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Orono, ME

Frequently asked questions

Orono, ME

Orono is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. Located on the Penobscot and Stillwater rivers, it was first settled by American colonists in 1774. They named it in honor of Chief Joseph Orono, a sachem of the indigenous Penobscot nation who long occupied this territory.

In the nineteenth century, the town became a center of the lumber industry. Sawmills on the rivers were powered by the water, and logs were floated downriver on the Penobscot for shipping and export from coastal ports.

Since 1865 it has been the location of the University of Maine, established as a land-grant institution and the state's flagship educational institution. In the fall of 2018, the university enrolled 11,404 students at Orono. Not including university residents, the town's population was 11,183 at the 2020 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 19.60 square miles (50.76 km2), of which 18.19 square miles (47.11 km2) is land and 1.41 square miles (3.65 km2) is water. The town is divided by the Stillwater River, a branch of the Penobscot River. It occupies part of Marsh Island, as well as some smaller islands such as Ayers Island, which is surrounded by the Penobscot and the Stillwater rivers, and the remainder of the town is on the mainland. The Orono Dam impounds the Stillwater River at its confluence with the Penobscot River near downtown Orono.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of Orono's community, with Eastern Maine Medical Center serving as a prominent healthcare facility in the region. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the town's natural surroundings through parks and trails. The Pushaw Lake Recreation Area offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Orono prioritizes the well-being of its community members, fostering an environment that encourages both physical and mental health.

The top sites in Orono, ME are Page Farm and Home Museum, Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium, and Alfond Sports Arena.

Population: 11,183 (2020). ZIP Codes: 04473, 04469. Area code: 207. Elevation: 143 ft (44 m). Incorporated: March 12, 1806. Area: 19.60 sq mi (50.76 km2).

FAQs

What is Orono, ME known for?

Thousands of visitors come to Orono each year to visit the University of Maine, including its Collins Center for the Arts, and the Hudson Museum, or to take in a hockey game or other sports event, or to stop in at a shop or restaurant in Downtown Orono or walk the trails along the rivers, many of which are maintained by the Orono Land Trust. The Orono Bog Boardwalk is jointly managed by the Orono Land Trust, the City of Bangor, and the University of Maine. The Boardwalk is 4,200 feet long and traverses a northern peat bog.

Is Orono, Maine expensive to live in?

Orono is 3% less expensive than the national average and 8% less expensive to live in than the average city in Maine. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Orono are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Orono are less affordable than average in the United States. Housing costs in Orono are as affordable as average in the United States. Healthcare costs in Orono are as affordable as the US average.

What is the crime rate in Orono, ME?

According to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime statistics, Orono is safer than 62% of the cities and towns in the US of all population sizes. In Maine, only on the order of 61% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Orono. If you live in Orono, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in the community is 1 in 141. The US average across communities from the largest to the smallest is 1 in 43.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Orono

Eastern Maine Medical Center

Pushaw Lake Recreation Area

Page Farm and Home Museum

Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium 

Alfond Sports Arena

Eri Eri 

Neighborhood Scout

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