Where Is Maine? See Its Map Location and Surrounding State

Maine is the most northeastern state in the country. If you ask people in Europe about the state of Maine, only very few will tell you they’ve heard of it. People in the US know Maine as a state with a lot of forests. But Maine is also known for so many other cool things, including its picturesque landscapes, maple syrup, and even Stephen King! 

Now, people may be able to name a few cool things about Maine, but do people know where it is? Do people know about its neighboring state and the country that is next to it? If you are wondering where Maine is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Maine’s neighboring state, when it officially joined the union, the climate in the state, and other facts about the Pine Tree State.

Where is Maine Located on the Map?

Maine is located in the northeastern United States and in actuality it is the most northeastern state in the country. It is next to Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. With 3,478 miles of coastline, it is one of the longest coastlines in the United States. But where is Maine on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Maine Officially Join the US?

Because Maine is on the eastern seaboard, many people mistakenly think it was part of the original 13 colonies. The truth is Maine wasn’t. It was part of Massachusetts, but in 1820, Mainers decided to secede from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to become their free state. On March 15, 1820, Maine joined the union as a free state, part of what was known as the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise was a congressional law that was passed to balance free and slave states.

Which States Border Maine?

One state borders Maine. New Hampshire is Maine’s neighbor to the south. Maine also borders Canada, which is north of the state. The Atlantic Coast is to the east of Maine. Let’s take a look at the only state that borders the Pine Tree State.

New Hampshire

Nicknamed the Granite State, New Hampshire was the 9th state to enter the union in 1788. It was part of the original 13 colonies. For thousands of years, the Abenaki and Pennacook tribes inhabited the area, but European settlers soon came in and encroached on their land. The French and British fought with one another over the land and soon enough, the British won out. However, in 1776, the colonists claimed their independence and fought the British.

New Hampshire is a densely forested state in the north, next to Canada. As you go south, the state becomes more hilly and finally more lowland as you reach the Atlantic Ocean. When it comes to wildlife, you can find moose and white-tailed deer. In terms of flora, white pines are in abundance, as well as sugar maples and blue oaks. As the Granite State, New Hampshire has granite quarries that earned the state its nickname. You can also find beryl and garnet in the state.

Is Maine a Good Place to Live?

First and foremost, in the age of climate change, air quality is one of the most important things to think about. You don’t want your kids breathing dirty air. Maine has one of the best air qualities in the nation. Crime rates are one of the lowest in the nation, which is great if you have children or want a more safe place. Summers are amazing because the weather is moderate and temperate. You can go hiking, sailing, and fishing — all within a few hour’s distance. You will eat like a king — from lobster to pancakes with maple syrup, it will all be delicious.

Of course, with all good things, there are also cons. Just as summers are amazing, winters are horrid. It’s cold, it snows a lot, and you have to spend most of the time indoors. If you’re a city person, Maine may not be the place for you. There aren’t a lot of things to do if you’re into the hustle and bustle. Maine is best for people who love nature. 

What Is the Climate in Maine?

As stated before, summers are warm in Maine, but winters are cold, very cold. Maine has four seasons, which is nice if you live in a place that only gets two. The reality of the matter is that winters are severe in Maine. They get especially bad in the more inland parts because the Atlantic Ocean warms things up a bit. Just to give you a rough idea, Maine averages about 27 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of winter in January. 

In terms of natural disasters, Maine can get the infamous “nor’easters” during winter every once in a while, which will plummet Maine with snowstorms and a lot of rain. Tropical cyclones or tornadoes are rare in the state.

What Is Maine Most Known For?

Maine is known for its nature. The state of Maine has a lot of outdoor spaces for nature lovers to enjoy. It’s also known as The Pine Tree State because of its beautiful, dense forests. The Appalachian Trail starts in Maine, which means you can go hiking in that area, or explore Acadia National Park by the coast. Bird watching is popular in Maine because there is a diverse amount of birds in the region.

Maine is also known for its lobster. Many of the restaurants around the country that serve lobster are lobster that’s caught in Maine. It’s also known for its maple syrup, as it produces more than 600,000 gallons of it every year. Lastly, if you’d like to relax at the beach, the summers in Maine are glorious and there are thousands of miles of coastline for you to do so.

Facts About Maine

• Capital: Augusta
• Population: 1.3 million
• Governor: Janet Mills
• State animal: Moose (Alces alces)
• State bird: Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
• State flower: White pinecone and tassel (Pinus strobus, Linnaeus)

Conclusion

Maine is truly a beautiful state. Anywhere you go, you will see stunning views — whether you are in the midst of a hike in the dense forests or when you are sailing along the state’s coast. Maine is for the outdoorsy types, but also for the ones who want to relax at the beach during summer without a swarm of people. Those views and that relaxed lifestyle will leave you in awe.

Maine is an open-minded state, which can be quite nice as people will be accepting there. Although the cost of living is lower than in some big cities around the country, the towns and cities along the coast are still quite expensive, especially Kennebunkport. And you also have to consider the weather. It snows in winter and it’s very cold, so you’ll have to be prepared for that.

At the end of the day, Maine is still an amazing state full of opportunities — both indoor and especially outdoor. It provides you with nature galore. The state of Maine is a place full of wonders for visitors of any age. Maine, after all, is the quintessential picturesque state.