Moving to or from Lewiston?
Maine's second-largest city — a former mill town on the Androscoggin River with a deep Franco-American heritage, the largest Somali-American community in northern New England, and Bates College's liberal arts campus in downtown.
- 38,000 City population
- 110,000 Metro area
- 1795 Founded
- Central Maine / Androscoggin Valley Region
Why people move to Lewiston.
- Being Maine's second-largest city after Portland
- Deep Franco-American heritage from 19th-century French-Canadian millworker migration
- One of the largest Somali-American populations in the US
- Bates College — a top-tier liberal arts college in downtown Lewiston
- Former textile-mill heritage along the Androscoggin River
- The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul — one of New England's largest churches
Lewiston has one of the most significant Franco-American communities in New England — waves of French-Canadian immigrants came to work the textile mills in the 1800s, and at one point the city was majority French-speaking. More recently, Lewiston has become home to one of the largest Somali-American populations in the US, with thousands of Somali refugees resettling here since 2001. Both communities have meaningfully shaped the city's food, culture, and demographics.
Where people live in Lewiston.
A quick guide to Lewiston's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown / Lisbon Street
Walkable historic core with restored brick mill buildings and restaurants
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Tree Streets
Historic residential neighborhood with Victorian and early-1900s homes
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Bates College area
Campus-adjacent with mix of faculty housing and student rentals
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Little Canada
Historic French-Canadian immigrant neighborhood near the mills
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Auburn
Sister city across the Androscoggin with residential neighborhoods
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South Lewiston
Newer residential with more suburban feel
Where people spend their time in Lewiston.
- Bates College Campus Central Lewiston
- Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Central Lewiston
- Lewiston-Auburn Railroad Park Downtown
- Franco-American Heritage Center Central Lewiston
- Kennedy Park Downtown
- Androscoggin Riverwalk Along the river
Planning a Lewiston move.
- Lewiston has some of the most affordable housing in Maine; median home prices run 40-50% below Portland
- Winter is severe; plan for weather-buffer days November-March
- Bates College calendar drives rental spikes in August-September and May
- Older mill-era housing stock often needs updated electrical, plumbing, and insulation — budget for upgrades
Moving in Lewiston: FAQ.
Is Lewiston safe?
Crime rates are moderate and have fluctuated over the years, particularly after the October 2023 mass shooting that deeply affected the community. Overall, Lewiston is a working-class city with areas of stability and areas with higher crime rates. Research specific neighborhoods carefully. The aftermath of the 2023 tragedy has included significant community-rebuilding efforts.
What's the Somali community like?
Significant and longstanding. Somali refugees began resettling in Lewiston around 2001, and the community now numbers 5,000-10,000. Somali businesses, mosques, and cultural organizations are integral to downtown Lewiston. The integration has had complexities and moments of tension but has also become a point of civic pride for many long-time residents and a case study in refugee resettlement.
How does Lewiston compare to Portland ME for affordability?
Dramatically more affordable. Median home prices run 40-50% below Portland, and rents are proportionally lower. The trade-off is a smaller job market (Bates College, local healthcare, state government, and manufacturing are the main employers), less robust restaurant scene, and generally lower household incomes. Many remote workers and retirees choose Lewiston for the affordability while visiting Portland periodically for amenities.
Is Bates College a big deal for Lewiston?
Yes — Bates is one of the top liberal arts colleges in New England and a major employer and cultural anchor. Bates events (sports, speakers, concerts) are open to the public. The campus adds to downtown revitalization efforts, and many Bates alumni have stayed in the Lewiston-Auburn area or returned. The college softens the 'mill town' economic base with a stable, educated workforce.
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