Is Augusta, Maine a good place to live? Yes, if you want steady jobs, a calm pace, and an easy drive to the rest of the state. Augusta is the capital of Maine, with about 19,000 people living along the Kennebec River. You get state jobs, a large hospital, a college campus, and miles of trails without big city traffic. Here is what to know about moving to Augusta, from neighborhoods and schools to the winter parking rules you need to know.
Where Is Augusta, Maine?
Augusta sits in central Maine, in Kennebec County. The Kennebec River runs right through the city, so people often talk about the west side and the east side. The State House is on the west side of the river. The 2020 Census counted 18,899 people in Augusta, and the Census Bureau estimated about 19,155 people by 2025.
Augusta is a central spot, which makes it easy to get around Maine. Here are rough drive times from the State House when traffic is light:
- Waterville: about 30 minutes
- Lewiston: about 35 minutes
- Portland: about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Boston: about 3 hours and 15 minutes
Interstate 95 has three exits in Augusta, and I-295 joins I-95 just south of the city in West Gardiner. U.S. Routes 201 and 202 also run through town. Augusta State Airport is run by the city and has daily Cape Air flights to Boston, which is handy if you travel for work.
Jobs and the Local Economy
Government is the biggest part of the job picture in Augusta. The local business group says government work makes up nearly four out of every ten jobs in the region. That includes state offices, courts, and agencies. These jobs tend to be steady.
Health care is another large employer. Maine General’s Alfond Center for Health opened in 2013 and has 192 beds. The University of Maine at Augusta has been part of the city since 1965. Central Maine Power also has offices in Augusta.
If you do not work for the state or in health care, think about your commute before you choose a home. Waterville, Lewiston, and many smaller towns are within commuting distance. Augusta’s central location keeps most of those drives under an hour.
Things to Do in Augusta, Maine
Augusta has more history and outdoor space than many people expect. You can tour the State House in the morning and walk a river trail in the afternoon. Here are some of the places new residents tend to visit first.
History and Government
The Maine State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch. Its cornerstone was laid in 1829, and lawmakers first met there in 1832. The Maine State Museum is part of the State House complex and is a good rainy day trip for families. Nearby, the Blaine House was built in 1833 and has been the home of Maine’s governor since 1920. On the east side of the river, Old Fort Western dates back to 1754 and calls itself America’s oldest wooden garrison.
Parks and Trails
The Kennebec River Rail Trail runs 6.5 miles from Augusta’s waterfront through Hallowell and Farmingdale to Gardiner. It is a popular route for walking, running, and biking. Viles Arboretum covers 224 acres, and its trails are open all year from sunrise to sunset. Capitol Park sits between the State House and the river. The Bond Brook Recreation Area covers about 270 acres near the Augusta Civic Center.
Downtown Water Street
Water Street is Augusta’s historic downtown along the river. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a district in 2017, with buildings dating from 1835 to 1957. Most buildings have shops on the street level and offices or apartments above. Some older offices downtown have been turned into new apartments, which gives renters more choices close to the river.
Augusta Neighborhoods and Nearby Towns
Augusta is not a huge city, but the area you choose still shapes your daily life. The river splits the city into a few clear areas. Here is a simple way to think about where to live:
- West side: This is home to the State House, the Blaine House, and many older homes. You are close to state offices and downtown.
- East side: Across the river, you will find Old Fort Western, city offices on Cony Street, and many residential streets.
- Downtown and Water Street: A good fit if you want to rent an apartment and walk to the river, shops, and the rail trail.
- Nearby towns: Hallowell, Manchester, Sidney, Vassalboro, Windsor, and Chelsea all border Augusta. Gardiner and Winthrop are also a short drive away.
Some people who work in Augusta live in a nearby town instead, for more land or a smaller school. Hallowell, just south of Augusta, has its own small downtown on the river and sits right on the rail trail. Drive each area at rush hour before you decide. It is the easiest way to see what your daily commute will feel like.
Schools in Augusta
Augusta Public Schools runs four elementary schools: Farrington, Gilbert, Hussey, and Lincoln. Older students go to Cony Middle and High School, which serves grades 7 through 12. The district also runs the Capital Area Technical Center, which offers hands on career classes for high school students.
For college, the University of Maine at Augusta offers degree programs close to home. If you have kids, contact the district early so you know which school they will attend. You can also ask what papers you need to register, like proof of address and school records.
Is Augusta, Maine a Good Place to Live? The Honest Pros and Cons
Augusta is a good fit for a lot of people, but it is not for everyone. Here is an honest look at both sides so you can decide for yourself. Think about your job, your family, and the kind of weekends you enjoy.
Pros of living in Augusta:
- Steady jobs in government and health care
- A central spot with easy drives to Lewiston, Waterville, and Portland
- Lots of trails, parks, and river views
- Real history, from the State House to Old Fort Western
- A smaller city feel than Portland
Cons of living in Augusta:
- A long winter parking ban that lasts from mid November to mid April
- Fewer restaurants and nightlife choices than Portland
- A longer drive to the ocean than in coastal towns
- A job market that leans heavily on government and health care
If you want a calm, central home base with steady jobs and a lot of green space, Augusta is worth a close look. If you want a busy food scene and beaches nearby, Portland or a coastal town may suit you better.
City Rules to Know Before Moving Day
A few city rules can affect your move, and the winter parking ban is the big one. It is easy to miss if you are new to town. Here is what to know so your first week goes smoothly.
- Winter parking ban: From November 15 to April 15, you cannot park on any city street from 10 PM to 7 AM unless you register with the Augusta Police Department. Plan where your car will go at night before you move in.
- Trash: The city picks up trash at the curb each week. Use tied bags or covered cans, and keep each one under 30 pounds.
- Car registration: Register your car and pay excise tax at the City Treasury office on Cony Street. The city offers one stop registration, including plates. Maine gives new residents 30 days to register.
If you are moving between November and April, our guide to winter moving in Maine can help you plan for snow, ice, and short days.
Tips for Moving to Augusta
A little planning goes a long way when you move to Augusta. Most problems on moving day come from parking, stairs, and weather. Here are a few tips we share with our Augusta customers.
- Book early. Spring and summer are the busiest times for movers in Maine. Our guide on how far in advance to book movers in Maine explains when to call.
- Ask about stairs and parking. Apartments above Water Street shops may have stairs and tight halls. Ask your landlord where a moving truck can park.
- Start early in winter. Days are short, and the parking ban starts at 10 PM. A morning start keeps your move in daylight.
- Label boxes by room. This helps our crew put each box in the right place on the first trip.
- Set up your basics. Plan power, internet, and mail forwarding a few weeks ahead so they are ready when you arrive.
- Use a checklist. Our free moving checklist shows what to do and when, so small jobs do not slip through the cracks.
Conclusion
Augusta, Maine is a good place to live if you want steady work, a central location, and lots of trails and history. It has its own public schools, a college campus, and a downtown along the river. The trade offs are a long winter parking ban and a quieter scene than Portland. If those work for you, Augusta can be a good home base.
At Gordon’s Moving, we are a family owned company based in Lewiston, just about 35 minutes from the capital. We have helped Maine families move since 1993, and Kennebec County is one of our main service areas. We can handle everything from packing services to unloading in your new home. Learn more about our movers in Augusta, Maine, then contact us for a free in-person estimate. We will help you plan a move that fits your dates and your new home.