$947,498Average Value$559Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Coastal Harpswell is shaped by fishing, islands and quiet coves
Life in Harpswell smells of sea salt, with inlets babbling and boats quietly humming along the shore. The eastern portion of the small Maine town of Harpswell is an enclave of islands, each with its own distinctive personality. The tight-knit Bailey Island convenes around the lobster industry and its general store, Orr’s Island has a special protected cove where the wind can’t get in, and Great Island is where you’ll find tons of lobstermen and old fishing weirs. “You drive down and you’ll see fishermen in fishing gear, and places to buy lobster and buy fish,” says Curt Fish, owner of Sharon Drake Real Estate in nearby Bath. “You have to go pretty far up the coast before you see lots of fishermen in one place.”
Harpswell offers a mix of year-round homes and summer retreats
Throughout the islands, houses range from multifamily properties for around $200,000 to shingle-style shorefront homes with deepwater docks for $3 million. There are 1970s bungalows for $330,000, ten-year-old contemporary ranch-style houses for $750,000, modern contemporary houses with board-and-batten exteriors for $400,000 and contemporary brick houses with cathedral ceilings for $1.6 million. Harpswell is a mostly year-round community, Fish says, but about 30% of residents are so-called “summer folk.”
Accessible hiking and picnic spots along Harpswell’s coastline
One of the highlights of these idyllic keys is Cliff Trail, a hiking area along Strawberry Creek in Great Island. The trail includes a 150-foot. cliff with breathtaking views of the Long Reach waterway. The creekside portion of the hike was updated in 2021 to include a smooth, wide path, accessible for people who either use mobility devices or have limited mobility. Devil’s Back Trail Area, named for a trail that runs along the “spine” of the devil’s back, goes through a mixed forest that includes a handful of apple trees. Taking the trail down to Gun Point Cove, hikers can climb out to the rocks for a picnic during low tide.
Long Cove offers calm waters and shelter from coastal storms
Orr’s Island and Bailey Island are vibrant communities with a Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard sort of vibe, Fish says. Here, residential areas closely packed with cottages are close to a handful of beaches and conservation areas, like the rocky Houghton Graves Park. There are also plenty of places in Harpswell where folks can go kayaking or learn how to sail. “You really feel like you’re out in open ocean,” Fish says. “You can always smell salt water, and you can always hear a boat going this way or out.” Tucked away at the northern tip of Orr’s Island is Long Cove, a secluded, dead-quiet waterway. Because it opens to the north, the wind can’t get inside, and as a result, the water here is warm. Neighbors can come here to get a reprieve from the otherwise windy Keys or to escape during a hurricane.
Maine SAD 75 includes Harpswell and nearby rural towns
Harpswell is part of Maine School Administrative District 75, which has about 2,400 students between the towns of Bowdoinham, Harpswell, Bowdoin and Topsham. About 125 children in kindergarten through fifth grade attend Harpswell Community School.
Lobster rolls and pizza served at the general store
When it’s time to eat, Bailey Island General Store has a mix of convenience items plus freshly made pizza and lobster rolls. Right next to the historic Cribstone Bridge connecting Bailey and Orr’s is Cook’s Lobster & Ale House. Customers can have a whole lobster here, or in stew form, packed into a grilled cheese or fried into wontons. They can also order it submerged in a big bowl of macaroni and cheese.
Easy access to Route 1 and I-295 for trips to Portland
Even though these are islands, getting to the highway is not terribly inconvenient. It’s a short drive to U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 295, which will take drivers to Portland and its international jetport.
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.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harpswell
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Harpswell Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harpswell, ME sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Harpswell, ME over the last 12 months is $838,250, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well cared for 3- bedroom, 2.5-bath residence spans 3107 square feet and is nestled on a private 1.7-acre lot, offering privacy and tranquility. With water views from every room, this home boasts 300 feet of direct waterfront with a tidal dock, ramp and float, great for launching kayaks or docking a Boston Whaler style boat. As the sun warms the clay and the tide rises, the water is
John CollinsLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Set in the postcard-perfect fishing village of Cundys Harbor, this classic 3-bedroom, 2-bath New Englander captures the essence of Maine's working waterfront. Here, the views aren't staged--they're alive with lobster boats heading out at first light, the steady rhythm of the tide, and the kind of harbor scene that never gets old.From your backyard, step directly to the water's edge where a
Twin Vistas, Set just over the iconic Cribstone Bridge, this classic coastal Cape captures the very best of life on Bailey Island. With both sunrise and sunset ocean views, the setting alone is enough to slow you down and make you stay awhile. You'll love the high end finishes like hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, even both high-gloss painted plank and tin ceilings. This island home blends
Perched high on Summer Hill, Bailey Island, This home feels like a world of its own. The neighborhood is peaceful and tucked away, where the only soundtrack is the breeze and the audible rhythm of the surf. From here, you can wander down to any number of nearby beach access points, explore rocky tide pools at low water, pebbled beaches, or head out along quiet paths that wind the nearby
Positioned just steps from the ocean on Bailey Island, this distinguished 5,000-square-foot coastal residence delivers breathtaking panoramic views and an unparalleled connection to Maine's bold, rugged coastline. Walls of glass flood the home with light and showcase the sweeping ocean vistas from every room. Designed for both grand entertaining and quiet relaxation, the home features four
PRICE IMPROVEMENT. The town of Harpswell has the longest coastline of any in Maine--216 miles of long, jagged edge that form the shape of three fingers This 1.54-acre parcel located on Quahog Bay, land, offers a unique opportunity with 40 feet of shared deeded oceanfront access. A recent soil test has been completed, streamlining the process for initiating construction on this picturesque
Direct waterfront Condo located on the Maine Coast on Orrs Island, Harpswell, Maine. The five unit condo complex was built in 2014. Enjoy unparalleled, natural, and beautiful ocean views from every window. The residence consists of two bedrooms, en suite, living and dining areas, and a very efficient kitchen area with stainless appliances and granite countertops. Amenities include a common dock,
Dennis DugganLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Offers will be reviewed on Friday May 22.Set on an elevated lot on Bailey Island, this property offers sweeping, unobstructed ocean views and stunning sunsets over the water. Tucked away off the beaten path, it delivers a rare sense of privacy without feeling isolated. Connected to the mainland by the iconic Cribstone Bridge, Bailey Island combines accessibility with the charm of true island
Privately tucked away on coveted Bailey Island, this exceptional waterfront retreat captures the essence of refined coastal living. Set on a rare parcel with its own beach and extensive ocean frontage, the property enjoys breathtaking 180-degree water views across a protected cove and out to the Atlantic beyond. From its elevated vantage point, the ever-changing seascape becomes the backdrop to
William FullerLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
The property is currently rented on the following dates. 7/1 to 7/9 10,800, 7/9 to 7/19 10,750,7/19 to 7/25 7,200,7/25 to 7/30 5700,8/1 to 8/8 7500,8/8 to 8/24 18k Perched high above the shoreline with sweeping eastern-facing ocean views, this exceptional property offers breathtaking sunrises and moonrises over the ocean. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocky coast
This 3-bedroom 2 full bath Contemporary home is perched close to Tower Hill on Orr's Island. Totally renovated, this home features an open concept kitchen, living and dining area overlooking Harpswell Sound. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets from your living area or from one of two patio areas. The primary suite is located on the second floor with a private full bathroom. sitting area and ocean views.
A rare opportunity to enjoy the quality of newer construction with thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and modern comfort. This beautifully maintained home was thoughtfully built to last , providing effortless living in a private, peaceful setting. The spacious, open floor plan features sun filled cathedral ceilings, a stunning two-story stone fireplace, and an inviting kitchen designed
Enjoy the simplicity of Bailey Island living in this charming ranch-style home set on a sunny .26-acre lot with partial views of Casco Bay. Offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 816± square feet of living space, this home provides comfortable one-floor living in one of Maine's most picturesque coastal communities. Features include a bright and inviting interior, heat pump, full basement for storage,
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