Biddeford, Maine Offers Tight-Knit Community That Newcomer Craved

After living in New York and Sweden, a couple finds a supportive community in a small Maine city.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:41pm

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After living in New York and Sweden, Jennifer Henry and her husband moved to the small city of Biddeford, Maine, just south of Portland. They found the tight-knit community they were seeking, with a walkable downtown, friendly neighbors, and a sense of belonging they didn't experience in bigger cities. From helping push their car out of a ditch to rallying around local businesses, the Biddeford community has made the couple feel at home.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a supportive local community can make all the difference for newcomers, even those who have lived in major metropolitan areas. Biddeford's tight-knit, year-round residents and their willingness to look out for one another provide a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in larger, more transient cities.

The details

After moving from New York to Sweden, the Henrys decided to leave Sweden and search for a more permanent community in the U.S. They landed in Biddeford, Maine, a city of under 23,000 people just south of Portland. They were immediately struck by how walkable the city was and how easy it was to run into friends and make new ones. The community has shown up for the Henrys in big and small ways, from helping push their car out of a ditch to rallying around local businesses affected by a major fire and protesting increased ICE presence in the area.

  • In June 2025, the Henrys moved from New York to Sweden.
  • Just four months later, in October 2025, they left Sweden for Maine.
  • The Henrys spent New Year's Eve 2025 in Biddeford, Maine.

The players

Jennifer Henry

A writer who, along with her husband, moved from New York to Sweden and then to the small city of Biddeford, Maine, where they have found a supportive community.

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What they’re saying

“I love this.”

— Jennifer Henry's husband

What’s next

The Henrys plan to continue exploring the Biddeford community and supporting local businesses and initiatives, as they have found a sense of belonging that was missing in their previous homes.

The takeaway

This story shows how a small, tight-knit community can provide the sense of belonging and support that larger cities often lack, even for those who have lived abroad. Biddeford's welcoming spirit and the way residents look out for one another have made it the perfect fit for the Henrys after their previous experiences in New York and Sweden.