What's Biddeford Like? (Portland, Lewiston, Auburn: apartment, rental, crime)

[saintsvalentine]

Hi, my boyfriend and I are moving to the Portland area, and need to find an apt sight unseen. We're looking at a very inexpensive apt in biddeford. Is Biddeford a nice place to live? I've heard good things about other areas, but not much about this place. THANKS

[Maineah]

Biddeford is an old mill town with a large French-Canadian population. I've heard Biddeford called a southern Maine version of Lewiston which also has a large French population. The people are tight knit but friendly. Many speak Acadian french as a second language. The turnpike runs through Biddeford and this has helped spark some businesses just off the turnpike spur. I'm not partial to mill towns so the place never did much for me.

[ribbets]

The University of New England is located there so I would think that there might be a lot of inexpensive apts. available soon

[saintsvalentine]

we're actually looking at an apt there (online) for $700 that includes utilities. It's nice looking actually - a small studio, but its got character. just wanted to know what the town might be like.

[elston]

I like Biddeford and its sister city of Saco. That said, It is definately a blue collar mill town with a closed down mill. It is near the ocean and Biddeford Pool is a really beautiful beach community near the college. Ferry Beach in Saco is gorgeous as well.

It isnt any where near as large...and doesnt have the crime and social problems but when people talk of Biddeford and further north of Lewiston...there is a similarity to Lowell/Lawrence in Massachussets or Pawtucket RI. It isn't a chez chez address! It is up and coming. There is a community theatre there. Like I say, I enjoy Biddeford/Saco and my sons live in that area and enjoy it. More and more it is a bedroom community for Portland. I am looking at several properties in that area next week.

In summary, Biddeford is a mill town; fell on hard times; has a mix of houses and aptmts from tenements to brand spanking new sub divisions and some nice old Victorians with large lawns (some converted to nursing homes). It is on a river. It is convienent to Portland. It doesnt have the snob appeal that Kennebunkport or Scarborough or Pt Elisabeth have. It is still a bit gritty, but on the move.

This is entirely a subjective opinion.

[flycessna]

Hey El, very good points ....I would add though....as with lewiston too. The outskirts of both towns tend to have the same feel as any of the other towns. Biddeford is on the ocean and I am sure has its share multi million dollar properties. I wonder when they tell people they live in biddeford they always add....I am on the water

Also....when I came here in 95 there was a lot of truth to those stereotypes......but at least as lewiston is concerned and I am sure biddeford too, things have changed dramatically. I used to despise going to the Auburn mall (sorry L/A) but its true...it was run down and a ghost town and most if any patrons were rif raffy. and If given the time I would make the drive to portland.....But now...No way, very little difference between the two...In fact Me and wife went to the portland Mall a few weeks ago and I was very displeased.....not to sound like an elitest, but there was so much rif raf I couldn't beleive it. I am not from here.....but even as an outsider I am extremely impressed with the changes to Lewiston. So THIS IS NOT A RANT....I am excited about the changes here and Since I am heavily invested into the twin cities I like to spread the word. L/A has lead the state every year for growth for the past 5 years...and I think maybe longer.

Sorry about being off topic.......Biddeford, because of it's location (south), by default will be more expensive than if you move North of the city. $700 for a small studio....I guess I'll have to start buying down there. Have you looked at Westbrook?....closer to Portland and probably about the same rents. And maybe even some of the small towns further outside like gorham, gray ect might have decent rental opportunities although those areas a rural.

[saintsvalentine]

we're looking anywhere and everywhere around portland and bangor.

there is a very nice apt in westbrook, on brown st. i doubt we'll get it though - may be too upscale for us young people. it's price is affordable for us though, so we're keeping our fingers crossed. know anything about that area?

[libbykt]

saints, are you really planning on trying to rent an apartment without checking out the area first? I'd strongly suggest making a weekend trip to look around. Will landlords even rent to you without meeting you in person?

I know Westbrook has changed over the years, but I can't imagine that anything on Brown Street could be considered upscale. My mom is a social worker in Westbrook and half of her clients live on Brown St. It's definitely not the nicest part of Westbrook.

[gottagetoutofmaine]

Do you know the address in Biddeford? I grew up there and know most parts of the city very well.
There are some areas that are a little less appealing than others.

[bam1991]

Hi all-
Sorry to butt in....we are moving to Maine in June 2008. We are looking at a home in Biddeford off of Corrigan Street. Does anyone know if that is a good area or not? We will be doing alot of this sight unseen. We are nurses so there is plenty of opportuinity for work there as there are many hospitals. Thanks in advance for any help given.
Mary