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Fortunes Rocks

Fortunes Rocks

Neighborhood in Biddeford, Maine

York County 04005, 04006

$1,428,130 Average Value
$782 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Titular beach is only 6 miles from downtown Biddeford

Whether they are year-round residents or just there for the summer, it is clear why people live in Fortunes Rocks. “They love the beach,” says Realtor Chris Stone with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years. “It’s gorgeous, with beautiful sunrises and gorgeous sunsets.” The titular beach spans 2 miles of hard-packed sand on the Maine Coast. The summer months see surfers, swimmers and boaters filling the shore, while the winter months are much quieter. The area is almost entirely residential, with shops and restaurants in downtown Biddeford about 6 miles away.

Sandy shores and nature reserves

Locals can walk along the sandy shores of Fortunes Rocks Beach, or spend their days swimming, kayaking and surfing. “It’s very popular for surfers, with the way the waves and the tides are at that beach,” says Danica Lamontagne, assistant to the city manager of Biddeford. Lifeguards watch the beach from late May to September, and people will need to purchase a parking permit from the Biddeford City Clerk. The Great Pond Nature Reserve has a 1.5-mile loop around the pond, while the trail at Timber Point, part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, lets hikers walk among salt marshes and forests. The private Abernakee Club is a 9-hole course that sits at the northern part of the neighborhood.

East Point Sanctuary is renowned for its picturesque coastal landscapes.
East Point Sanctuary is renowned for its picturesque coastal landscapes.
Pool Beach is a favorite spot for locals in Fortunes Rocks.
Pool Beach is a favorite spot for locals in Fortunes Rocks.
The mouth of the Saco River flows into the ocean near Fortunes Rocks.
The mouth of the Saco River flows into the ocean near Fortunes Rocks.
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Eclectic mix of homes by the water

Most residents can see the rocky Maine coast and the sands of Fortunes Rocks Beach from their windows. Farther from the shore, the view changes to a dense collection of oak trees. Houses with clapboard exteriors are common in Maine and include ranch styles, Colonial Revivals built from the late 19th century to the 2000s and new traditional homes. “It’s a very eclectic area, where you’ll have a small cottage next to a large house that’s been renovated," Stone says. Prices can range from $800,000 to $1.5 million, although many of the houses directly on the water can exceed $2 million. Fortunes Rocks receives a CAP Index Crime Score of one out of 10, compared to the national average of four out of 10.

This stately home sits prominently on Mile Stretch Road in Fortunes Rocks.
This stately home sits prominently on Mile Stretch Road in Fortunes Rocks.
This large two-story home can be found in Fortunes Rocks.
This large two-story home can be found in Fortunes Rocks.
This contemporary home sits on the banks of Etherington Pond in Fortunes Rocks.
This contemporary home sits on the banks of Etherington Pond in Fortunes Rocks.
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Flood insurance recommended for coastal homes

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood hazard map classifies most of the area as Zone VE, meaning there is a 26% chance of flood damage over a 30-year mortgage, with increased risk during storms. Flood insurance is recommended for all homeowners and required for those with a federally backed mortgage.

Biddeford festival draws crowds

The annual River Jam Festival is an all-day celebration along the Saco River with performances from local theater troupes and bands, canoe rides, games for kids and food from the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center and some of the city’s restaurants. The night ends with a fireworks display. “That’s probably our biggest annual event,” Lamontagne says.

Popular restaurants in downtown Biddeford

Locals can get dinner or pick up the essentials from Goldthwaite’s Pool Lobster, which has been serving the community for over a century. Otherwise, they travel to downtown Biddeford for breakfast in an antique railroad car at Palace Diner or a drink from Banded Brewing Co. The taproom is in the Pepperell Mill Campus, a renovated mill that is quickly becoming the city’s retail hub, with local stores such as Wild Witchy Woman LLC, eateries including Rover Bagels and Jackrabbit Cafe, and dance and art studios. Residents can get groceries from Hannaford or the family-owned New Morning Natural Foods, and big-box stores such as Walmart, Target and Home Depot are all about 10 miles away.

Pool Lobster at Goldthwaite's is a seasonal hot spot at Fortunes Rocks.
Pool Lobster at Goldthwaite's is a seasonal hot spot at Fortunes Rocks.
Market Basket is the main supermarket near Fortunes Rocks.
Market Basket is the main supermarket near Fortunes Rocks.
Mi Pueblo is a Mexican Restaurant at 5 Points near Fortunes Rocks.
Mi Pueblo is a Mexican Restaurant at 5 Points near Fortunes Rocks.
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Students can attend Biddeford Public Schools

As part of Biddeford Public Schools, students can complete pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at John F. Kennedy Memorial School, which earns a B from Niche before attending first and second grade at the C-plus rated Biddeford Primary School. Biddeford Intermediate School offers third through fifth grade, and Biddeford Middle School teaches sixth and seventh grade. Eighth through 12th grade are at Biddeford High School, where students can join clubs such as Regional Fine Arts and the community service focused Interact. All three schools receive a C from Niche. The University of New England is in downtown Biddeford and offers 60 undergraduate degrees.

Biddeford Primary School offers a variety of academic programs.
Biddeford Primary School offers a variety of academic programs.
Biddeford Intermediate School for grades 4-5 in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Intermediate School for grades 4-5 in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford Middle School serves students in grades 5-8.
Biddeford Middle School serves students in grades 5-8.
Biddeford High School is a public high school located in Central Biddeford.
Biddeford High School is a public high school located in Central Biddeford.
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Getting around Fortunes Rocks

The neighborhood is largely car dependent. State Route 9 runs through the area, eventually connecting with U.S. Route 1 and feeding into Portland, about 25 miles away. Most residents fly out of Portland International Jetport, about 22 miles away. The Southern Maine Health Care Emergency Room is about an 8-mile drive.

Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Matt Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jacqueline Nedwell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International Jetport

39 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fortunes Rocks US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,170,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,750,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$310,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$403,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$782
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Months of Supply
2.50
Median List Price
$1,700,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
279
Median Year Built
1960
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,134
Above the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,085
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
538
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,829

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jacqueline Nedwell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
932
Median Age
35
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
17.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$68,823
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,294

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
56.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.4%
% Population in Labor Force
55.5%

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®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fortunes Rocks
Jacqueline Nedwell
Town & Shore Real Estate
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