Biddeford is closely bound economically and culturally to Saco, its sister city across the river. This interdependency is evident in the cooperative efforts shown in the restoration of the 1895 opera house; the acoustically perfect City Theater, (207) 282-0849, is an outstanding example of late 19th-century ornamental architecture.
Both cities take advantage of the educational and cultural opportunities offered by the University College at Saco and the University of New England, 4 miles east on Pool Road overlooking the sea.