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Biddeford, ME

Frequently asked questions

Biddeford, ME

Biddeford is a city in York County, Maine, United States. It is the principal commercial center of York County. The twin cities of Saco and Biddeford include the resort communities of Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks. The town is the site of the University of New England and the annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival. First visited by Europeans in 1616, it is the site of one of the earliest European settlements in the United States. It is home to Saint Joseph's Church, the tallest building in Maine.

Biddeford is a principal population center of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

The first European to settle at Biddeford was physician Richard Vines in the winter of 1616–1617 at Winter Harbor, as he called Biddeford Pool. This 1616 landing by a European antedates the Mayflower landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts, (located 100 miles to the south) by about four years, a fact overlooked in much of New England lore. In 1630, the Plymouth Company granted the land south of the River Swanckadocke to Dr. Vines and John Oldham. In 1653, the town included both sides of the river and was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco.

Biddeford was first incorporated as the Town of Saco in 1653. Roger Spencer was granted the right in 1653 to build the first sawmill. Lumber and fish became the community's chief exports. In 1659, Major William Phillips of Boston became a proprietor and constructed a garrison and mill at the falls. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 59.08 square miles (153.02 km2), of which 28.99 square miles (75.08 km2) are covered by water. Situated beside Saco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Biddeford is drained by the Little River and the Saco River. The city proper has very diverse geography, from inland rolling hillside, to urban settlement, to coastal sprawl.

The city is crossed by Interstate 95, U. S. Route 1, and state routes 5, 9, 111, and 208. It is bordered by the city of Saco to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the towns of Dayton and Lyman to the west, and the towns of Kennebunkport and Arundel to the south. The Little River forms a portion of the border between Biddeford and the Goose Rocks neighborhood of Kennebunkport, in Biddeford's most southerly region (Granite Point). East Point, located on the peninsula of Biddeford Pool, is the easternmost point in York County.

Timber Island, the most southerly point in the City of Biddeford, lies in Goosefare Bay at the mouth of the Little River, and is accessible at low tide from Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. The island and most of adjacent Timber Point became part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in December 2011.

The city has almost 15 miles (24 km) of frontage along the Saco River, and an Atlantic coastline on which the seaside neighborhoods of Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks and Granite Point are located. Biddeford includes Wood Island Light, a lighthouse located about a mile offshore from Biddeford Pool.

Health and wellness are integral to the Biddeford community, with the Southern Maine Health Care Center serving as a prominent healthcare provider, offering comprehensive medical services to residents. The city prioritizes outdoor activities, with numerous parks and recreational areas encouraging an active lifestyle. Biddeford's commitment to wellness is further exemplified by initiatives promoting healthy living, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking a balanced and active lifestyle.

The top sites in Biddeford, ME are Biddeford City Theater, Banded Brewing Company Biddeford, and Funtown Splashtown USA.

Population: 22,450 (2022). ZIP Codes: 04005, 04007. Area code: 207. Elevation: 69 ft (21 m). Incorporated: February 10, 1855. Area: 59.08 sq mi (153.02 km2).

FAQs

Is Biddeford, ME a town or city?

Biddeford City, York County, Maine is a city, town, place equivalent, and township located in York County, Maine. In addition to its designation as a city, Biddeford is also considered a town, place equivalent, and township within York County, Maine. This multifaceted classification reflects the city's unique administrative structure and historical development.

What is the crime rate in Biddeford, ME?

With a crime rate of 32 per one thousand residents, Biddeford has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 31. Within Maine, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Biddeford.

Is Biddeford, ME expensive to live in?

Biddeford, Maine's cost of living is 8% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. PayScale's Cost of Living Calculator can help you find out more about how your individual needs will factor in when beginning your research to figure out how much it would cost you to relocate.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Biddeford

Health Grades

Biddeford Maine

Biddeford City Theater 

Banded Brewing Company Biddeford

Funtown Splashtown USA

Data Census

Neighborhood Scout

Payscale

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