Cape Elizabeth exudes classic coastal Maine beauty
A handful of seasonal eateries and 12 miles of craggy Casco Bay shoreline dotted with historic lighthouses make Cape Elizabeth a quintessential Maine community less than 10 miles south of Portland. With more green space than anywhere else in Cumberland County, the town is home to several state parks, acres of conservation land and numerous public beaches. “Most coastal Maine towns are centered around boating, but that’s not what you’ll find in Cape Elizabeth,” says David Jones, owner-broker of F.O. Bailey Real Estate, who has sold several homes in town. “Going to the beach is probably the most popular waterside activity. You have state park access at Two Lights and public access at Cliff House Beach. There are just a ton of options.”
Inland midcentury homes or sprawling estates and vintage cottages with Casco Bay views
Cape Elizabeth’s winding oceanside streets are brimming with rambling, five-bedroom Cape Cods and 1920s cottages featuring private rocky coastline access. These properties are at a higher risk of flooding, costing between $1 million and $3 million, a range higher than a Portland home’s average $600,000 selling price. With lush green quarter-to-one-acre lots, inland dwellings are typically from the midcentury. Homebuyers will find four-bedroom Colonial Revivals and ranch styles costing between $500,000 and $800,000. “This is one of Maine’s most elite coastal areas,” says Jones. “Homes sell fast, and I get a lot of cash offers, usually well above asking price.”
Cape Elizabeth has walkable beaches, vast state parks and Greenbelt Trail hiking
A short walk along a sand dune-encompassed boardwalk leads to the waxing moon-shaped Crescent Beach State Park, where calm waters make swimming, canoeing and mackerel fishing easy. It’s also a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. The half-mile rocky terrain at Cliff House Beach can be accessed off Shoreline Road. Parking along the thoroughfare is restricted, so visitors must walk to the beach. Boat owners will find numerous town-operated moorings sprinkled along the coast, costing only $50 per year, regardless of location.
Situated on Fort Williams Park’s 90 acres, Portland Head Lighthouse has been active since 1776. While the tower is closed to visitors most of the year, a museum about its history is open year-round in the former keepers' quarters, and 300 people can climb to the top on Sept. 14th to celebrate Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Parkgoers can also explore former military batteries and swim or kayak from the public beach. Two Lights State Park is another green space in the area, offering views of its namesake lighthouses and the Portland Harbor from The Lobster Shack, a popular summer eatery since the 1920s. Hikers can trek through wetlands, fern groves and cedar trees on the town’s Greenbelt Trail network, stretching through conservation lands like Robinson Woods Preserve and Winnick Woods. Largemouth bass fishing at the Great Pond and hiking its 4-mile trail are also popular outdoor activities. “One of the town’s greatest winter pastimes is ice skating and playing hockey on the pond when it freezes,” says Jones.
The highly rated Cape Elizabeth School Department
Children here are part of the Cape Elizabeth School Department, where every school has an overall A grade from Niche. First, they can attend Pond Cove Elementary, then continue to Cape Elizabeth Middle. With several Blue Ribbon Awards, Cape Elizabeth High is where students can conclude their education. The school provides numerous college preparatory classes, ranging from space science to film and media studies.
Cape Elizabeth has a seasonal ice cream stand and a locally owned sandwich shop
Cape Elizabeth doesn’t have a designated downtown district. However, it is sprinkled with numerous locally owned eateries. From Argentinian arepas to Columbian chicharrónes, Tostones Café on Ocean House Road offers an array of Latina food inside a swanky storefront. Locals can pick up a freshly made sandwich or smoothie at C-Salt Gourmet Market for an oceanside picnic. Then, they can end a beach day at Red’s Dairy Freeze, a walk-up, summer-only spot known for soft-serve ice cream since 1952. Locally sourced groceries can be found at Rosemont Market & Bakery on Shore Road, and a more comprehensive selection is available at Hannaford and Shaw’s less than 1 mile north.
Cape Elizabeth is convenient for beachgoers and several other types of travelers
While Cape Elizabeth’s occasional sidewalk-lined street makes it easy to walk to beaches, the town is convenient for several types of travel. Maine Route 77 spans its core, and a 9-mile drive north on the highway leads to Portland, where residents will find the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. Several South Portland City Bus Service stops sprinkle the area, and it is 12 miles south of the Portland International Jetport.
Photography Contributed By
Jason Veilleux
