So you’ve seen breathtaking photos of Acadia National Park or the waterfront homes in Cape Cod, and now you’re daydreaming about life in the Northeast. You’re in luck—we’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in New England based on Niche.com ratings and research of renter preferences to make your lifestyle switch easier!
New England consists of six states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Each of these states has a distinct culture and role in American history. Whether you want to live near the historic cobblestone streets in Boston or the lighthouses in Maine, New England has something for you.
The ten best coastal towns in New England are:
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Camden, Maine
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Mystic, Connecticut
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Portland, Maine
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Rockport, Massachusetts
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Known for its fresh seafood, adorable cottages, and Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a popular vacation destination and the crown jewel of the state.
But Bar Harbor is more than just a tourist spot. The town offers a small-town New England feel within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. While Bar Harbor can be a quiet area in the tourist off-season, there are plenty of community events in and around Bar Harbor to build community among the locals.
Camden, Maine
Like Bar Harbor, Camden is a popular vacation spot for Northerners. This small boating community sits on Penobscot Bay and hosts stunning historic architecture. While it caters to tourists in the summer, the locals enjoy a rich community year-round. The Camden Opera House and Camden International Film Festival offer excellent entertainment options for both locals and visitors, and events at the Camden Public Library help foster community.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
When you think of New England living, you probably think of Cape Cod. This hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts dates back to the 17th century, according to The New York Times Archives, but its coastal charm is timeless. Enjoy the sea breeze while walking through downtown areas or snacking on a lobster roll.
Places to live in Cape Cod include waterfront apartment communities, charming townhomes, and, of course, Cape Cod-style houses. Explore the neighborhoods of Hyannis, Nantucket, and Provincetown to find the perfect place for you.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a small village at the intersection of Groton and Stonington, Connecticut known for its maritime and shipbuilding history. The town is bisected by the Mystic River, which provides fishing and boating opportunities that add to Mystic’s nautical culture.
Despite Mystic’s quiet, small-town atmosphere, there’s plenty for visitors and locals to do. Enjoy the historic aspect of Mystic in areas like Downtown Mystic and Olde Mistick Village. Learn more about Mystic’s maritime history at the Mystic Seaport Museum and see marine life like beluga whales and African penguins at the Mystic Aquarium. For a slice of cinema history, visit the Mystic Pizza restaurant that inspired the 1988 movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts.
New Haven, Connecticut
Best known as the home of Yale University, New Haven is a pedestrian-friendly city in Connecticut that can fulfill all your dreams of New England living! Known for its pizza—called “apizza”—New Haven has it all: culture, coast, history, and a world-renowned Ivy League university.
Places to live in New Haven are perfectly tailored for different lifestyles. The Fair Haven neighborhood is a popular suburban area that locals love for its walkable streets. East Rock is a quiet neighborhood surrounded by nature views and close to Yale University. Dwight is a historic area known for its Victorian-style homes.
Newport, Rhode Island
Known as the sailing capital of the world, Newport is an upscale area of Rhode Island located on the southern end of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. The city’s location along Narragansett Bay makes it the perfect place to try clam chowder and fresh fish.
Newport itself is a quiet area perfect for those seeking a relaxing coastal lifestyle, but its residents are never bored. Providence is just a short drive away and has plenty of attractions, including community events at Roger Williams Park and the famous WaterFire festivals. Nearby cities like Mystic, Connecticut and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, make for great weekend getaways.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is arguably one of the most prominent cities in American history, founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower. The Pilgrims suffered through a brutal first winter before finding allies in the native people. Samoset, a member of the Abenaki tribe, and Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet Wampanoags, played crucial roles in the Pilgrims’ survival. The Pilgrims celebrated a successful first year in Plymouth and their friendship with the Wampanoags with a feast in the fall of 1621, which we now recognize as the first Thanksgiving. Visit Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II at Pilgrim Memorial State Park to learn more about the city’s history.
Today, Plymouth is the quintessential New England town. Rows of Federal- and Colonial Revival-style buildings line walkable streets in Downtown Plymouth, and Cape Cod-style houses are common in the outskirts along Cape Cod Bay.
Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, is an eclectic peninsula on Casco Bay known for its fishing industry and more than 60 lighthouses. Don’t let its historic architecture fool you—Portland is a trendy and artistic city full of coffee shops, brewpubs, and art galleries housed in repurposed buildings. Explore Portland’s arts scene at the Portland Museum of Art in the Arts District or at the Merrill Auditorium in City Center.
The Old Port and West Bayside neighborhoods are both popular areas of Downtown Portland with walkable streets and local shops and restaurants. For a more suburban experience, check out the Riverton and North Deering neighborhoods, two areas further inland.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth lives up to its name with its location along the Piscataqua River, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. Its location near both a river and an ocean creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other New England cities. Stroll through the historic streets of Market Square and watch as ships sail out of Portsmouth Harbor.
Rentals in Portsmouth give renters a small-town New England feel regardless of where they live. Condos in historic buildings and Georgian-style homes are popular in Downtown Portsmouth, where renters can live walking distance from city staples like Prescott Park and The Music Hall. For a more suburban feel, check out Portsmouth’s neighborhoods further inland.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport’s trademark is Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack on Bradley Wharf. Built in 1884, Motif No. 1 has become an iconic symbol of Rockport thanks to its status as a popular subject for painters. The shack is so beloved among the locals that it had its own community event on May 18, 2024.
Rockport is also famous for its beautiful beaches despite its location in the Northeast. Cape Hedge Beach, Long Beach, and Front Beach are three local favorites for swimming and sunbathing. Rentals in Rockport often feature stunning waterfront views, offering renters the perks of New England living with proximity to beaches you won’t find anywhere else up North.
Honorable mentions
Brunswick, Maine
Looking for a hidden gem? Check out Brunswick, Maine, a small college town centered around Bowdoin College. Brunswick is tucked between Merrymeeting Bay and Maquoit Bay several miles north of Portland. Its location between several bodies of water makes it an ideal coastal destination; enjoy boat rides in the summer and naturally-formed ice skating rinks in the winter!
Brunswick may be a quiet area, but it’s never lacking in things to do. Visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, where the antislavery author lived for a short time and wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is free to the public and features more than 20,000 items in its permanent collection, and the Maine State Music Theatre hosts Broadway-level performances.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is more of a lakeside town than a seaside town, but its culture is coastal. Residents in Burlington enjoy the best of both worlds—Lake Champlain is perfect for boating and the nearby Eagle Mountain has amazing hiking trails.
There’s no bad place to live in Burlington. Downtown Burlington is a walkable area full of local restaurants and shops near the University of Vermont, Old North End has sprawling parks and upscale rentals, and South End offers charming homes on residential streets.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Meet Rhode Island’s historic beach town along the Atlantic Ocean: Narragansett! Named after the Narragansett Indian tribe, this little town is packed with history, entertainment, and beach views. Roger Wheeler State Beach and Scarborough State Beach are two popular spots for sunbathing and swimming, and Camp Cronin Fishing Area is a great spot for fishing. Point Judith, a small cape in Narragansett, connects Narragansett to neighboring cities and is home to the Point Judith Lighthouse.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Initially settled in 1635 by English colonists, Newburyport has a rich maritime history. Its location along the Merrimack River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean, made it an ideal spot for shipbuilding and trading. Newburyport is also said to be the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, according to the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Living in Newburyport offers renters an idyllic riverfront experience, from townhomes and apartments in Downtown Newburyport to condos next door to Maudslay State Park. Explore the area’s local restaurants and bars overlooking the Merrimack River or take a day trip to the Salisbury Salt Marsh Wildlife Management Area for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Westport, Connecticut
Discover the best of everything in Westport, Connecticut! Westport caters to everyone’s tastes; the city is equal parts coastal, suburban, upscale, historic, and outdoorsy. Whatever you’re looking for, Westport has it.
Check out the weekly Westport Farmers Market, where you can stock up on your fresh produce, meat, and seafood from local vendors. Catch a show at the Westport Country Playhouse or attend a summer concert at the Levitt Pavilion. For a day outdoors, enjoy the ocean views at Sherwood Beach or register for a nature program at Earthplace.
The Saugatuck neighborhood is an upscale area that sits along the Long Island Sound. Greens Farms strikes a balance between the coast and the suburbs, with half of the neighborhood overlooking Mill Creek and the other half tucked inland. The Old Hill neighborhood offers historic homes and modern condo buildings close to all the city’s happenings.
Ready to Make the Move?
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