For our 2020 Best Places to Live feature, we asked some of the Down East staff and contributors what makes their town great. Here’s what staff photographer Benjamin Williamson had to say.
What I Love
The historic mills and bridges, hot dogs and fish tacos from food trucks on the mall, the architecture and big old trees and museums on the Bowdoin College campus. Also, the proximity to the fishing villages and summer tourist enclaves of Harpswell, which are just down the road but can feel like worlds apart.
What I Miss
I know there may be more artistic or career opportunities in Boston or New York or even Portland. Brunswick falls somewhere between the super tight-knit community of a small town and the bustle of a city — and that’s either a drawback or what makes it special, depending on your perspective.
Where You’ll Find Me
I’ve taken near-daily walks on pastoral Pennellville Road for almost 20 years, passing old farms and captains’ homes. In the winter, I cross-country ski out my back door onto the trails at the Kate Furbish Preserve. Of course, we hang out downtown: my 2-year-old daughter loves going to the Rumpus Room, an indoor play place, and Little Tokyo is our go-to for weeknight takeout.
| Population | 20,523 |
| Median age | 44 |
| Median household income | $58,125 |
| Families living below the poverty line | 4.5% |
| Walk Score | 93/100 |
| GreatSchools rating average | 7.7/10 |
See the rest of this year’s Best Places to Live in Maine!
