auburn/lewiston neighborhoods with sidewalks (Portland, Hope: for sale, low crime, houses)

[abmc]

We are thinking of moving to Auburn or Lewiston and want to be in walking distance of some things - library, parks, play ground. We live in the boonies now, in Massachusetts, and have to get in the car to do everything (we live 8 miles from the town center). We have a 2.5 year old and another child on the way and want to have safe streets for talking walks with a stroller - not walking on the side of the road as we have to do now. Does anyone have suggestions of neighborhoods that are family friendly and still close to ammenities (max 30 minute walk).

[abmc]

Hi All,
I am still looking for help regarding family friendly neighborhoods. Any thoughts from folks who know the area?
Thanks in advance!

[rico304]

I'm not so sure I would want my little kids in downtown Lewiston, and that is where the sidewalks are. The outskirts are limited on sidewalks, but those are better places for children. I don't know the city really well, but I would check into Auburn areas. Honestly, Portland has the best scenario for what you are looking for. Much pricier though! Hope someone else chimes in who knows more about the area than I do!

[abmc]

Thanks Rico! Unfortuneately, Portland is not an option for us. My husband has a job offer in Auburn. We will get up there to look around, but we are still hoping to hear from people who live there or have recently lived in the area.

[Jimwriter]

Originally Posted by abmc

Hi All,
I am still looking for help regarding family friendly neighborhoods. Any thoughts from folks who know the area?
Thanks in advance!

Well, having lived in Auburn for almost 4 years now, I can give you my opinion. Generally speaking, Auburn is a pretty safe, low crime, family friendly community. With the exception of a few pockets here and there, most neighborhoods are pretty good for families.

Most of the streets right around Pettengill Park are pretty good. Many, if not most, have sidewalks. From there, too, the library is maybe a mile or so. (You'll have to cross at least one semi-busy street). Auburn is huge in square mileage, so neighborhoods are kind of spread out a lot. If you want a lot of the conveniences close by, then you'd do well to live near Pettengill. There are some quiet family friendly neighborhoods nearby (Wilson St, Field, Vining, Winter, Gammage...if you look at a map and find where Lake and Gammage meet and move your fingers to Court, that's a really nice area. I could list many many streets that are charming/safe/convenient, etc...) If you find out about an area you're interested in (say you're looking at Realtor.com and get an address) you can feel free to query me about those things.

Our library was just renovated and is really great now. An AWESOME children's section, too. By the way, most of the homes on the streets/area I listed are on the older side. If you want a newer home, you may sacrifice some of the walking distance, but there are plenty to be had. New developments, etc.

What you can do is go to Google Earth if you have that downloaded and enter in some of those street names and get an aerial shot of the area and see if they have sidewalks.

Let me know if you need more information!

[ryan_jen_wilson]

I just wanted to stay you probably don't want to live in Lewiston. I moved to Auburn about two years ago and looked at places in both Auburn and Lewiston and I have to say that for the most part Lewiston is not that nice of an area. I used to live near East L.A. in California so trust me when I say it is not that nice. It is not that there are gangs or anything it is just run down and there are an abundance of child molesters who congregate there. I did my research before moving. Your best bet is Auburn because it has a lot of nice areas and is a lot cheaper than Portland. I agree with what someone else said about the areas around Pettingail park. I live close to there and enjoy going on walks with my family. It is safe and close to everything. I can walk to the store in less than five min. The only problem with where I live is that they are building it up and there is a lot of noise and sometimes traffic but you would avoid that by going closer to Pettingail Park.

[sean.molly]

Heya ABMC,

Live on upper court street myself. If you dont mind a large hill its a nice area. Hannaford is close with about 3 schools nearby. I know for sure there are a couple houses for sale around here too. Check Court, and Harris.

Moved here about 3 years ago and cant say Ive had any problems really. Police station is at the bottom of the hill too!