Hampden, ME • 207-862-5611

Hampden, Maine (pop. 4,100) offers a fresh approach to the rural town. Perhaps it's the neat shops that dot the town square, the well-kept homes, or the lovely residential developments. Yet, Hampden also has a strong sense of history that you can't miss.
Locals are well aware of its two most famous residents, activist Dorothea Dix and Vice President Hannibal Hamlin. But its sense of history is also closely tied to the Penobscot River, which serves as the town's southeast border. While the schooners and steamships no longer transport goods and lumber in and out of the bay, pleasure craft, coming from two Hampden marinas, are still a common sight in the summer months.
Located adjacent to the cities of Bangor and Brewer, Hampden is a sought-after address for young families. It is no surprise that Hampden schools achieve high academic standards and are a centerpiece for community involvement. Hampden Academy, the local high school, has some noteworthy alums, including NASCAR driver Ricky Craven and baseball pro Mike Bordick; novelist Stephen King once taught english at Hampden Academy. These days the school is also known for churning out an array of champion athletes, thespians, and scholars.
Its diverse neighbors offer Hampden a beautiful way of life. Drive a few minutes north and you're in the bustling city of Bangor, with its major shopping, culture, education and healthcare opportunities. Cross the bridge, and Brewer offers even more shopping and employment opportunities. Yet follow the river south, and you'll meet the quiet, quaint towns and villages of Winterport, Frankfort, and Prospect. If you're a horse lover, gentleman farmer, or simply love wide-open spaces, drive down Route 202 for a taste of rural Maine at its best.