Living in Waterville

Overview

Waterville, nestled along the scenic banks of the Kennebec River in Kennebec County, Maine, offers easy access via two exits from Interstate 95 and the historic Route 201. Within the city limits, you'll discover a vibrant blend of shops, restaurants, department and specialty stores, medical facilities, and colleges.

Surrounding Waterville are the towns of Fairfield, Oakland, Sidney, and Winslow, with neighboring communities including Albion, Augusta, Belgrade, Benton, China, Clinton, and Vassalboro. The state capital, Augusta, is just 23 miles to the south and can be conveniently reached in about 15 minutes via Interstate 95.

Explore the resources and amenities available in Waterville below!

Arts & Entertainment

Waterville boasts a rich array of arts and cultural attractions, including the stunning Waterville Opera House, the Colby College Museum of Art, the Redington Museum, and the Maine Film Center, recognized by Yankee Magazine as one of "The Best 5 Cinemas in New England." Flagship Cinema, conveniently located in the Shaw's plaza on Kennedy Memorial Drive, complements our vibrant arts scene.

Throughout the year, Waterville hosts an exciting calendar of events, including the Maine International Film Festival, Taste of Waterville, the Parade of Lights, and the Downtown Waterville Farmers' Market. Downtown restaurants frequently feature evening entertainment such as live music, karaoke, and trivia nights.

In addition, Waterville Parks and Recreation, the Waterville Public Library, Quarry Road Recreation Area, and Inland Hospital provide a variety of programs and events for all ages. Enjoy family-friendly golfing at Pine Ridge Golf Course and explore the city’s many boat landings, playgrounds, walking trails, parks, and ball fields!

City Departments

City Hall stands proudly in the heart of Waterville, adjacent to the historic Castonguay Square. Designated as a national historic site, this iconic building, constructed in 1902, serves as the administrative hub for the city, hosting vital offices such as Administration, Assessing, City Clerk, Finance, Health and Welfare, Human Resources, Planning, and Information Technology (I.T.). The second floor is home to the renowned Waterville Opera House, boasting a seating capacity of 1,000, a testament to the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Additional city departments, including Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Pine Grove Cemetery, and Public Works, are located at 6 Wentworth Court. Waterville Fire-Rescue and the City’s Code Enforcement Department can be found at 7 College Avenue, while the Waterville Police Department operates from 10 Colby Street, conveniently situated between the Social Security Administration building and the Waterville District Court.

For literary enthusiasts, the Waterville Public Library is located at 73 Elm Street, and the main office for Waterville Public Schools (AOS 92) is at 25 Messalonskee Avenue.

Waterville also boasts a general aviation airport, Waterville Regional Airport, allowing private aircraft owners the convenience of landing and taking off at any hour, every day of the week.

To discover more about each department and the services they provide, please visit our dedicated pages.

Education

Waterville is proud to offer a comprehensive educational experience through its public schools, which include:

The main office for Waterville Public Schools (AOS 92) is located at 25 Messalonskee Avenue.

In addition to our public schools, Waterville is home to a variety of educational institutions that cater to diverse learning needs including the Mid-Maine Technical Center which provides vocational training and skills development as well as Educare Central Maine which focuses on early childhood education and development.

Waterville is also also proud to be the home of Colby College, a liberal arts college consistently ranked among the top colleges and universities in the nation, as well as Thomas College which specializes in business, education, and technology, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their careers.

Waterville’s commitment to education at all levels reflects our dedication to fostering lifelong learning and community development.

Children's Services & Elder Services

Waterville offers a wealth of programs and services designed for residents of all ages, fostering a vibrant and engaged community.

The Alfond Youth Center/Boys and Girls Club, situated on North Street, provides a diverse range of programs and services for both children and adults, promoting healthy development and community involvement.

Waterville Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in community life, regularly organizing events and activities that bring families and individuals together. The Waterville Public Library is a hub of knowledge and community engagement, while the Quarry Road Recreation Area offers outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. Inland Hospital also contributes by hosting various health-related programs and events.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pine Ridge Golf Course provides a family-friendly golfing experience, complemented by numerous playgrounds, parks, and ball fields throughout the city, ensuring ample opportunities for recreation and leisure.

Spectrum Generations, located in the Muskie Community Center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting seniors and adults of all ages. They offer valuable information, advice, referrals, and a variety of programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life.

Additionally, the Waterville Police Department features an Elder Services Officer and runs the "Are You Ok?" program, which provides vital support and assistance to seniors, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Hospitals & Medical/Ambulatory Services

Waterville is served by two key healthcare facilities, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care:

- Inland Hospital - located at 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive, offers a range of services to meet the health needs of the community.

- MaineGeneral Hospital - The Thayer Center for Health, located at 149 North Street, provides comprehensive healthcare services and support.

In the event of an emergency, residents should dial 911 for immediate assistance, including fire, police, and ambulance services. The City of Waterville is supported by Waterville Fire-Rescue and Delta Ambulance, which provides reliable emergency medical transport.

For poison-related emergencies, residents can contact the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for immediate guidance and assistance.

Housing

The Maine State Housing Authority provides a comprehensive, searchable listing of rental properties through the Maine Housing Search Website, making it easy for residents to find suitable apartments and homes for rent. Additionally, the classifieds section of Waterville's local newspaper, the Morning Sentinel, features a variety of rental listings.

For those looking to purchase a home, listings are readily available through individual realtor websites, the official Maine Statewide MLS Website, and popular real estate platforms such as realtor.com, Zillow.com, and Trulia.com.

Utilities

The City of Waterville offers essential public services to its residents, including curbside rubbish and recycling pick-up, managed by the Public Works Department. Residents utilize pay-as-you-throw bags for waste disposal, promoting responsible waste management.

Water and sewer services are provided by separate entities:

Electrical service in Waterville is provided by Central Maine Power (CMP). For residential telephone service, residents can choose between Consolidated Communications and Spectrum. Spectrum also provides cable television service to the community.

Additionally, a variety of Internet and satellite TV service providers are available in the area. For assistance in finding the right provider, residents can visit the Superpages Website.

Transportation

Waterville offers a range of transportation options to meet the needs of its residents and visitors. For public transportation, information regarding bus services can be accessed through the Kennebec Explorer, providing convenient transit options throughout the region.

In addition to bus services, several taxicab companies operate in Waterville and the surrounding areas, ensuring reliable local transportation. Uber services are also available; for more information, please visit their website.

For those traveling by air, Waterville is home to the Waterville Regional Airport, catering to private aircraft owners. The nearest major airports are located in Bangor and Portland, providing additional flight options for travelers.