Biddeford, Maine

Mill City Renaissance

Overview

Biddeford is the youngest city in Maine (by median age) and the site of a dramatic revitalization. The massive brick textile mills that line the Saco River, once vacant, are now bustling with makers, breweries, tech companies, and apartments. The city combines this urban energy with a stunning coastline at Biddeford Pool and Fortune's Rocks.

Key Facts

Population 22,552

Region Southern Maine

County York

Founded 1616

Nearest City Portland (25 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Biddeford Is Known For

Biddeford Local Highlights

Mill District Revitalization

A textbook example of how to repurpose industrial history into a modern cultural and economic engine.

Palace Diner

A tiny 15-seat railcar diner that has received national acclaim (including from Bon Appétit) for its elevated comfort food.

Biddeford Pool

A large tidal pool and historic summer colony offering quiet beaches and a bird sanctuary.

University of New England (UNE)

Home to the seaside campus of this growing private university known for its health sciences.

Things to Do

Take a Mill Tour

Explore the underground canals and vast floors of the Pepperell Mill Campus.

Eat at Palace Diner

Wait in line for the best tuna melt or flapjacks you will ever have.

Walk the East Point Sanctuary

Enjoy a short, flat hike along the ocean edge at the Audubon sanctuary in Biddeford Pool.

Sample local craft beer

Visit Banded Brewing or Run of the Mill for fresh pints in historic spaces.

Relax at Fortune's Rocks Beach

Surf or sunbathe at this massive two-mile stretch of sandy beach.

Living in Biddeford

Biddeford is increasingly popular with young professionals and artists priced out of Portland. It offers a walkable downtown, a growing food scene, and access to beautiful beaches.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-80°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 20-35°F

spring

Cool, 45-55°F

fall

Crisp, 50-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Piping Plovers Snowy Owls (in winter at the Pool) Striped Bass

How to Get There

Biddeford is located off I-95 at Exit 32. The Amtrak Downeaster makes daily stops at the Saco-Biddeford station.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Biddeford outline

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biddeford known for?

Biddeford is known for its dramatic mill district revitalization—massive 19th-century textile mills now house breweries, tech companies, restaurants, and apartments. The city also features the nationally acclaimed Palace Diner, beautiful beaches at Fortune's Rocks, and Biddeford Pool with its tidal pool and Audubon sanctuary.

What is Palace Diner?

Palace Diner is a tiny 15-seat railcar diner that has received national acclaim from Bon Appétit and other publications for its elevated comfort food. Expect lines for the famous tuna melt and flapjacks.

What beaches are in Biddeford?

Biddeford offers Fortune's Rocks Beach, a massive two-mile stretch of sandy beach great for surfing and sunbathing, and Biddeford Pool, a historic summer colony with quiet beaches and the East Point Sanctuary for birding.