Cape Elizabeth enjoys a unique position on the Maine coastline. Extending nearly twelve miles into the Atlantic ocean and surrounded by rocky shores and white sandy beaches, Cape Elizabeth defines the entrance to Casco Bay - Maine's most natural harbor and working waterfront. Most of Cape Elizabeth's residential and commercial activity are within close proximity to the seacoast, as is typical along the Maine coast. The town is approximately 9,337 acres, or 15 square miles and the most recent census figures estimate the town's population at just under 10,000. Population density is minimal at less than 500 residents per square mile. Cape Elizabeth is a spectacular combination of suburban living in a rural environment.

The coast of Maine is riddled with rocky outcroppings, reefs, ledges, and small islands, making navigation dangerous and challenging. For hundreds of years, lighthouses on the mainland have helped guide ships safely into harbors, and those on barren rocks in the ocean have helped ships avoid treacherous shoals and ledges.

Portland Head Light is the oldest of Maine's 66 lighthouses. It was built during the presidency of George Washington and is the oldest operating and most photographed lighthouse in America.

On April 13, 1894, President McKinley named the one-time subpost of Fort Preble, Cape Elizabeth's first military fortification, Fort Williams. Named after Brevet Major General Seth Williams, Fort Williams grew to be a tremendous military asset during World War II.

Besides protecting the shoreline of Cape Elizabeth, the infantry and artillery units provided the Harbor Defense for Portland. After the war, many of the forts in Casco Bay were closed, including Fort Williams, which traded in its defense of the coast for caretaker status and Army Reserve accommodations. Fort Williams was officially closed and deactivated on June 30, 1963.

For more Cape Elizabeth information, including entertainment, dining, city services, education and home sales statistics, follow any of the links below:

		... Cape Elizabeth Local Area Resources
		Cape Elizabeth, located five miles east of Portland, is known for its outstanding natural beauty, including the Atlantic Ocean and its diverse coastal geography ranging from sandy beaches, dunes, and salt water marshes to rocky cliffs. [Learn More]
		... Cape Elizabeth Education Services & Schools
		With the emphasis on academics, more than 90 percent of graduates go on to post-secondary education. In addition to strong academic programs, about 80 percent of middle and high school students participate in extra-curricular activities ranging from sports to debating to the arts. [Learn More]
		... Cape Elizabeth Homes Sales & Statistics
		In any given year approximately 100 homes are sold in The Cape and 2006 was no exception. The area also offers the most options for oceanfront living than any other local town. [Learn More]

If you are considering a move to Cape Elizabeth or the Southern Maine area, be sure to take advantage of our online Relocation Services, a comprehensive guide to interactive relocation tools.

Our services include access to local market information, neighborhood and school comparisons and a wealth of proven home buying advice. If you are interested in receiving automatic email alerts of properties that match your predetermined buying requirements, you might want to consider our Market Watch feature. This is a great way to stay current with the market whether you are buying now or in the future.