$1,129,821Average Value$479Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Coastal charm and top-notch schools are top draws in Cape Elizabeth
The jagged shoreline brings coastal charm to Cape Elizabeth, a southern Maine town 7 miles southeast of Portland. You’ll be close enough to the city for an easy commute to its jobs, restaurants and nightlife, but away from the gridlocked summer traffic on Route 1. While the location is undoubtedly convenient, it’s only one in a list of reasons why people choose to call Cape Elizabeth home. Dramatic ocean views, state parks and three iconic Casco Bay lighthouses make the town a popular place to retire, but highly rated schools are the top draw for families.
A picturesque home in Cape Elizabeth on the coast of Maine.
A view from the shoreline anchored by two of Cape Elizabeth's lighthouses.
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Coastal scenery and great schools keep home prices up
It costs top dollar to live on Maine’s southern coast, and Cape Elizabeth is even pricier than the surrounding towns. Coastal scenery is its most alluring aspect, but the school district, which Niche ranks as the No. 1 district in the state, drives home prices up even higher. “If you wanted to describe Cape Elizabeth, it would be a really great residential area on the higher end,” says Martha Hiat, an associate broker with eXp Realty – Brett Davis Office who’s lived in the area since 1989. “People who are moving to Maine to work in Portland love it there.”
The housing market in Cape Elizabeth
The median home sale price of $925,000 is much higher than Portland’s median and slightly above the median for nearby towns like Scarborough. Some inland condos, cottages and Cape Cod homes sell from the lower $300,000s to the lower $600,000s, but most places fetch prices from the mid-$600,000s to around $2 million. Oceanview estates with luxury amenities like beach frontage and in-ground pools go for $2.5 million to $7 million. Properties typically sell after about 26 days on the market, faster than the national average of 54 days. While residents of some nearby towns live in the area seasonally and use their homes as short-term rental properties, the practice isn’t as common here.
Waterfront homes in Cape Elizabeth.
Inland homes come with lower price tags.
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New developments are underway at Cape Elizabeth Public Schools
Kids may attend schools in the highly rated Cape Elizabeth Public Schools district. “The Cape Elizabeth schools are awesome and highly regarded,” says Hiat. In early 2026, the town approved a proposal for a new middle school, along with improvements to Pond Cove Elementary and Cape Elizabeth High School. The middle school is projected to be ready for the 2028 school year.
Cape Elizabeth High School serves the community.
A wood-crafted sign marks the entrance to Pond Cove Elementary School.
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Running trails and scenic parks anchor outdoor life
Marathoner and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson was born in Cape Elizabeth, and running culture permeates the town. The athlete founded the Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race in 1998 and is still a central figure at the event, held on the first Saturday of every August. The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust maintains trail systems throughout the area, giving runners and cyclists access to saltwater marshes, dense forests, ocean lookouts and open fields.
The town features several scenic parks, including:
Crescent Beach State Park, which has a mile-long beach, a playground and picnic areas
Fort Williams Park, where you can hike, fly a kite and enjoy views of Portland Head Light
Two Lights State Park, offering more than 40 acres with rocky coastline, fishing spots and picnic tables
Aside from Crescent Beach, you won’t find as much sandy shoreline here as in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. “It’s not beachy, it’s cliffy,” Hiat says. “It doesn’t have a beach culture; it’s more like a coastal rocky place.”
Crescent Beach State Park is home to a stretch of sandy shoreline, a rarity in this area.
Residents can spend a day at the beach not far from home.
Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park.
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A birds-eye view of the rugged shoreline in Cape Elizabeth.
Commuters to Portland have a 20-minute drive
Public transit options are extremely limited, so you’ll need a car if you live here. The commute to Portland takes about 20 minutes, and it’s a 10-minute drive to South Portland, which has a working waterfront, an oil port and a commercial corridor that’s home to Maine’s largest mall. “Cape Elizabeth and South Portland are like sister towns, with prices slightly higher in Cape Elizabeth,” Hiat says.
Where to go for groceries, fine dining and nights on the town
You can buy groceries at the Pond Cove IGA supermarket, which is in the town center near the schools and a couple of local cafes. There are several other restaurants peppered throughout town, such as:
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, a seasonal seafood joint overlooking the Atlantic
The Well at Jordan’s Farm, serving field-to-fork cuisine in a bucolic setting
Sea Glass, an upscale New American restaurant at the Inn by the Sea luxury resort
The Good Table, open seasonally for creative brunch dishes and authentic Italian fare
It’s a 15-minute drive to the boutiques, bars and cobblestone streets in Portland’s Old Port district. The Maine Mall in South Portland is surrounded by chain restaurants, fast-food joints and smaller shopping centers, all about 20 minutes away.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Jason Veilleux
Video By
Antoine Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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
On average, homes in Cape Elizabeth, ME sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cape Elizabeth, ME over the last 12 months is $915,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked along coveted Bowery Beach Road, this classic 1970 ranch offers a rare opportunity to own in one of Cape Elizabeth's most sought-after coastal settings. Just moments from the shoreline is an expansive Crescent Beach which boasts ocean views, natural light reflecting off the water, the setting truly speaks for itself. Set on a generous 0.46-acre lot, the home features 3-4 bedrooms and 2
Elise KielyLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Nestled in one of Cape Elizabeth's most beloved seaside neighborhoods, 60 Oakhurst Road presents a rare opportunity to experience the very best of coastal Maine living. Located within the highly sought-after Casino Beach Association, this home offers private access to Casino Beach--a cherished stretch of shoreline just moments away.Surrounded by mature trees and quiet, winding streets, the
Located in the highly desirable Wildwood community of Cape Elizabeth, this spacious three-bedroom condominium offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience. The first floor features a rare primary bedroom suite with a full bath, while the second level provides two additional bedrooms and two more full baths, creating exceptional flexibility for guests or multi-generational living. The updated
OPEN HOUSE this Sunday from 10:30AM - 12PM! Designed for easy, everyday living, this single-story home offers a spacious mudroom with built-in cabinetry--conveniently located off both the garage entrance and front porch--along with an enlarged two-car garage. The living room is thoughtfully expanded, featuring vaulted ceilings, custom built-in bookcases, and a double-sided fireplace that adds
Tucked along coveted Bowery Beach Road, this classic 1970 ranch offers a rare opportunity to own in one of Cape Elizabeth's most sought-after coastal settings. Just moments from the shoreline is an expansive Crescent Beach which boasts ocean views, natural light reflecting off the water, the setting truly speaks for itself. Set on a generous 0.46-acre lot, the home features 3-4 bedrooms and 2
Elise KielyLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Nestled in one of Cape Elizabeth's most beloved seaside neighborhoods, 60 Oakhurst Road presents a rare opportunity to experience the very best of coastal Maine living. Located within the highly sought-after Casino Beach Association, this home offers private access to Casino Beach--a cherished stretch of shoreline just moments away.Surrounded by mature trees and quiet, winding streets, the
Set on an elevated lot in the highly sought-after Mountain View Park neighborhood, this circa-1940 Colonial offers a picturesque setting with a beautifully sloping, landscaped yard framed by stone walls and steps. The home captures views of the backyard along with charming glimpses of neighboring rooftops. Inside, historic character blends with thoughtful updates. Unique architectural
Positioned within the Hobstone Condominium Association and bordering the natural beauty of Hobstone Woods, this end-unit condo offers a distinctive combination of space, functionality, and setting. As one of the largest units in the community, it delivers a layout that feels both expansive and intentional--where everyday living and gathering spaces flow with ease. The main living area is grounded
Perched on the dramatic rocky shoreline above the bold Atlantic coast, this stunning oceanfront retreat captures the rockbound spirit of Maine with timeless elegance and breathtaking views. This 1930s seaside cottage blends historic charm with thoughtful updates, and embraces its extraordinary setting with bold, unobstructed ocean views. Inside, coastal-inspired colors echo the hues of sea, sky,
Alexa OestreicherLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Location, Location! Welcome to this exceptional 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled in one of Cape Elizabeth's most prestigious and sought-after communities. Offering a versatile multi-level layout, this property provides flexible living spaces perfect for today's lifestyle--whether you're accommodating guests, working from home, or simply spreading out in comfort.The spacious primary suite is a
Charming home with history, character, and incredible potential in desirable Cape Elizabeth. The town lists the property as a 2BR, but the home features three upstairs rooms currently used as bedrooms, plus a first-floor bonus room, half bath, and laundry. Enjoy a three-season porch overlooking the fields, along with a private backyard a budding the Greenbelt Trail. An attached barn/workshop and
First Time Offered - Desirable Cape Elizabeth Location Beautiful, expanded center-chimney Cape designed by the well-known Boston architectural firm Royal Barry Wills Associates offers convenient one-level living on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Cape Elizabeth's most desirable neighborhoods. This spacious home features 3-5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, two fireplaces, hardwood floors, and an attached
Renee RoyBetter Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
Welcome to 10 Sunny Bank Road in beautiful Cape Elizabeth -- a rare opportunity to own a home with bold, sweeping ocean views in one of Maine's most coveted coastal communities.Perched to capture the dramatic beauty of the Atlantic, this exceptional property offers panoramic vistas that stretch across the sparkling water, where sunrises paint the sky and sea in brilliant color. Expansive
Samuel MichaudLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Located in the highly desirable Wildwood community of Cape Elizabeth, this spacious three-bedroom condominium offers an ideal blend of comfort and convenience. The first floor features a rare primary bedroom suite with a full bath, while the second level provides two additional bedrooms and two more full baths, creating exceptional flexibility for guests or multi-generational living. The updated
Set high above the Spurwink River, this classic Colonial offers an unexpectedly dramatic tidal river experience that must be seen in person to fully appreciate. From the exterior, the home presents as a timeless New England property with a welcoming farmer's porch and traditional form. Inside, the residence has been thoughtfully transformed with a light-filled aesthetic inspired by clean
Discover that small town feel with big city opportunities you’ve always desired at Summit Terrace at Woodlands Apartments, all beautifully wrapped in lush nature and tree lined streets. Couple this idyllic backdrop with the endless conveniences our apartments near South Portland provide and you couldn’t have asked for a better place to call your own. And we couldn’t forget about the glue that
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