With a population of 31,921 as of 2021, Bangor is one of Maine’s most populous cities, falling behind Portland and Lewiston in total population. This metropolitan area serves as a hub for surrounding towns, offering food, entertainment, job opportunities, and outdoor entertainment.
1. Food-Lovers Paradise
We can’t even begin to list all the foot options in Bangor. Are you looking for breakfast? There are countless restaurants to choose from. Fresh bread or delis? You’re in the right town. Lobster rolls or pizza? We can list dozens of spots. No matter the craving, you will find something with your tastebuds begging for seconds in Bangor.
2. Boutique Shopping
Shopping in downtown Bangor is an adventure. Small boutiques and thrift shops make downtown Bangor a bargain-hunters paradise, alongside cute specialty shops like The Rock and Art Shop that are truly unique.
If you’re looking to buy something, downtown Bangor has you covered. From old records and vintage clothing to Maine trinkets and souvenirs, you’ll surely discover a new favorite store every time you visit downtown Bangor.
3. Nearby Parks and Lakes
Bangor is full of parks and lakes just waiting for exploration. We’re not kidding when we say it would take a whole second article to explore all the outdoor venues around Bangor, which is why we’ve organized several to cover all the lakes, golf courses, disc golf courses, and more that make Bangor truly special. If you’re looking for fun in the sun, Bangor has you more than covered.
4. Launchpad for International Travel
Bangor International Airport (BGR) keeps Bangor connected to the rest of the world thanks to international and national flight options. While heading out from Bangor usually requires a quick flight change around Newark, this airport prides itself on getting you to your destination.
If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by airport travel, Bangor will be a breath of fresh air thanks to only having four gates and an adorable gift shop perfect for whittling away pre-travel jitters. If you want to get out and explore the world, this airport is a great launchpad; just be sure to come home to Maine soon.
5. Access to Higher Learning
Bangor has two universities and is closely located near the University of Maine Orono, making it a great location for higher learning. Eastern Maine Community College makes its home nearby Bangor shopping centers, allowing students to attend class and head into the shops for a quick lunch.
Located just down the road, Husson University has gained a name for itself as a nursing college in Maine but teaches more than just lifesaving at its esteemed college. And, of course, who could leave out The University of Maine Orono, complete with all the hocket your heart could desire (as well as learning opportunities, we suppose)?
6. Big-Name Stores Galore
If you’ve gotten your fill of boutique shopping and want to buy home essentials, why not check out some of the big-name stores around Bangor? With Walmart, Target, Staples, and more all within driving distance of downtown Bangor, you will surely find everything you need. Clothing stores like Old Navy and Khols also make their home here, as does an L.L. Bean outlet store (which, free tip, always has something on sale).
Of course, there’s no shortage of craft stores, with Michaels and Jo-Anne Fabrics competing for reigning champion of best yarn collection, and both Home Depot and Lowes help carry on Maine’s “I can do it myself” spirit.
7. High-End Library
The Bangor Public Library has been around since 1883. Before that time, the library was relegated to an old box in the local publishing office that sometimes lent out books. Today, the library has recently been renovated, adding a dining area and a completely redone children’s place on the top floor. The impressive dome at the top of this building can be seen from all around Bangor, and with countless new books, movies, and pieces of Maine history packed into one building, you could spend all day perusing the stacks here.
As a tip, check out some of their interlibrary loan offerings to get books from all around Maine, ensuring you can get your hands on your favorite books, whether in Presque Isle or Bath.
8. Concert Central
We all know looking for a concert in Maine can be challenging. With the Bangor Waterfront, you can rock out with big-name artists from around the world, all in the heart of Bangor. Some of the biggest country stars make their way to the Bangor Waterfront, not to mention artists like The Lumineers, Nickleback, and Train, and that’s just this coming August!
We’re not kidding when we say these concerts will knock your socks off. While you’ve got to be prepared for the rush on I-95 after one of these stellar shows let out, imagine seeing The Lumineers in concert only a few miles from where you live. There’s nothing better than that.
9. Commuter-Friendly Central Parking
Downtown Bangor is home to one of the largest parking garages around (outside of Northern Light Hospital, of course), and the newly built bus depot right outside the parking garage allows commuters to head into Bangor before heading out all across the area. Bus lines crisscross metropolitan centers, allowing you to hitch a ride to shopping hubs or even head to the University of Maine for some classes.
Here’s a local secret: the public parking lot across from the Bangor Library offers free parking for the first hour and is nearby to countless restaurants, including the famed Bagel Central. If you’re looking to avoid parallel parking and want to pick up your lunch in a hurry, this parking lot is a real lifesaver.
Those without cars can explore downtown Bangor on foot thanks to pedestrian-friendly signal lights made to keep Bangor walkable, so you can explore everything Bangor has to offer without jumping in your car or struggling for parking.
10. Hospital Access
Bangor has several hospitals in and around the area, the largest being Northern Light Hospital (formerly Eastern Maine Medical Center). Northern Light has clinics and offices all across Bangor and works closely with independent providers to offer competent medical care to Mainers all across the state.
Whether you’re looking for a checkup, need a new PCP, or have surgery scheduled, the staff at Nothern Light Hospital are friendly and welcoming and work diligently to treat everyone who comes through their doors. Patients from around the state make their way to Bangor for some of the best treatment, making it a great place to settle down.
11. Centrally Located
Located in Central Maine, Bangor is arguably at the heart of it all. Musicians and performers all add Bangor to their must-play list, while flights heading out of Bangor have as much range as those taking off further south. Bangor places you at the heart of a bustling metropolis and is a hub for surrounding areas, allowing you to live and work only a few miles apart. In a state where everything feels like a two hours drive, Bangor allows you to be close to the action, whether at home or away.
As a bonus, real estate in Bangor is lower than other areas in the state (especially those down south). This pricing means you can live and work in Bangor for less without committing to living in the middle of nowhere like some other areas of Maine.
12. Get Your Kicks on I-95
Bangor covers several exits all along the I-95, Maine’s central highway. Bangor acts like a launchpad to explore the rest of the state. Whether heading up North towards Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin or heading south toward Augusta, Portland, and Kittery, Bangor is right along that main arterial road, making a road trip that much easier.
As another bonus, access to this major highway makes commuting a breeze. No matter where you live and work in Bangor, you’re only a few turns away from this major highway, truly challenging the Maine adage, “you can’t get there from here.”
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