Exceptional Senior Living Near Bangor, ME at Dirigo Pines


If you’re looking for senior living, Dirigo Pines in Orono offers a unique lifestyle rooted in comfort, connection, and elevated care. Just minutes from downtown Bangor, our campus blends the charm of a university town with the natural beauty of Maine and the convenience of a full continuum of care—all without buy-in fees for apartment options.

Independent Senior Living Near Bangor, Maine

At Dirigo Pines, independent senior living means having the freedom to live your best life—without the maintenance. Choose from spacious apartments or cottage homes, all designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Enjoy exceptional dining with seafood on the menu every day and activities programming that draws in the local community. Our community is rooted in lifelong learning, with lectures, arts, and music, including partnerships with the University of Maine and local cultural institutions.

Elevated Assisted Living

We are proud to offer the only elevated assisted living north of Waterville. Our two levels of assisted living provide tailored support for daily needs while preserving independence. Whether you’re coming from Bangor, Ellsworth, Hancock County, or beyond, you’ll find a caring, consistent team ready to help. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, intimate dining, full life enrichment calendars, and personal transportation to medical appointments and local outings in the Greater Bangor area.

Bangor-Area Memory Care

Dirigo Pines offers compassionate memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our dedicated staff creates a calm, structured environment with engaging programs and visible support throughout the community. The Memory Care neighborhood is designed for safety, comfort, and continuity, making transitions easier for both residents and their families.

Specialized Care

For individuals needing more hands-on, non-clinical support, our specialized care services provide the highest staff-to-resident ratio in the area. Residents benefit from a fully open nursing station, visible staff presence, and 24-hour on-call support—all within a warm, welcoming environment.

Discover Our Senior Cottage Homes

Our senior living cottages offer a cooperative model that appeals to independent older adults who prefer the privacy of their own residence combined with access to community amenities. These residences are easy to fill and perfect for those who still want their own space while staying connected to a vibrant senior community.

Flexible Short-Term Respite Stays

A short-term respite stay at Dirigo Pines provides an opportunity to experience our beautiful retirement community without a long-term commitment. We encourage interested families to connect directly to explore options or future availability.

Life at Dirigo Pines

Our residents enjoy a robust calendar of events—from concerts and lectures to outings at Penobscot Theatre Company and Collins Center for the Arts. We’re minutes from Bangor International Airport and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, and we proudly offer transportation for medical visits and group activities. Dining is one of our top-rated features, with a long-tenured chef and exceptional cuisine using spices rather than sodium to enhance flavor and wellness.

Driving Directions

Dirigo Pines is just one exit north of the Bangor exit on I-95. Take the Kelley Road exit, Exit 191, from I-95N and continue on Kelley Road for just under a mile. Turn left on Alumni Drive, and Dirigo Pines will be on your left.

If you prefer to avoid the Interstate, take US-2 East to Kelley Road in Orono. Turn left onto Kelley Road. In just under a half mile, turn right onto Alumni Drive. Dirigo Pines will be on your left.

Schedule Your Tour Today

We’d love to show you what makes Dirigo Pines so special. Contact us today to schedule a tour and explore what senior living near Bangor looks like when it’s done with intention, care, and community.

Cozy dining area with a large wooden dining table and beautiful natural light at Dirigo Pines, offering a retreat for residents enjoying senior living near Bangor, ME.
Comfortable senior living studio-bedroom at Dirigo Pines, a senior living community near Brewer, Maine.
Residents sit in their living room / sitting room reading the newspaper with views of the forest outside their windows at Dirigo Pines senior living near Bangor, ME.