crime rate dropped by 21% between 2023 and 2024, so Biddeford is getting safer to live in as time goes on. The outlying areas of Biddeford, away from the downtown area, are safe to live in.
The Biddeford Police Department employs 46 sworn police officers living in Biddeford ME.
Cost of Living in Biddeford ME
Biddeford cost of living statistics can be hard to find, but you can use Portland Maine cost of living statistics and make a rough estimate. Biddeford is a major site in the Portland metro area, so its cost of living is nearly identical to the Portland cost of living. The Portland cost of living index is 114.2, meaning the average cost of items in the Portland area is 14.2% higher than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Portland metro area would need to earn $130,982 a year to cover their cost of living. While Biddeford is more expensive than the national average, you can offset your costs by applying for high-paying Biddeford jobs. Child care for two children costs $24,192 a year, so people moving to Biddeford without children can live a very affordable life.
Biddeford real estate is relatively affordable, and the housing market is active and large. According to Redfin, Biddeford homes for sale have a median price of $637,000, with an average sale price per square foot of $343. The median price of Biddeford homes for sale is over $200,000 above the national median. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Biddeford is $2,023 a month, nearly $300 a month higher than the national average.
Typical Biddeford* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of local cheese: $8.67
- 1 pound of apples: $2.29
- 1 pound of onions: $1.62
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.14
- Average Biddeford* utilities per month: $262.50
- 1 one-way BSOOB Transit ticket: $2.00
- 1 pair of jeans: $49.25
Source: Numbeo
*Typical living expenses actually for Portland, ME
Biddeford Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Biddeford ME
Biddeford has a wide range of official neighborhoods to choose from, including urban and vibrant communities and quiet, less-developed areas. Here are the best places to live in Biddeford.
Pepperell Mill Campus is in the downtown area, along the Saco River. The neighborhood covers 17 acres and is home to condos for sale, apartments for rent, and businesses, making it a good neighborhood for people who want a little bit of everything. The neighborhood has condos and apartments in historic mill buildings dating to the 1800s, with rustic and traditional architecture and design features like brick walls and maple hardwood floors.
According to Redfin, the median cost of Pepperell Mill Campus homes for sale is $515,000, but prices can vary significantly. One-bedroom condos with 500 square feet of space can cost roughly $250,000, while two-bedroom condos with 1,600 square feet of space can cost over $800,000. Popular businesses and restaurants in Pepperell Mill Campus include Mill Pond Ceramics Studio, On Plane Academy, and Maine Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Tattle Corner | Quiet Biddeford Neighborhood Offering Upscale and Spacious Homes for Sale
Tattle Corner is a quiet residential neighborhood by the Saco River. It's modest and mostly undeveloped, providing a relaxing contrast to Pepperell Mill Campus and other urbanized neighborhoods in Biddeford. The neighborhood offers upscale homes for sale, with most prices being over $1 million.
You can purchase a four- or five-bedroom home for sale with over 2,000 square feet with amenities like high-efficiency heat pumps, a detached workshop, and epoxy flooring. The community is popular among boaters, with the Marblehead Boat Launch providing convenient access to the Saco River.
Biddeford Weather and Climate
Biddeford has a humid continental climate, with warm and mostly sunny summers and freezing and snowy winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the warmest month of the year, with an average temperature of 69 degrees and an average high of 78. Temperatures remain warm between early June and mid-September before declining steadily through the autumn. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 24 degrees and an average low of 16.
The Biddeford weather is cloudy throughout the year, though conditions get slightly sunnier during the summer. Biddeford receives an average of 51.9 inches of snow and 37.2 inches of rain per year. Each month has at least six rainy, snowy, or inclement days on average. Biddeford does not experience severe weather on a regular basis. However, you can experience gales and strong winds if you sail in the Atlantic Ocean or along the Saco River near Biddeford. You should check Biddeford weather forecasts so you know when these gales will occur.
September is the best month to visit Biddeford and start moving to Biddeford. It's the sunniest month, with 62% sunny days and only 3.4 inches of precipitation. The average temperature is 60 degrees, so you can stay comfortable in a light jacket and a long-sleeved shirt. Fun outdoor attractions and community facilities like Biddeford Pool remain open, so you can visit them during September and the fall, especially on warm days.
Things to Do in Biddeford ME
You can find many fun, unique, and kid-friendly things to do in Biddeford ME, including top outdoor attractions and family-friendly points of interest! Ask someone moving to Biddeford what to do in Biddeford Maine, and they'll encourage you to go shopping. You can visit various shopping centers, including the Biddeford Gateway Center and Five Points Shopping Center. Top grocery stores include Market Basket and Tran's Market, a locally run Asian grocery store.
The Biddeford Mills Museum is an indoor and family-friendly museum dedicated to Biddeford's mills. You can go on guided tours of the Biddeford Mills Museum and learn more about the Biddeford mills and industry, looking at exhibits about milling and industrial history.
2 Main Street, Suite 18-230, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-229-8976
Clifford Park is one of the largest parks in Biddeford, covering over 240 acres and containing eight walking trails, tennis/pickleball courts, and a mini-skate park. Clifford Park is a dog-friendly park and one of the best things to do in Biddeford ME in the winter, as it's home to snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
Off Pool Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-283-0841
Wood Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse dating to 1806; it’s open for guided tours in July and August. You can visit Wood Island during other parts of the year and take photos of the picturesque lighthouse and surrounding landscape.
Wood Island Acres, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-200-4552
Additional Attractions in Biddeford
The Biddeford Recreation Department takes care of parks in Biddeford and plans recreational, educational, and kid-friendly programs at Town Hall, like sports leagues, summer day camps, and fitness classes. You can use the Biddeford events calendar to view upcoming events, and you can visit Biddeford Recreation's website to view information on recreational programs.
Restaurants in Biddeford Maine
Maine is well known for its fresh seafood, wild blueberries, and maple syrup. Biddeford Maine restaurants offer plenty of delicious seafood dishes and fresh produce in casual, cool, and eclectic spaces.
Palace Diner is the oldest diner in the state of Maine, opening its doors in 1927. It's a kid-friendly and quaint diner with just 15 seats, serving breakfast and lunch all day, including classic dishes like corned beef hash, buttermilk flapjacks, and cheeseburgers.
18 Franklin Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-284-0015
Mulligan's is one of the top bars in Biddeford and one of the most affordable Biddeford Maine restaurants. All menu items cost less than $10, including freshly made salads, homemade lasagna, and prime rib.
23 Lincoln Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-284-9283
Brickyard Hollow is the top pizzeria in Biddeford, offering craft pizzas with unique toppings like mashed sweet potatoes, roasted garlic cloves, and spicy capicola. You can also order smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings for less than $20.
180 Main Street #3, Biddeford, ME, 04005, 207-282-0583
Jobs in Biddeford Maine
According to DataUSA, roughly 12,700 people had jobs in Biddeford Maine in 2023, up by roughly 200 jobs in 2022. Retail trade, health care, and manufacturing are the three biggest sectors for Biddeford Maine jobs, with each sector having median earnings of over $60,000 a year. According to the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry, investors have made over $200 million in investments in the last few years, with over 150 new businesses opening their doors and hiring employees.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Biddeford is $71,000 a year, while the average base hourly rate is $22.41 an hour. Major employers in Biddeford include the University of New England, MaineHealth, and Fiber Materials, Inc. You can use Indeed to find Biddeford Maine jobs, and you can apply for City of Biddeford careers on the municipal government's website.
Biddeford Schools
The Biddeford School District serves all students living in Biddeford ME. The school district contains five schools:
US News ranks Biddeford Intermediate School in the top 75 Maine elementary schools. 84% of students at Biddeford Intermediate School test at or above the proficiency level in reading. The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCT) is open to all students living in Biddeford ME, as well as students from Kennebunk, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach. BRCT offers unique career-based programs in engineering, health sciences, and automotive technology.
The University of New England is located in Biddeford, and it's the largest independent university in Maine. US News ranks the University of New England in the top 300 national universities in America. The college offers over 80 degree programs, and it's best known for its nursing and dental medicine programs. Biddeford does not have any notable private schools or educational institutions. The McArthur Library is the top public library in Biddeford, serving all people living in Biddeford ME.
Biddeford Statistics and Information
- County: York County
- Biddeford area: 59.08 square miles
- Biddeford ME zip code: 04005-04007
- Biddeford Maine area code: 207
- Biddeford elevation: 69 feet
- Biddeford time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4/-5)
- Closest airport to Biddeford: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 14.2 miles from Biddeford
FAQ
Where Do I Vote in Biddeford Maine?
According to the Biddeford City Clerk, Biddeford High School is the main polling station in Biddeford Maine. You can check the location of your voting place using the State of Maine Voter Information Lookup Service.
Is Biddeford, Maine LGBTQ Friendly?
Yes, Biddeford, Maine is LGBTQ friendly. Organizations like Heart of Biddeford and UU Church of Saco and Biddeford support LGBTQ residents and sponsor public events throughout the year, including Biddeford Pride.
Does Biddeford, Maine Have a Downtown?
Yes, Biddeford, Maine has a downtown district, called Downtown Biddeford. According to Main Street Maine, Downtown Biddeford has dozens of restaurants, stores, and things to do, including unique attractions like the Palace Diner and the Biddeford Public Market.
Biddeford, Maine Map
You can use this map of Biddeford, Maine to explore great restaurants for foodies, concert venues, and things to do west and east of Downtown Biddeford!
Start Moving to Biddeford Today
Living in Biddeford ME is perfect for businesspeople, families with young children, and retirees alike! You can enjoy walks along the coast, delicious food at affordable restaurants that rival restaurants in Boston, and upscale homes for sale.
Now that you know about living in Biddeford ME, you can start moving to Biddeford. Preferred Moving and Storage has the best Biddeford ME movers, with over 900 moves performed each year. Call 351-888-3984 for a free estimate today.
