Towns with lots of room to breathe

Lorde at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Dec. 6, 2013.

couple lying in bed, man looking under the blanket while woman is looking amused

This southern Maine town isn't complete without its other half, Lewiston, which sits on the other side of the river. These twin cities hold most community events together, like monthly art walks during the warmer months and the annual hot air balloon festival on the banks of the Androscoggin.

Tree-lined neighborhoods in the downtown waterfront area offer proximity to work and play; big homes strewn across the rural part of town lay claim to peace and quiet.

Outdoor adventure is never far away: Hit the slopes at Lost Valley ski resort, cast your fishing line along the river, or hit the town's hiking and mountain biking trails.