Home to the University of New England, Biddeford is on the South Coast of Maine. The downtown area is urban in its density and fabric with numerous historic commercial buildings, churches, textile mills, and homes. Just a few miles to the east of the City center lies a magnificent coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches framed by rocky promontories. Along the coast are such gems as historic Wood Island Lighthouse and the Rachel Carson U.S. Wildlife Preserve.