Creativity and coastal living in Blue Hill
With scenic views of Maine’s Blue Hill Bay and an internationally renowned crafts school within an hour’s drive, the coastal town of Blue Hill has become known for its artistic residents and relaxed vibe. “It’s a really cool place to live,” says Molly Dwyer, a Realtor with The Christopher Group who’s lived in the area for 20 years. “It has a really good community of artists and writers, and you have a good combo of that with the waterfront, fishermen and lobster farmers.” Located on a peninsula of the same name, Blue Hill was a shipbuilding town in the 1800s, and it became a popular vacation spot in the latter half of that century. Today, the community still sees its share of seasonal residents who enjoy boating on the bay, and the growing arts scene fuels a thriving downtown and year-round community.
Natural beauty draws adventurers and inspires artists
The natural beauty here attracts both outdoor adventurers and artists. Blue Hill Town Park has views of Blue Hill Bay. Boaters can launch their crafts at Blue Hill Town Wharf or South Blue Hill Wharf for a day of fishing and exploring the bay’s islands. Residents can learn to sail at the Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club, which also organizes regattas and other events. The Blue Hill Heritage Trust manages over 30 miles of hiking trails through protected lands around the peninsula. At the Blue Hill Country Club, members can play golf with views of the bay, and they also have access to a private beach and tennis courts.
“I think the remoteness of this area draws in a lot of artists,” Dwyer says. “There are a number of really great galleries, and we have a strong crafts community here because you have Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle—that brings in a lot of amazing crafters.” Located 25 miles away, Haystack attracts artists from around the country, and it hosts community programs for residents of the peninsula to learn crafts like blacksmithing and broom making.
Turn-of-the-century architecture and homes overlooking Blue Hill Bay
Most homes here are on multiple acres and sit far back from quiet roads. The village area offers a mix of 1800s and early 1900s architecture — like Shingle, Queen Anne and Federal styles — that neighbor custom houses that were built since the 1990s. The yards here are spacious and have mature trees, flowering gardens and detached garages. The area surrounding the village includes multi-acre farms, eco-conscious cabins and luxury oceanfront properties. “It's a really desirable place to live on the peninsula, so it can be challenging to find a place that’s affordable, but it's doable,” Dwyer says. Seasonal cabins and homes in need of updates generally range from $150,000 to $430,000, while move-in ready properties cost between $430,000 and $950,000. Waterfront estates range from $1 million to $3.5 million. Undeveloped land here can range from $30,000 to $380,000.
Blue Hill’s schools earn B ratings
Kids can attend elementary and middle school at Blue Hill Consolidated School, which earns a B from Niche. The town pays to send high schoolers to George Stevens Academy, a B-rated private school that Blue Hill’s kids attend for free. Other towns on the peninsula do the same, and the school also accepts international students and students from other towns who pay tuition. The school offers numerous hands-on programs, including ocean studies and boatbuilding.
Locally owned shops, art galleries and restaurants line Main Street
Art galleries fill the commercial area surrounding Main Street, where there are also locally owned stores selling books, toys and fiber arts supplies. “It’s a really mellow and eccentric place,” Dwyer says. “We have fun up-and-coming businesses that have a vibe similar to Portland. There are a lot of people moving to the area who bring a lot to the table, creating a year-round community that’s diverse and artistic.” Fish Net is a casual walk-up restaurant that serves lobster rolls and seafood platters. Arborvine is a more upscale option, serving farm-to-table meals in an 1823 farmhouse. Grocery stores here include Hannaford and the Blue Hill Co-op, which specializes in locally sourced and sustainable products. National retailers like Walmart are in Ellsworth.
Festivals celebrate history, agriculture and the arts
This community has a full schedule of arts, history and agricultural festivals, including the Blue Hill Maritime Heritage Festival, the Blue Hill Literary Arts Festival and the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill’s Blueberry Festival. Each Labor Day Weekend, the Blue Hill Fair draws big crowds for a classic country fair, featuring livestock competitions, carnival rides and a demolition derby.
Routes to Ellsworth and Bangor, plus a walkable town center
Sidewalks make it easy to walk around town. Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital is on Water Street. State Route 172 leads about 14 miles to Ellsworth. Bangor is about 37 miles away via state Route 15 and U.S. Route 1, and Bangor International Airport is a 40-mile drive. Downeast Transportation provides bus service to Ellsworth.
Written By
Annie Franklin
