Moving to Canton, Maine
Canton, Maine, is a small town located in Oxford County, about an hour northwest of Portland. It has a population of about 2,800 people and is situated on the banks of the Androscoggin River. Canton is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
The town is home to many historic buildings, including the old Canton Opera House which was built in 1883 and is one of the oldest opera houses in Maine. The building now serves as a community center and hosts plays, concerts, and other events throughout the year. Nearby stands the old Haskell Free Library and Opera House which was built in 1901 by American philanthropist Colonel Arthur Haskell. The building has been restored to its original condition and holds a large collection of books that can be borrowed by visitors.
Canton also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation including Black Mountain Park which features walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, basketball courts, and more. A popular spot for swimming during hot summer days is Bickford Pond Beach which provides a clean beach area with lifeguards on duty from June to August each year.
The town also has several unique shops such as The Country Store which offers homemade ice cream made from local ingredients sourced from nearby farms as well as other treats like fudge and baked goods. There are also several antique stores such as Olde Tyme Antiques where visitors can find vintage items such as furniture, glassware, jewelry and more at reasonable prices.
In addition to its shops and outdoor activities Canton also provides some unique cultural experiences such as the annual Summer Music Festival which takes place each July featuring live music performances by local artists from all over Maine. There are also several art galleries in town where visitors can view works from local artists or even take classes to learn how to create their own masterpieces!
Overall Canton is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of outdoor activities or just some time away from it all! Its picturesque scenery combined with its historical sites make it an ideal place to explore while still enjoying all that Maine has to offer.
Population: 1,121. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,167 (+4.1% change)
Males: 539 (48.1%), Females: 582 (51.9%)
Oxford County
Demographics
Median resident age: 39.7 years
Median household income: $32,625
Median house value: $74,000
Population by Race
Races in Canton:
- White Non-Hispanic (98.6%)
- Hispanic (0.8%)
- Filipino (0.5%)
Ancestries: English (17.8%), French (15.7%), United States (12.6%), Irish (9.4%), French Canadian (5.3%), Scottish (4.7%).
Elevation: 400 feet
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Canton
- High school or higher: 75.3%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 1.6%
- Unemployed: 5.7%
- Mean travel time to work: 30.6 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Canton town
- Never married: 21.6%
- Now married: 58.3%
- Separated: 0.2%
- Widowed: 7.2%
- Divorced: 12.8%
1.3% Foreign born
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Canton:
- RUMFORD HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; RUMFORD, ME)
- RUMFORD HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; RUMFORD, ME)
- FRANKLIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; FARMINGTON, ME)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Canton:
- BRUNSWICK NAS (about 47 miles; BRUNSWICK, ME; Abbreviation: NHZ)
- PORTLAND INTL JETPORT (about 56 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Abbreviation: PWM)
- PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 101 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)
Other public-use airports nearest to Canton:
- SWANS FLD (about 8 miles; DIXFIELD, ME; Abbreviation: 3S2)
- BOWMAN FIELD (about 13 miles; LIVERMORE FALLS, ME; Abbreviation: B10)
- TWITCHELL (about 19 miles; TURNER, ME; Abbreviation: 3B5)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Canton:
- UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON (about 21 miles; FARMINGTON, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,229)
- UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA (about 39 miles; AUGUSTA, ME; Full-time enrollment: 3,172)
- SAINT JOSEPHS COLLEGE (about 50 miles; STANDISH, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,376)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE (about 52 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Full-time enrollment: 7,381)
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND-UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (about 67 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,251)
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 101 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)
- PLYMOUTH STATE COLLEGE (about 104 miles; PLYMOUTH, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,542)
Public primary/middle school in Canton:
- CANTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 43; Location: RTE 140 PO BOX 689; Grades: KG – 04)