Auburn ME

Auburn, ME – Nestled in the heart of Maine's beautiful Androscoggin River Valley, Auburn combines small-town charm with natural beauty and a deep sense of community. Whether you're exploring its picturesque parks, enjoying local festivals, or taking a paddle on the river, Auburn offers year-round activities in a peaceful setting. With a rich history and welcoming vibe, it's a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the best of Maine living.

• Population: ~24,000
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (10-30°F); warm summers (60-85°F); colorful fall foliage.
• Places To Visit: Mount Apatite Park, Festival Plaza, Auburn Riverwalk, Museum L-A, Lake Auburn.
• Top Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing at Lost Valley, attending the Great Falls Balloon Festival.
• Famous Food: Whoopie pies, fresh lobster rolls, Moxie soda, and classic New England clam chowder.

Auburn, ME is a growing community in the heart of Androscoggin County. With industries rooted in manufacturing, healthcare, and education, the city supports a wide range of job opportunities. Its strong local economy and access to nearby urban centers make it an attractive place for workers and families.

Top 5 Jobs in Auburn, ME

Auburn, ME may be a small city, but it offers great spots for students to unwind, take a break from their studies, and have fun. Whether you enjoy nature, delicious food, or cozy social settings, Auburn has something for you.

Auburn Riverwalk – This scenic trail along the Androscoggin River is perfect for walking, jogging, or simply relaxing by the water. It's a great spot to enjoy the beauty of nature and clear your mind.

Lost Valley – For those who love skiing and snowboarding in the winter or mountain biking and hiking trails in the warmer months, Lost Valley offers an adventurous escape. It’s an ideal spot for outdoor fun with friends.

Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub – A local favorite, this pub offers a laid-back atmosphere with great food and drinks. It's a perfect spot for some weekend fun with its warm ambiance and friendly crowd.

Corner Brew – If you’re a coffee lover, this place is your go-to for a cozy setting paired with great coffee and pastries. It’s the perfect location for chatting with friends or getting lost in a good book.

Festival Plaza – Located in the heart of downtown Auburn, this vibrant spot hosts events, concerts, and festivals. Whether you’re catching live music or simply lounging in the plaza, it’s a lively place to hang out.

Tabers Golf and Restaurant – Enjoy a round of mini golf or hit the driving range at this fun spot. Follow it up with classic American fare in the restaurant, all with a picturesque view over Lake Auburn.

Auburn, ME, though a smaller city, is part of a region with robust access to quality education. Nearby public and private colleges provide students with academic diversity, hands-on training, and career-focused programs. The area boasts strong community college options and private institutions focused on liberal arts, health sciences, and applied technology.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Auburn, ME

Central Maine Community College (CMCC) – Located right in Auburn, CMCC offers a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs in healthcare, business, technical trades, and liberal arts. It is known for affordability, hands-on training, and strong job placement support.

University of Southern Maine (USM) – Lewiston-Auburn College – This campus is a regional branch of USM, providing bachelor's and graduate programs. It focuses on adult and non-traditional learners with flexible, community-driven education in areas such as leadership, health studies, and public policy.

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) – Lewiston Center – UMA extends access to bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs in social sciences, business, and cybersecurity through its Lewiston center. It is a top choice for online learning and adult students seeking career advancement.

Kennebec Valley Community College – While based in Fairfield, this college serves students in the greater Auburn area. It is especially known for its healthcare, renewable energy, and trades programs that align with Maine’s workforce needs.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) – With multiple campuses and strong online coursework, SMCC provides Auburn-area students access to in-demand programs in marine science, culinary arts, fire science, and more. It emphasizes affordability and job readiness.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Auburn, ME

Bates College – Located in neighboring Lewiston, Bates is a highly ranked liberal arts college known for academic excellence, rigorous curriculum, and a strong commitment to equity and social justice. It offers a personalized learning experience and a rich academic community.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – A Catholic liberal arts college located in Standish and accessible to Auburn students, Saint Joseph’s offers both on-campus and online programs in nursing, education, business, and theology. It stands out for its student-centered approach and career-oriented degrees.

The Landing School – Though located in Arundel, this private school provides specialized programs in boat building, marine systems, and yacht design. It draws students from across Maine, including Auburn, who are interested in niche, skilled trades education.

Beal University – Situated in Bangor but accessible online, Beal University offers career-focused programs in medical assisting, business, and information technology. Known for flexible scheduling and support services, it's a practical choice for working students in the Auburn area.

Hebrew College (Remote and Hybrid Access) – While based in Massachusetts, Hebrew College provides theology and Jewish studies programs accessible to Maine students through hybrid and online formats, offering options for those pursuing religious leadership and education degrees.

Auburn, ME offers excellent educational opportunities through both public and private high schools. These schools are known for their academic standards, dedicated staff, and supportive learning environments that prepare students for higher education and future careers.

Top Public High Schools In Auburn, ME

• Edward Little High School – The main public high school in Auburn, it offers a wide variety of courses, including Advanced Placement options, and supports strong extracurricular programs in athletics, music, and the arts.
• Lewiston High School – Located in neighboring Lewiston, this school serves many Auburn-area students. It features a diverse student body and offers college prep courses and career and technical education through partnerships with local institutions.
• Lisbon High School – A smaller public school nearby, known for its close-knit community and strong academic focus. Students benefit from small class sizes and individual attention.
• Poland Regional High School – Just a short drive from Auburn, this school provides a well-rounded education and has made strides in academic performance and technology integration.
• Oak Hill High School – Located in Wales, ME, and serving some Auburn-area families, it emphasizes community involvement and offers solid academic programs and competitive athletics.

Top Private High Schools In Auburn, ME

• Saint Dominic Academy – With a campus in Auburn for grades 7–12, this Catholic school combines faith-based education with academics, athletics, and service learning. Its small class sizes support personalized learning.
• Wayfinder Schools – Located nearby in New Gloucester, this accredited private alternative high school supports students who have struggled in traditional settings. It emphasizes personal growth and life skills for success after graduation.
• Hebron Academy – A prestigious private boarding school located in nearby Hebron, ME. Known for its rigorous academics, international student body, and advanced athletic and arts programs.
• Gould Academy – Though slightly further in Bethel, ME, it attracts Auburn-area families. This boarding and day school offers a strong college-prep curriculum, extensive outdoor programs, and personalized college counseling.
• North Yarmouth Academy – Located about 40 minutes from Auburn, this private school is recognized for academic excellence, enriching extracurriculars, and small student-teacher ratios that support individual success.

Auburn, Maine is a small city nestled in the Androscoggin County region, sharing a metropolitan area with neighboring Lewiston. While it does not host any major professional sports teams like larger cities, the area has a strong and passionate connection to regional athletics, especially semi-professional and minor league teams. Residents often support nearby teams in Portland and other parts of Maine and New England.

🏒 Hockey – Maine Nordiques (NAHL)

• Maine Nordiques – Based in nearby Lewiston, just minutes from Auburn, the Maine Nordiques play in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), a Tier II junior hockey league. The team plays its home games at the historic Androscoggin Bank Colisée. The Nordiques provide a platform for young, talented players hoping to reach collegiate and professional hockey levels.

⚾ Baseball – Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB)

• Portland Sea Dogs – While not located in Auburn, the Sea Dogs are just a 45-minute drive south in Portland. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Since their founding in 1994, the Sea Dogs have helped develop many future MLB stars, including Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Dustin Pedroia. Their home games are played at Hadlock Field, a popular summer destination for families and sports fans across southern Maine.

⚽ Soccer – Eastern Maine Sports Teams & Amateur Leagues

• While there are no professional soccer teams in Auburn itself, the region enjoys strong youth and amateur soccer programs through local clubs and schools. These leagues serve as the foundation of the area's soccer culture, encouraging player development and community participation.

🏀 Basketball – Maine Celtics (NBA G League)

• Maine Celtics – Formerly known as the Maine Red Claws, the Maine Celtics are the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. They are based in Portland and give basketball fans throughout southern and central Maine—including Auburn—a chance to see up-and-coming talents. Many players from this team go on to play in the NBA.

🏈 Football – Regional and High School Traditions

• Auburn does not have a professional football team, but it is home to the legendary Edward Little High School football program. The area's football culture thrives at the high school level, with intense rivalries and community support. For higher levels, Auburn residents often back the New England Patriots, who play just over two hours away in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Though Auburn, Maine is not a major professional sports hub, it celebrates sports through close ties with regional teams, local traditions, and talented youth programs. These connections keep the spirit of professional-level competition alive in this vibrant New England town.

Auburn, Maine is a charming city nestled in the heart of New England. Known for its rich mill history, scenic beauty, and welcoming community, Auburn has plenty of interesting tidbits that make it stand out. Here are some fun facts about this hidden gem of a city:

1. City of Twin Cities – Auburn is part of the “Twin Cities” with Lewiston, its neighbor right across the Androscoggin River.
2. Shoe Capital – In the 19th and 20th centuries, Auburn was known as one of the top shoe manufacturing centers in the U.S.
3. Lake Auburn’s Beauty – Despite being the city’s water supply, Lake Auburn is a breathtaking spot for a peaceful drive or picture-perfect view.
4. Festival Fun – Auburn celebrates every summer with the Great Falls Balloon Festival, where hot air balloons decorate the sky.
5. Bicentennial Pioneer – Auburn was officially incorporated in 1842, just before Maine's own centennial celebration decades later.
6. Famous Foliage – Every fall, Auburn's tree-filled neighborhoods light up with some of the most colorful foliage in New England.
7. Ice Skating Rinks Galore – Auburn is known for its love of hockey and skating, boasting multiple winter rinks and the popular Norridgewock Outdoor Skating Rink.
8. Maine's First Car Dealership – Auburn was home to one of Maine's earliest car dealerships, kick-starting a century of automotive history.
9. High-Flying Past – During WWII, a part of the Auburn airport was used for training Allied pilots.
10. Historic Grand Trunk Station – The Grand Trunk Railroad Station in Auburn once connected locals to cities all the way to Canada.