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Live & Work & Play

Thanks to her natural beauty and small town charm, Piscataquis County is a great place to live, work, and play.

Do you love spending time in the great outdoors?
Are your favorite days the ones spent with a paddle in hand, hiking boots on, camera ready, or snowshoes strapped in?

Do you value tight-knit communities, locally owned businesses, and the kind of place where you actually know your neighbors—and they know you?

Then welcome to Piscataquis County. Here, nature isn’t a getaway—it’s a way of life.

Imagine a place with no traffic jams, where four-season adventure begins right outside your doorstep.
A place where you don’t have to choose between peace and possibility—where you can enjoy a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to quality education, healthcare, or opportunity.

Welcome to Piscataquis County—rural Maine at its finest.
While we may be off the beaten path, we’re far from behind. Our region offers everything you need to live well:

Excellent schools that foster close connections and student success
Reliable, community-focused healthcare, including hospitals and clinics that serve the entire county
Supportive, vibrant towns where neighbors look out for one another
And thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, waiting to be explored

Whether you’re looking to start a business, work remotely, or enjoy a well-earned retirement, Piscataquis County offers the space, serenity, and resources to live life on your terms.

Arts & Entertainment

A Creative Spirit in the Heart of Nature

The pristine beauty of Maine’s wilderness has long inspired artists, drawing them to our woods and waters for generations. Each summer, Downtown Greenville becomes a haven for creativity with its quaint downtown village, nestled along the tranquil shores of Moosehead Lake. At its heart lies the Gallery on the Lake, the centerpiece of the Moosehead Lake Arts District, where local talent and breathtaking scenery converge.

Monson: A Sanctuary for the Arts

In the heart of the region lies Monson, Maine, a quiet artists’ enclave renowned for its serene setting and vibrant cultural scene. Monson Arts hosts internationally acclaimed artists and writers through its prestigious residency programs. Just steps from the legendary 100 Mile Wilderness, Monson offers a retreat filled with peace, reflection, and the kind of natural beauty that fuels artistic expression.

A Stage for Every Season

In Dover-Foxcroft, the historic Centre Theatre serves as a cultural cornerstone, offering live performances, films, and community events all year long. During the vibrant summer months, Piscataquis County transforms into a lively celebration of music, arts, and family fun. Highlights include the beloved Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, joyful musical cruises on the steamship Katahdin, and countless other opportunities to immerse yourself in the region’s unique charm and hospitality.

Careers

Big Dreams, Small Town Roots

Our region is powered by the passion and resilience of small businesses—the lifeblood of our communities. But make no mistake: professional and entrepreneurial opportunities abound here.

At PCEDC, we’re committed to helping you start, grow, or relocate your business right here in the most beautiful part of Maine. Whether you’re looking to secure funding, navigate the startup process, or bring an established venture into our welcoming region, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

If your dream is to live fully and work meaningfully surrounded by natural beauty, strong community values, and a slower, richer pace of life—we’re here to help you make that dream a reality.

Climate

A True Four-Season Destination

Nestled in the heart of the state, the Piscataquis region is Maine’s geographic center—and a paradise for those who embrace all four seasons.

Mild summers and snowy winters offer the best of both worlds for those seeking variety and beauty year-round. With an average summer high of 77°F and winter lows dipping to around 2°F, the region provides the perfect climate for seasonal adventures.

Come autumn, the landscape explodes in a fiery display of color, drawing leaf peepers from around the globe to witness the spectacle. In winter, the county becomes a playground for snow lovers. With an impressive average snowfall of 95 inches per year, activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog sledding abound.

As spring rolls in, the thaw transforms rivers into thrilling courses for world-class whitewater rafting. And in summer, the region comes alive with festivals, music, and outdoor events in every corner of the county.

No matter the season, Piscataquis offers natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm that make it a perfect place to visit—or call home.

Education

Education Rooted in Community and Innovation

In Piscataquis County, our schools reflect the very best qualities of our communities: friendly, safe, and strong. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention, creating an environment where every child is supported and encouraged to thrive.

Beyond the classroom, students are empowered to pursue their passions, whether through school clubs, athletics, or community service. It’s a place where academic excellence meets community engagement.

We are deeply committed to preparing the next generation for success in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world—while also nurturing their creative and personal growth. From digital design and Advanced Placement (AP) courses to theater, sports, and the arts, students in our region enjoy a wide array of opportunities to learn, explore, and lead.

Health Care

Quality Healthcare, Close to Home

Piscataquis County is proud to offer accessible, high-quality healthcare through two regional hospitals and a growing network of family practices and clinics that serve residents and visitors alike.

Located in Dover-Foxcroft, Northern Light Mayo Hospital, and in Greenville, Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital, are both 25-bed critical access hospitals designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. These hospitals are equipped to provide a broad range of essential services—from emergency care to specialized treatment—ensuring that compassionate, professional care is never far away.

Adding to this robust healthcare landscape is the newly opened Katahdin Valley Health Center in Dover-Foxcroft, which expands access to primary and preventive care for local residents. This modern facility is part of a trusted network focused on comprehensive, community-based health services, further strengthening the region’s ability to meet the healthcare needs of all who call it home.

In addition to these services, the region is supported by local family practices, walk-in clinics, and allied health providers, offering preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness services throughout the year.

Whether you’re a year-round resident or a seasonal visitor drawn to our lakes and landscapes, you can count on timely, personalized care delivered in facilities that put community well-being first.

Our Residents

A Community Where You Belong

Piscataquis County is more than a scenic destination—it’s a place where neighbors know each other by name, and community is at the heart of daily life. Our towns are defined by a deep-rooted spirit of mutual care, volunteerism, and connection.

Residents cherish the small-town charm and slower pace of life, while still enjoying proximity to the amenities of Bangor, just a short drive away. It’s the best of both worlds: modern convenience blended with natural tranquility.

With affordable housing options and steadily improving broadband connectivity, the region is ideal for individuals and families looking to live well and work remotely, or for entrepreneurs ready to start or relocate a business in a supportive, opportunity-rich environment.

From local service organizations and volunteer groups to a variety of places of worship, Piscataquis County offers many ways to get involved and feel at home from day one.

Here, you’re not just moving to a new place—you’re becoming part of a tight-knit community that’s invested in your success and well-being.

Recreation / Outdoors

Adventure in Every Season

If you love the outdoors, Piscataquis County is your ultimate playground. This region is home to some of Maine’s most iconic natural wonders, offering year-round adventures in a setting that remains rugged, pristine, and awe-inspiring.

From the sparkling expanse of Moosehead Lake to the dramatic beauty of Gulf Hagas—known as the Grand Canyon of Maine—our landscape invites you to explore. Hike to breathtaking views at Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, paddle the peaceful waters of Chesuncook Lake, or immerse yourself in the remote wilderness along the Appalachian Trail and 100 Mile Wilderness.

For those looking to lace up their boots, the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge takes hikers across a series of rewarding summit trails with unmatched panoramic vistas. Winter transforms the region into a snow-lover’s haven, with hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails weaving through forests and across frozen lakes.

Whether you’re exploring on foot, by canoe, ATV, skis, or snowmobile, this undeveloped frontier offers boundless opportunities for recreation and renewal. And with the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Wilderness Lodges providing cozy accommodations in the heart of it all, your adventure can last as long as you like.

Shopping

The Heart of Our Economy: Small Business

In Piscataquis County, small business reigns supreme—and with good reason. Supporting local entrepreneurs isn’t just a trend here; it’s a way of life. From the corner café to the family-run hardware store, these businesses form the backbone of our economy and the soul of our communities.

Shopping local is easy—and encouraged. Whether you’re browsing one-of-a-kind gifts at a downtown boutique, picking up fresh produce grown by local farmers, or chatting with your neighbor at the grocery store, every purchase helps strengthen the fabric of our towns.

At PCEDC, we’re committed to fostering entrepreneurship. We offer a range of resources, guidance, and support for those ready to turn their ideas into thriving ventures. Whether you’re relocating your business or launching a new one, you’ll find a welcoming and well-connected environment to grow your dream.

Our communities reflect the charm of the “good old days”—where you know your shopkeepers by name, and your necessities come from just down the road. From homestyle restaurants sourcing locally, to stores offering personalized service and expert advice, Piscataquis County proves that small-town commerce can still thrive.

Here, small businesses don’t just survive—they shine. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sports

Play Hard, Explore More

Outdoor enthusiasts from near and far are drawn to the Piscataquis region, where rugged beauty meets endless adventure. Each year, hikers from around the world pass through our county along the legendary Appalachian Trail, immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscapes that define our region.

But the adventure doesn’t stop on the trail. For those who love to play hard, Piscataquis offers an expanding array of recreational and sporting opportunities designed to keep both residents and visitors active and engaged.

One of the most exciting recent additions is the Piscataquis County Ice Arena in Dover-Foxcroft. This state-of-the-art, $5.5 million facility, made possible by the Libra Foundation, has quickly become a hub of community activity and youth engagement. With year-round programming for hockey, figure skating, public skating, and special events, the arena is a beacon of energy and excitement.

Adding to the region’s athletic infrastructure is the new Jim Robinson Field House on the Foxcroft Academy campus—a modern indoor facility that supports a wide range of sports and training activities, providing student-athletes and the broader community with year-round access to premier athletic space.

From the untamed trails and scenic waterways to cutting-edge sports facilities, Piscataquis County is a place where adventure thrives in every season.

Success Stories

Community success is the backbone of PCEDC. Find out more about how local businesses and organizations have utilized our services to achieve their goals.

Dove Tail Bat Awarded CDBG/EDP Grant

EPA Grant Funds Environmental Clean-up at Mayo Mills

More Success Stories