Anson offers rural Maine living along two rivers
The small, pastoral town of Anson is home to just about 2,500 close-knit residents. The Somerset County community is divided into North Anson and Anson, with the former being the village center where the Kennebec River branches into the Carrabasset River. The Kennebec, popular for trout, bass and ice fishing, and the Carrabassett, which flows westward through the rest of Anson, both add to the area's natural landscape. The central Maine town has a family-friendly, suburban feel tucked into a rural setting, and many residents value the quiet rhythm of small-town life. “It’s mostly residential and mom-and-pop shops, but there’s a bridge that goes over the Kennebec that connects us to Madison and civilization,” says Bethany Britten, an area local who owns Brit & Bordwick’s Bread Shed. Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to do, from hiking trails and hunting preserves to tee times at Diadema Golf Club. In Anson, the pace is slower, the woods are close and the rivers run deep.
Wooded trails and golf provide local adventure
The quiet, natural setting of Anson helps to shape its outdoor recreational offerings. Hikers can explore several trails throughout town, including the wooded paths of Mosher Hill Falls on the south side and Embden Pond to the north. Diadema Golf Club is a public 18-hole course with membership options. Just before turning off the state road to access the golf club, locals catch a glimpse of Bailey Farm Windmill. The community landmark features an octagonal frame built in 1905. Anson is also home to several campgrounds and RV parks, making it a popular spot for seasonal visitors. Stewart Public Library sits near the village center in a forest green cottage and nearby, First Congregational Church of North Anson boasts classic Greek Revival architecture built in the early 1800s. Across the Kennebec River in the neighboring town of Madison, Main Street Park and Playground gives families a pocket-sized play space with swings and climbing structures.
Cottage camps and Cape Cods vary in size and price
Most homes in Anson are single-family and owner-occupied, and the residential setting shifts in different parts of town. Closer to the riverfront village center, houses sit near one another, often in traditional Cape Cod, colonial-style, split-level or modest farmhouse styles. Out in the more rural parts of town, properties of similar styles are more spread out, tucked into wooded lots that span several acres. While the median sale price is around $210,000, move-in ready options typically start closer to $130,000 and can reach up to $450,000 depending on size, condition, and llot size.
Anson’s small retail scene, with more options in nearby Madison
The modest selection of retail in Anson suits the laid-back and practical pace of the town. There are a couple of local eateries, including the Good & Plenty Diner, a classic spot known for its American-style breakfasts. For groceries and quick essentials, residents can stop by Vicneire’s Elm Street Market, which carries produce and pantry staples. The market also runs a small grill serving burgers, pizzas and other handhelds. While Anson keeps things simple, more dining and shopping options are available just across the river in Madison. “Over in Madison, there’s Reny’s—which is a little department store here in Maine—Hannaford, Dunkin’ and a bank,” Britten says. “You really have to depend on Madison, or even Skowhegan and Farmington, to find much for stores or restaurants. And the closest hospital is Redington-Fairview in Skowhegan. They have attached doctors’ offices, so my daughter’s primary care doctor has been with her since she was in the womb. It’s all a very family-feel.”
Fireworks and carnivals bring residents together
Each summer, the community gathers near the Main Street bridge that connects Anson and Madison to watch a Fourth of July fireworks display over the Kennebec River. As summer winds down, the town office transforms into a fairy-like wonderland for the Enchanted Garden Carnival. The family-friendly event features classic carnival games and activities, followed by Backyard Cinemas, where residents bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch a movie under the stars.
Carrabec public schools boast strong sports teams
Anson students are part of RSU 74, a small school district that Britten says gets a great deal of community support. Learners can begin at Garrett Schenck School, which holds a C rating from Niche. Students can also opt to attend Carrabec Community School, also rated a C, which covers kindergarten through eighth grade. Carrabec High School, rated a C-plus, is known for strong boys' and girls' soccer teams. Additionally, the high school’s cross cross-country team often qualifies for the state finals.
U.S. Route 201A serves the car-dependent community
Anson’s main artery, U.S. Route 201A, connects locals to other towns throughout Somerset County and intersects with State Route 16, another key connector. Most errands and commutes require a vehicle, as no public bus or train service the community. For further travel, residents typically drive to Portland International Jetport, about 100 miles south.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
