A small residential neighborhood about 7 miles south of Portland
Sunset Park is a small neighborhood in South Portland, with modest Cape Cod homes and access to the area’s major thoroughfares. Though some of the traffic and the nearby airport may contribute to noise, many residents appreciate being able to drive to downtown Portland within minutes. “The cool thing about this location is that you’re not only close to downtown, but you’re also 7 minutes to the ocean, 10 minutes from Willard Beach and Fairy Village or some really nice parks and outdoor places,” says Sarah Delisle, a Realtor with Portside Real Estate Group who has been selling homes in the area for several years. “So even if you’re in a not-as-desirable part of South Portland, you can get anywhere you need to go fast and there is so much to do nearby.” Route 1 shops, restaurants and grocery stores make shopping convenient, and Highland Avenue takes beachgoers to the coast in less than 20 minutes. Though not in the thick of all the action, Sunset Park is relatively affordable and close to everything that Portland has to offer.
Sunset Park exudes a peaceful, residential feel with small, single-family homes.
The streets of Sunset Park are lined with charming Cape Cod style homes.
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Nearby parks, golf courses and short drives to Willard Beach
“This area has a lot of green spaces, golf courses and a lot of nice neighborhood walking,” Delisle says. “You’ll see a lot of people walking their dogs through nearby neighborhoods.” During the summer months, locals can take Highland Avenue to head about 8 miles north to the coast. Willard Beach overlooks islands on the bay and has a wide sandy beach near Southern Maine Community College. Bug Light Park nearby has historical sites and walking trails that overlook the coast.
Closer to home, Wilkinson Park has a playground, sports fields and ball diamonds. Down the road, Wainwright Sports Complex has over a dozen sports fields for after-school leagues and summer tournaments. Neighboring Thornton Heights is home to the City of South Portland Municipal Golf Course, a 9-hole course off Westbrook Street. For indoor fun, residents can head north to reach nearby attractions like Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park or catch a movie at Entertainment Luxury Cinemas.
Tee off and enjoy a round at the South Portland Municipal Golf Course, near Sunset Park.
Overlooking Casco Bay, Willard Beach is a well-regarded sandy beach near Sunset Park.
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20th century Cape Cods and apartment-style condos
Sunset Park is recognized for its cohesive collection of modest 20th century Cape Cods with window shutters and dormers peeking out from atop slanted roofs. “Houses here are more modest, and a lot of residents are first-time homebuyers or people who have lived here a long time. There are people who bought their home for $40,000 back in the day and are so surprised at the value now,” Delisle says.
Most homes are situated on quiet streets arranged in an organic grid pattern. Though there are no sidewalks on the narrow roads, grassy lots with shaded yards and off-street parking create a homey feel. Residents can still wander alongside slow-moving traffic or bike carefully through the neighborhood. Most homes cost between $375,000 and $550,000, though there is a small selection of condos at the Kings Wood Park complex over on Main Street. These apartment-style units can cost between $200,000 and $275,000.
There are rows of Cape Cod homes in Sunset Park.
A Cape Cod home in Sunset Park, South Portland.
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Route 1's many shops, restaurants and drives to the grocery store
Main Street, also known as Route 1, is the area’s main thoroughfare, with local gas stations and motels and hotels at budget prices. It also has several locally owned shops and restaurants. “Indy’s Sandwich is new. People really seek it out and it’s very delicious,” Delisle says. Aroma Joe’s has coffee and lemonade, as well as a convenient drive-through for morning commutes. Mr. Chickpea is a Mediterranean restaurant, while Coppersmith Tavern & Table serves American pub fare and fried seafood. When it comes to running errands, drivers can head south toward Gorham Road to reach the area’s larger shops, such as Walgreens, Hannaford and Oak Hill Ace Hardware store. Sunset Park is also not far from the Maine Mall, which has dozens of interior and surrounding stores, as well as a food court.
A true neighborhood gem, Indy's Sandwich is a popular gathering place in Sunset Park.
Coppersmith Tavern & Table near Sunset Park, offers a hearty menu of American pub fare.
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South Portland and downtown Portland events and festivals
The city of South Portland hosts seasonal events, like its Holiday Tree Lighting, and the South Portland Library hosts weekly events like themed story hours, book clubs and "construct and create" events, with building blocks and hands-on crafts. Downtown Portland is also a hotspot for gathering and celebrating the changing of the seasons. Whether joining the tourists for cruises through local waterways, attending art exhibitions or live music performances at bars and theaters all over town, there is usually something going on. Maine hosts its annual Comic Con and Toy Con in April, as well as the Portland Fine Craft Show in August.
The South Portland library is a cherished amenity for those living in Sunset Park.
Sunset Park is near Downtown Portland, a hotspot for food and entertainment.
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Learn at the newly-constructed South Portland Middle School
Students in Sunset Park fall within the South Portland Public Schools district, which is graded an overall B-minus on Niche. They can start at Waldo T. Skillin Elementary School and then head to the recently-built South Portland Middle School, which replaced Memorial Middle School. South Portland High School encourages student engagement through community food drives, environmental studies and mental health activism. It also hosts after-school clubs and events such as its Open Mic Night. All three public schools are graded a C-plus on Niche. Nearby private schools include Greater Portland Christian School, which earns a B and offers a religious and academic experience for its students.
Waldo T. Skillin Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade.
Main entrance to South Portland High School.
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Fast drives into downtown Portland, to the airport and down to Scarborough
Downtown Portland is about 7 miles north via Interstate 295. The route crosses over the Fore River and takes drivers straight into the action, and it can take about 20 minutes to reach the city when traffic is light. Drivers can also head down Route 1 about 3 miles to reach Scarborough and its beaches, parks and highly rated surgery center. For weekends away, the Portland International Jetport is just up the road, though it may contribute to some overhead noise in the neighborhood.
Sunset Park has convenient access to the South Portland Bus System.
Sunset Park is next to the Scarborough Connector, which leads to Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 1
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Banks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wilkinson Park
Playground At Wilkinson Park
Redbank Community Center
Greenbelt Walkway
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Brooklawn Memorial Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Temple Beth El Memorial Park
Trails
Events
Transit
Airport
Portland International Jetport
10 min drive
Bus
Tiiton Apt & Volvo
Bus
Rt 1 & Anchor Motel
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunset Park
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Park, South Portland sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sunset Park, South Portland over the last 12 months is $491,738, up 21% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 2 bd/1ba condo is located at Kingswood Park, 757 Main Street #18, South Portland, ME. This unit is approximately 1000 square feet. This well-maintained condo features on-site trash disposal, snow, and landscaping as well as 2 surface parking spaces! Secured building entrance, elevator, coin-operated laundry on-site, in-ground pool, all overlooking rear courtyard w/lots of privacy. Located
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Banks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,232
Median Age
43
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,848
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,015
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
39.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
12/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
