Welcome to Biddeford
Biddeford Historical Overview
Physician Richard Vines established what is possibly the earliest European settlement in Maine in 1616 at Biddeford Pool. Dr. Vines spent the winter of 1616-17 in Biddeford, which is likely why the area was first known as Winter Harbor. The later city of Biddeford, Maine, was probably named after a town in Devon, England.
Proximity to the river set the original course for Biddeford, which began as a mill town, sawing lumber and grinding grain. Later, factories were established to make footwear and textiles, which attracted Irish, Albanian, and French-Canadian immigrants.
For decades, Biddeford has hosted La Kermesse, a large Franco-American festival celebrating the city’s rich French-Canadian heritage with a block party, parade, and more. No longer a mill town, the primary industries in Biddeford today are higher education and health care.
Living in Biddeford
With a population of just over 22,000 people, Biddeford is the largest city in York County. It is separated from the city of Saco (population 20,000+) by the Saco River. A quick 20-minute commute will take you to Maine's largest city, Portland. Biddeford is essentially three cities in one: the downtown with its historic mill buildings, the campus of the University of New England, and Biddeford Pool, which sits directly on the ocean. It is separated from the city of Saco (population 20,000+) by the Saco River.
Biddeford's downtown is being reimagined with entrepreneurial and artistic communities bringing a modern vibe to an old city. One million square feet of mill space is being developed for mixed-use real estate. The city has been designated as a Main Street Maine Community, bringing in public and private investors. People relocating to Biddeford will find that new restaurants continue to spring up, and the city is developing a reputation as a great city for foodies.
But there’s more to the city than just an ever-expanding restaurant and arts scene. Biddeford has beaches, hiking trails, and the beautiful Biddeford City Theater. The theater is a restored Victorian opera house and national landmark, and is the production venue for the University of New England theater.
Want to get in on this emerging gem? Explore Downtown Biddeford or Browse homes for sale in Biddeford, Maine, then give us a call at (207) 351-8188, and let's talk real estate.
