Hills Beach
The shoreline at Hills Beach
The namesake Hills Beach has limited public access and parking, so residents will likely have the shore all to themselves. While Maine is famous for its rocky coastline, that is not the case here. “We have a sandy beach right out front,” says Chris Cronkhite, owner of Sea Breeze Real Estate and life-long area resident. This sandbar runs 500 yards along the Atlantic Ocean, and locals can frequently be seen taking kayaking excursions out to the nearby islands. “Homeowners can actually drive to Basket Island,” Cronkhite continues. “As kids, we used to walk out there at low tide. We’d go around to Stage Island and Wood Island and loop back, all on the sandbars.” Basket Island is a secluded residential enclave, while Stage Island promises a hike to a historic monument and Wood Island features a lighthouse rumored to be haunted.Homes in Hills Beach
While the Cape Cods and Victorian cottages expected of a New England coastal town still reign supreme, some new construction has begun in Hills Beach. “We’ve been a little behind on the trend, but the rebuilds are starting to go up,” Cronkhite says. “There are still cottages around, though. We’ve got a good mix.” Waterfront property is easier to come by here, as several houses look out on Back Bay rather than on the expanse of the Atlantic. A two-bedroom cottage on the bay, built in 1973, begins around $920,000, while a three-bedroom contemporary Saltbox on the ocean, built in 1997, prices around $1.5 million.The Five Acre Farm Stand and Wolff Lobster
There are no grocery stores directly in Hills Beach. “People have to go to Biddeford for grocery shopping,” Cronkhite says. The closest supermarket is Hannaford, 5.5 miles away on Elm Street. Three miles further west on Alfred Road, residents will find Target, Home Depot and PetSmart. As expected of a beachfront community, there are plenty of low-key local options as well. “Five Acre Farm Stand is 5 miles away, and everybody loves that,” Cronkhite adds. “They have fresh pie and baked goods. It all works on an honor system – you just leave the money on the counter and take what you pay for. And there’s Wolff Lobster right next door. That’s where we all go to get our lobster, clams, all that stuff you expect from Maine in the summer.” Wolff Lobster is seasonal, but residents can get their seafood fix year-round at Fish & Whistle in Biddeford.A haunted Atlantic lighthouse
The Wood Island Lighthouse is one of only two island lighthouses in Maine that is open to the public for tours. “We take boat tours out across Winter Harbor,” Cronkhite says. “The lighthouse is supposed to be haunted.” When not in the mood to board a boat full of tourists, locals can head to Sacred Profane Brewery and Tankpub in Biddeford for standup comedy nights.Biddeford Public Schools
Children in Hills Beach are zoned for Biddeford Public Schools, which is made up of five schools that all children attend. They begin at the John F. Kennedy Memorial School for kindergarten, which Niche rates a B. For first and second grades, they attend Biddeford Primary School, which earns a C-plus. For third and fourth grades they move to Biddeford Intermediate School, which scores a C. Students then head to C-rated Biddeford Middle School for fifth through eighth grades, and finally to Biddeford High School, which also earns a C.From Hills Beach to the world
Hills Beach Road is a dead-end street leading straight to the shoreline. Route 208 is the main thoroughfare, connecting residents to downtown Biddeford and Saco 5 miles away. Portland International Jetport is 20 miles north, accessible from Interstate 95.University of New England
Hills Beach neighbors the University of New England Biddeford Campus, the largest private university in Maine. “They’re a big deal,” Cronkhite says. “They host a speaker series that brings some interesting people to town.” Students will occasionally rent houses in the neighborhood as an alternative to campus housing during the school year.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Video By
Ellie Brown
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Karyn MacGrath
Karyn MacGrath
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Realty
(207) 386-4389
133 Total Sales
2 in Hills Beach
$650K - $735K Price Range
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Deja Lett
Deja Lett
Keller Williams Realty
(207) 808-7052
177 Total Sales
2 in Hills Beach
$120K - $408K Price Range
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Jacqueline Nedwell
Jacqueline Nedwell
Responds QuicklyTown & Shore Real Estate
(207) 618-9460
89 Total Sales
1 in Hills Beach
$625,000 Price
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Patricia Berry
Patricia Berry
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
(207) 579-8764
45 Total Sales
1 in Hills Beach
$1,165,000 Price
-
Roz Anton
Roz Anton
EXP Realty
(207) 503-3755
154 Total Sales
2 in Hills Beach
$720K - $725K Price Range
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John Saint-Amour
JS
John Saint-Amour
Responds QuicklyLandVest, Inc.
(207) 618-8941
39 Total Sales
1 in Hills Beach
$1,900,000 Price
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to K
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Blandings Park
Old Orchard Beach Recreation
- Baseball/Softball
- Tennis
- Playground
Clifford Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Bike Trails
- Picnic Area
East Point Sanctuary
Ferry Beach State Park
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Strawberry Field Park
- Soccer
- Parking Lot
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Hills Beach | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 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
Hills Beach Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hills Beach, Biddeford sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Hills Beach, Biddeford over the last 12 months is $341,275, down 39% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$289,000
Median Sale Price
$341,275
Median Single Family Sale Price
$341,275
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$218,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-39%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$197
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
225
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1953
Months of Supply
3.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,241
Above the national average
1,924
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
640
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,393
Open Houses
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Saturday, Aug 210am - 12pm
$949,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,238 Sq Ft
- 66 Old Pool Rd
- New 2 days ago
Tucked away on 2.1 private acres, this property offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature—just minutes from Biddeford and the Southern Maine coast. The single-level home features an open layout with a dramatic stone hearth and gas fireplace, a wraparound deck, and a full daylight walkout basement for future expansion. Two bedrooms sit on the south side, while a 4-season sunroom leads
Emily Fontaine Coldwell Banker Realty
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$2,350,000
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 4,957 Sq Ft
- 22 Channel Cove Ln
A rare offering along Maine's treasured southern coast, 22 Channel Cove Lane is a refined waterfront sanctuary perched at the edge of Biddeford Pool's most coveted enclave. Meticulously maintained by its original owners, this custom residence was designed to honor its setting - framing unobstructed views of the tidal channel, ocean horizon, and undisturbed marshland: a convergence of light, land,
Stacy Salvo Portside Real Estate Group
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$1,200,000
- 4 Beds
- 3.5 Baths
- 3,934 Sq Ft
- 6 Ocean View Dr
Located in a desirable coastal neighborhood just a short stroll to the ocean, 6 Ocean View Drive offers the perfect blend of Maine charm and modern amenities. This spacious home features a flexible floor plan including a guest or potential in-law suite above the garage, and third floor expansion offering an additional 680 square feet, ideal for a home office, fitness room or studio. Outside,
Emilie Cole Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
-
$799,000
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,016 Sq Ft
- 3 Sea Breeze Ave
New Price! Less than 100 yards to the beach and break water finds this year round expandable 2/3 bedroom turn key raised ranch with hardwood floors, large deck for entertaining, outdoor storage shed ,1 car garage on a 10,000 square foot lot in a wonderful Sea Breeze neighborhood your family is sure to enjoy. Fish off the breakwater, take low tide walks to Basket Island , kayak to Wood
Steve Foran First Maine Real Estate
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,633
Median Age
25
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,333
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,673
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
44.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.3%
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Ferry Beach
A slow-paced coastal community in southern Maine, near a historic Main Street
Fortunes Rocks
Eclectic mix of beachfront homes near downtown Biddeford
Bay View
An understated neighborhood on the shore of Southern Maine
South Biddeford
Country community 5 miles from downtown Biddeford and the coast
Kinney Shores
A New England seaside community that's both secluded and centrally located
Goose Rocks Beach
A secluded seaside getaway by one of Maine's rarest beaches
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