Homebuyers are grabbing their winter gear and flocking to far-flung Maine — where they’ve managed to drive up the median home price a bone-chilling 78.5% in just five short years, a new report reveals.
According to freshly published findings from industry news site Pro Tool Reviews, The Pine Tree State has experienced the most significant increase in median home prices of any of the fifty since 2019 — jumping from $219,000 to $391,000.
A lobster boat off the coast of Kennebunkport, Maine — the state’s housing market is undergoing a radical transformation in recent years. AP
The explosive growth comes in spite of the fact that Maine’s population has trickled upward a mere 0.32% since 2008, according to research conducted by Pew Charitable Trust — well below states like Texas (1.52%) and Florida (1.34%), better known for their heated housing markets in recent years.
Advertisement
Maine’s tiny capital, Augusta, experienced the most dramatic change, according to the report.
Neighboring New Hampshire slid into second place on the list, experiencing a 76.4% rise in average residential real estate prices since 2019.
The new wave of northern New England homesteaders don’t appear to be struggling to make their purchases either — The Granite State ranked highest for size of downpayment, boasting $72,750 on average.
Maine is home to one of the world’s most upscale McDonald’s, in the town of Kennebunk. Locations of the Golden Arches in the state are known for serving lobster rolls, the local specialty. Google Reviews
Another state in the region took third place on the overall list — Rhode Island, which experienced a 73% jump.
Meanwhile, the most affordable state for homebuyers right now is Louisiana, where the median home price is just $254,000, researchers revealed.
Advertisement
Texas took second place, followed by Oklahoma, Mississippi and Indiana rounding out the top five.
In a ranking of the most affordable housing markets in the country overall in 2024, Louisiana came in at number one. Bloomberg via Getty Images
In determining what “most affordable” means, Pro Tool Reviews took into account not just the median home price (in which case Oklahoma would take first, with its $240,300 median price tag) but also the average salary, average down payment and the amount of homes in the state that sell for more than their asking price.
“Only 13% of homes in Louisiana sell for over the list price,” the report analysis commented of the Bayou State, where the average salary is $54,134.08,
“This represents the fourth-lowest figure of all states analyzed — 27.3% of homes in the state have their list price lowered before being sold,” researchers said.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
Advertisement
However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
Advertisement
“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.
Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.
Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.
Keon Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Maine Celtics defeated the Windy City Bulls 122-87 in an NBA G League game on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo.
Hason Ward scored 16 points and Jalen Bridges 14 for Maine (13-15), which had seven players score in double digits. Bridges drained four 3-pointers for the Celtics, who shot 13 for 28 (46.4%) from beyond the arc.
Max Shulga dished out 11 assists and scored nine points.
Maine led 33-18 after one quarter 72-36 at halftime.
Advertisement
Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 25 points for Windy City (12-12).
