Up and down Maine’s southern coast are quintessential beach communities and 30 miles of dazzling white sandy beaches. Some of the best can be found in the communities of Ogunquit, Wells and the Kennebunks. Lighthouses dot the spectacular coastline; luxury resorts and inns share stunning views with beachfront cottages and lobster shacks and many real estate options are possible for those looking to live near the ocean.
Easy to Get Around
Wells is a Maine seacoast town that encompass the area from Drakes Island to Moody Point and features both sandy beaches and rocky promontories. Wells Harbor is operated by the Town and contains a private marina and the Wells Harbor Community Park. Commuting to the area is easy, as the The Wells Transportation Center is home to the Downeaster Passenger Train, operated by Amtrak. This service runs from Boston's North Station to Brunswick, Maine.
Beautiful Beaches Ogunquit is probably best known for its three-mile beach, considered by many to be Maine's finest stretch of sand. Brimming with tourists come July, Ogunquit gained fame early in the twentieth century as both art colony and summer resort - today it functions more as the latter with its gift shops, inns, condominiums, and large hotels, but the presence of the former can still be felt. Ogunquit's neighbor to the north, Wells, is also a busy summer community and its many antique shops and used bookstores make it popular with shoppers of the rare and unique. Much of the large Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, acres and acres of salt marshes and stretches of woods, sits in Wells.
Kennebunkport and Lower Village of Kennebunk are nestled between the Kennebunk River and the ocean - "the port" being on the east side of the river and Lower Village on the west. On both sides of the river, waterfront buildings steeped in history are the home of fine gift shops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants on the Maine Coast. Two miles east of Kennebunkport's Dock Square is the fishing village of Cape Porpoise. From there you can get an excellent view Goat Island Lighthouse. Living Near the Ocean
Most people purchase property or visit the area due to its fine beaches, inns, scores of shops, impressive Colonial architecture, historic small-town ambiance and overall proximity to Maine's central business district - Portland. There are many great real estate options for both single family homes as well as condos. Many waterfront properties are available. This region has more than just shopping and beaches. Unique natural habitats are protected and accessible to the public at the Wells National Estuarine Reserve and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Trails at Mount Agamenticus, in York, offer excellent mountain biking and horseback riding. In Berwick, the Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park has 250 acres of land along the Salmon Falls River. |