Buckfield is valued for its space and affordability
Buckfield is a microcosm of the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine it sits within, offering locals access to mountain trails and bodies of water for recreation. The community is spread out amid the landscape of the Pine Tree State, where a few main arteries snake through the foliage of southwestern Maine. That space, coupled with prices often lower than the neighboring town of Turner, brings homebuyers to Buckfield. “I would call it a quintessential, small Maine town,” says Jon Mercier, a broker and owner with Maine Source Realty. “There is less oversight, less taxes and more land. Affordability is the number one key to Buckfield. People who live in Buckfield love it because it’s a small town and everyone knows each other.”
Homes are scattered across the southwestern Maine community
In Buckfield, homes are mostly spaced out along a few main roads running through the community. Architectural designs primarily include colonial-style homes, Cape Cods and farmhouses. Single-family properties are often priced between $150,000 and $400,000, though larger homes on significant acreage can cost above $400,000. There are also some manufactured homes in Buckfield, which typically sell for between $100,000 and $200,000. “People get value and there are lower taxes,” Mercier says. “It’s more affordable.”
Buckfield students can attend two schools for education
Regional School Unit No. 10, also known as MSAD 10, serves the Buckfield area and receives a C rating from Niche. Students can attend Hartford-Sumner Elementary School, which gets a C-plus, from kindergarten through sixth grade. Buckfield Junior/Senior High School earns a C. Student-athletes at Buckfield Junior/Senior High can take part in sports like water polo, soccer and basketball.
Trails wind through the Maine wilderness
Some established recreational areas sit amid the landscape. The Packard Trail winds in a 2-mile loop near South Pond for hikers and bikers. Just west, the Streaked Mountain Trail is just over a mile long and accommodates hikers and snowshoers. In the winter months, locals can take motorized vehicles through the woods. “There are plenty of ATV and snowmobile trails in Buckfield,” Mercier says.
South Pond is ringed by trees and requires a fishing license to cast lines there. Small watercraft can go on the lake, as well. Its sister body of water, North Pond, sits a few miles north. North Pond spans more than 150 acres and has trout, bass and perch for anglers. Paddling and fishing are popular on the West Branch of the Nezinscot River, which runs through the community. Locals can also drive farther to more recreation, like parts of the Appalachian Trail or the coastline. “You can take a day trip anywhere,” Mercier says.
Locals often head to Turner for shopping and dining
Dining options in Buckfield include the Buck-It Grill and Pub, which specializes in comfort food and also serves drinks. Many residents go to Turner, about 7 miles east, for shopping and other restaurants. Antigoni’s Pizza specializes in Italian food, also serving subs, pastas and salads. Ricker Hill Mainiac Hard Cider has a cider mill and tasting room in Turner. Grocery shoppers can head east to a Hannaford or Food City in Turner, each between 6 and 7 miles away from central Buckfield.
Traversing Maine on Route 4 and Interstate 95
No public transportation is available in the community. Maine State Route 4 is accessible less than 7 miles east of central Buckfield. “You’re fairly close to Route 4,” Mercier says. “Central Maine is pretty close to everything.” Drivers can hop on Interstate 95 about 20 miles away. Portland, Maine’s largest city, sits nearly 50 miles south. MaineHealth Stephens Hospital sits around 11 miles southwest.
