| It certainly is not Florida, but Brunswick,
Maine (population 15,000) appeals to retirees for a number
of reasons, including its scenic waterfront locale,
classic New England character, traditional roots,
excellent seafood, very low crime rate and high quality of
life. Founded in 1628, Brunswick is a sleepy seaport
(tourists manage to find it if they venture north of
Portland) and sits at the head of Casco Bay on Maine's
mid-coast. It is also home to prestigious Bowdin
College, a small liberal arts institution. Of
Brunswick's population, 21% is age 45 to 64, and 16% is
age 65 or above. |
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The average cost of living in Brunswick is roughly 5%
above the national average, but home prices are higher than
that; the median price for a three bedroom, two bath home
with 1,500 to 1,800 sq. ft. is about $250,000. The
town is populated with historic properties and has several
historic districts, the most well known being the
Pennellville Historic District, named after a prosperous
18th- and 19th-century family of shipbuilders. This
section of town is a wonderful showcase of sea captains'
mansions built in the Greek Revival, Federal and Italianate
architectural styles. These beautiful waterfront
properties are some of the most expensive homes in all of
Maine. |
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Brunswick residents' homes are assessed at 60% of
fair market value and then taxed $22.54 per $1,000 of value.
The annual taxes on a $250,000 home would be $3,380 without any
exemptions, but the following exemptions are available.
Property owners who have lived in Maine at least 12 months receive
an exemption of $13,000 on the assessed value of their home.
A Veteran exemption of $5,000 is available to those who served
during a recognized war period, are 62 years or older, are
receiving 100% disability as a veteran or became 100% disabled
while serving. A blind exemption of $4,000 is
available to those who are legally blind.
Eligible Maine residents may also receive a partial refund of
property taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence under
the Circuit Breaker program.
This is an
interactive map. Click on the arrows in the upper left hand
corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs to zoom in
and out. Social Security is exempt from
state income tax. There is also a $6,000 exemption for
pension income, but not IRAs, minus amount of
Social Security benefit. Out-of-state government pensions
qualify for the $6,000 exemption. Single
or head of household over 65 receives a $1,250 exemption; with one
spouse over 65 it is $950. If both are over 65, it is
$1,900. The
sales tax rate is 5%. Brunswick,
Maine, Continued...
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