The Diplomat, a six-story condominium building completed in 1987, stands as a testament to Old Orchard Beach's enduring appeal. With 56 units, this oceanfront property offers residents a prime location between Pine Point and the iconic Old Orchard Beach pier. The building's straightforward design allows the natural beauty of its surroundings to take center stage, providing a perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm in this seasonal beach town that transforms into a quiet enclave during the off-season months.
Spacious units with ocean views and modern upgrades
The Diplomat offers a range of two- and three-bedroom layouts, catering to various needs and preferences. Two-bedroom units span from 1,201 to 2,508 square feet, featuring two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, with prices ranging from $680,000 to $835,000. The larger three-bedroom units measure between 2,508 and 3,130 square feet, each equipped with three bathrooms.
Recent renovations have elevated many units to new heights of coastal luxury. Residents can enjoy custom kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, suede Dekton countertops, and ample cabinet space. Charming details like floating wood shelves and shiplap accents create a seamless connection between the kitchen and living areas. The spacious, sun-filled living rooms and dining areas open onto private balconies, offering stunning ocean views - perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation to the soothing sounds of the Atlantic.
Throughout the units, wood and tile flooring add a touch of elegance. The primary bedrooms boast ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets, with some featuring accent walls for added character. Second bedrooms in some units come equipped with custom-made Murphy beds, offering versatility for use as a home office or den. Large windows flood the spaces with natural light, while open-concept layouts maximize the sense of space and take full advantage of the ocean vistas.
Comprehensive amenities for year-round enjoyment
The Diplomat offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the beachfront living experience. An indoor pool and hot tub provide year-round relaxation and exercise options, regardless of the weather outside. The building's prime location grants residents direct beach access, allowing for spontaneous walks along the shore or lazy days soaking up the sun.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the condominium provides ground-level storage and dedicated outdoor storage for bikes, kayaks, and surfboards, making it easy to enjoy various water activities. The building is equipped with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, heating, and an elevator for comfort and accessibility.
Each unit comes with two parking spaces, and additional guest parking is available, addressing a common challenge in popular beach towns. The building also offers package service for residents' convenience. Cable and internet services are included in the condo fees, ensuring residents stay connected without additional hassle.
A seaside community with year-round charm
Old Orchard Beach, often likened to the Coney Island of Maine, offers a unique blend of bustling summer activity and serene off-season tranquility. The Diplomat's location provides easy access to the town's main attractions while maintaining a sense of retreat from the peak tourist areas.
The neighborhood comes alive during the summer months with the famous Old Orchard Beach pier just a short walk away. Here, residents can enjoy iconic eateries like Pier French Fries, known for its crispy potatoes and fried dough. For those with a sweet tooth, a nearby Dairy Queen offers classic soft-serve treats.
Shopping options include Sunsations Beach Department Store, perfect for beachwear and souvenirs. When it comes to groceries, Landry's Shop'n Save, about a 40-minute walk or quick drive away, provides all the essentials.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Snowberry Oceanview Park, less than a mile away, offering a peaceful green space with ocean views. For fitness buffs, Snap Fitness Old Orchard is available about two miles from the building.
Families with children have access to several schools in the area. Loranger Memorial School serves elementary and middle school students, while Old Orchard Beach High School caters to older students. Both are located about a five-minute drive from The Diplomat. For the youngest learners, Jameson Elementary School, which includes pre-kindergarten, is just a short drive away.
The neighborhood's character shifts dramatically with the seasons. Summer brings a lively atmosphere with tourists flocking to the beach and attractions like Palace Playland, New England's only beachfront amusement park. In contrast, the off-season reveals a quieter, more intimate community where locals reclaim their town, enjoying peaceful beach walks and cozy local eateries that remain open year-round.
Car-centric with seasonal public transit options
While Old Orchard Beach is primarily car-dependent, it offers some public transportation options, particularly during the busy summer season. The nearest bus stop, Grand Beach Inn, is a short five-minute walk from The Diplomat. This stop is serviced by the Pine Point / East Grand line, providing connections to nearby areas.
For those needing to travel further afield, Portland International Jetport is conveniently located about 25 minutes away by car, offering domestic and some international flights. This proximity makes The Diplomat an excellent option for those who frequently travel or have out-of-town visitors.
The area's relatively flat terrain and scenic coastline can make for pleasant bike rides, although dedicated bike infrastructure is limited. During the summer months, cycling can be an enjoyable way to explore the local area and avoid parking challenges in busy spots.
Walking is most practical for beach activities and accessing nearby attractions, but may not be suitable for daily errands or commuting. The building's location near the beach means that many summer activities and seasonal businesses are within walking distance, adding to the appeal of the location during peak months.
For those who prefer or need to drive, The Diplomat provides two parking spaces per unit, a significant advantage in a beach town where parking can be at a premium, especially during the tourist season. This ensures that residents always have a place to park, regardless of how busy the area becomes.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
13/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Snowberry Oceanview Park
1 min drive
Veterans Memorial Park
3 min drive
Basketball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Old Orchard Beach Recreation
5 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Peterson Field
5 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Parking Lot
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
5 min drive
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
Nature Center
Strawberry Field Park
11 min drive
Soccer
Parking Lot
Memorial Park
12 min drive
Bike Trails
Skateboard
Soccer
Black Point Community Park
16 min drive
Playground
Parking Lot
Multi-Purpose Field
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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