In this video by Joe & Nic’s Road Trip, they take you on a journey to explore the small towns of Houlton, Millinocket, and Old Town in rural Maine. With a declining population and economic challenges, these towns offer a unique insight into life in the farthest corner of the United States. The video showcases the downtown areas, local events, and natural beauty, while also providing surprising statistics about poverty rates and lack of diversity. From quaint neighborhoods to abandoned houses with potential, these towns hold both charm and struggles, making for a fascinating exploration of rural Maine.
As you join Joe & Nic on this road trip adventure, you’ll get an up-close look at the architecture, residential areas, and current state of businesses in each town. With engaging commentary and breathtaking visuals, the video offers a window into the lives of those living in these slowly dying towns. From the picturesque streets of Houlton to the struggling economy of Millinocket and the historical significance of Old Town, this video will surely leave you with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities in Maine. Stay tuned for their upcoming video featuring Augusta, the state capital, for more intriguing glimpses into the cities and towns of Maine.
Houlton
Population and Demographics
Houlton is the largest town in the area, with a population of around 6,000 people. However, the town has been steadily losing population over the years. In 1950, there were 8,400 people in Houlton, but now that number has decreased significantly. The median age in Houlton is 43, which is slightly older than the national median age of 38. The town has an even distribution of genders, with a 50/50 split between men and women. In terms of racial demographics, Houlton is predominantly white, with 91% of the population identifying as such. The town also has a small percentage of Hispanic, black, and Native American residents.
Downtown Area
The downtown area of Houlton is particularly charming and well-maintained. On the day of the visit, there was a lively event taking place, which added to the vibrant atmosphere of the area. The town’s architecture is beautiful, showcasing a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. One notable feature in the downtown area is the Temple Theater, which is still open and shows old movies. There is also a statue of George Washington, a Freemason and the first president of the United States. Overall, the downtown area of Houlton is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the town’s unique charm and character.
Natural Beauty
While Houlton may be experiencing a decline in population, one thing that remains constant is the area’s natural beauty. The town is surrounded by rivers and lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hunting. The visit to Houlton showcased a bridge over a river where children were seen fishing, adding to the picturesque scenery of the area. The natural beauty of Houlton serves as a reminder of the unique experiences that can be had in rural Maine.
Residential Areas
Houlton boasts beautiful and well-maintained residential areas. The neighborhoods are characterized by stunning houses of varying architectural styles, showcasing the town’s rich history and diverse influences. The median home value in Houlton is $113,000, making it an attractive place for those in search of affordable housing options. The video also highlighted abandoned houses in the area with potential for renovation, offering opportunities for those interested in restoring historic properties. Overall, the residential areas in Houlton are a testament to the town’s unique character and sense of community.
Millinocket
Population and Demographics
Millinocket, similar to Houlton, has experienced a decline in population since 1970. Currently, the town has just over 4,000 residents. The median age in Millinocket is 57, indicating an aging population. The town has a slightly higher percentage of females compared to males, with 54% of the population being female and 46% male. In terms of racial demographics, Millinocket is predominantly white, with no other racial or ethnic groups having a significant presence in the town.
Downtown Area
Millinocket’s downtown area may appear quiet and less bustling compared to Houlton, but it still has its own unique charm. The video showed a mix of architectural styles in the downtown area, giving the impression of a town that has gone through various periods of growth and change. The downtown area featured a farmer’s market, highlighting the town’s agricultural heritage. While there may be fewer people around, the downtown area of Millinocket is still worth exploring for those interested in the town’s history and local businesses.
Economic Struggles
One of the main challenges that Millinocket faces is its economic struggles. The closure of the Great Northern paper company in the early 2000s had a significant impact on the town’s economy. The paper company had been a major employer in the area and played a crucial role in supporting the town’s tax revenue. With the closure of the factory, Millinocket lost both jobs and a substantial portion of its tax base. As a result, the town has been striving to recover economically, but it has faced considerable difficulties. The video indicates that the population decline and aging demographic further exacerbate these challenges.
Outdoor Activities
Despite the economic struggles, Millinocket still offers a range of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike. The town is situated near the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The video showed an Appalachian Trail hostel and outfitters, indicating the town’s connection to the famous trail. The presence of a replica of Smokey the Bear in a city park further highlights the natural surroundings and opportunities for outdoor recreation that Millinocket has to offer.
Residential Areas
Millinocket’s residential areas may be quieter and less populated than in previous decades, but they still showcase the town’s charm and character. The video highlighted large, three-story houses, some worth over a million dollars, demonstrating the diversity of housing options in the area. While the town may currently be struggling economically, it still has the potential to be an attractive place for those seeking unique properties at affordable prices. The video also mentioned the median home value in Millinocket, which is $145,000.
Old Town
Population and Demographics
Old Town, like Houlton and Millinocket, has seen a decline in population over the years. In 1970, the town had over 9,000 residents, but that number has since decreased to 7,400. The median age in Old Town is 37, indicating a slightly younger population compared to the other two towns. In terms of racial demographics, Old Town is predominantly white, similar to Houlton and Millinocket. The town has a small percentage of Native American residents, reflecting the area’s historical connection to Native American tribes.
Downtown Area
Old Town’s downtown area is home to the Old Town Canoe Company, a famous manufacturer of canoes and kayaks since 1898. The video showcased this historic company and its headquarters, highlighting the town’s connection to outdoor recreational activities. The downtown area also features a cool-looking old house that serves as the Old Town Fire Rescue department. Additionally, the video showed the town’s various old buildings and their unique architectural styles, providing a glimpse into Old Town’s rich history.
Old Town Canoe Company
The Old Town Canoe Company is one of Old Town’s notable features. Established in 1898, the company has a long-standing history in the area and is renowned for its quality canoes and kayaks. The video showcased the headquarters of the company, indicating its importance to the town’s identity and economy. The presence of such a well-established and respected company adds to the town’s charm and serves as a testament to Old Town’s enduring connection to outdoor activities and water sports.
Residential Areas
Old Town’s residential areas maintain the town’s blend of history and character. The video mentioned large, three-story houses that are worth over a million dollars, indicating the range of housing options available in the area. The median home value in Old Town is $145,000, making it an attractive place for those looking for affordable housing. The video also showcased abandoned houses in the area, highlighting the opportunity for renovations and restoration. Old Town’s residential areas are a reflection of the town’s diverse history and the potential for unique homeownership experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the video by Joe & Nic’s Road Trip provided a glimpse into the small towns of Houlton, Millinocket, and Old Town in Maine. Despite the challenges these towns face, such as population decline and economic struggles, they possess their own unique charm and character. Houlton’s downtown area and natural beauty, Millinocket’s ties to the Appalachian Trail, and Old Town’s historic downtown and Old Town Canoe Company all add to the appeal of these towns. The residential areas of each town showcase a range of housing options and opportunities for restoration. While these towns may be slowly declining in population, they still offer a sense of community, natural beauty, and a rich history that makes them worth exploring and experiencing.