Carmel offers country living with easy access to larger cities
Located about 17 miles from Bangor, Carmel is a rural town that offers open spaces and natural beauty with easy access to nearby cities. Interstate 95 passes through the area, making it easy for commuters to make the 14-mile drive to Newport or head to Bangor, trips that both take around 20 minutes. There are few businesses here, and residents can enjoy the community spirit at gathering places like Carmel Recreation Complex, Simpson Memorial Library and the Carmel Snowmobile Club.
Kids’ sports, kayaking and snowmobiling for recreation
The Carmel Recreation Complex is the center of outdoor recreation in the community. Here, kids can play on sports teams or climb on the playground. The park also hosts Carmel’s largest event, Carmel Days, a one-day event in September with kids’ activities, live music and fireworks. At Damascus Town Landing, kayakers and canoers can launch their boats into the Soudabscook Stream, which leads into Etna Pond, a popular spot for bass fishing. Carmel experiences snowy winters, and the Carmel Snowmobile Club takes full advantage of the season by hosting group rides along the area’s dedicated snowmobile trails. The group also hosts bingo nights and community breakfasts at their clubhouse. The Simpson Memorial Library hosts a book club, a craft group and a summer reading program for kids.
Saltbox and ranch-style homes on multiple acres
Two-lane country roads wind through Carmel, a quiet area of woods and farms. Most homes here sit on multiple acres, providing a sense of privacy and space for farming or detached garages. Saltbox, ranch-style and colonial-inspired New Traditional houses are common. Buyers can also find seasonal and off-grid cabins, as well as expansive custom homes. Prices typically range from around $260,000 to $530,000. Manufactured homes here also sit on acreage and can cost between $170,000 and $340,000. Some parts of the community are in a floodplain; homeowners should check flood maps to assess their risk.
Public schools earn Bs and Cs and offer a JROTC program
Kids can start at Carmel Elementary, which earns a C from Niche, and then go to the B-minus-rated Caravel Middle. Hermon High also earns a B-minus. Students here can join organizations like the JROTC, known at Hermon High as the Hawk Battalion. JROTC students learn marksmanship, organize community events and participate in several field trips each year.
A car-dependent area about 20 minutes from Bangor
Interstate 95, U.S. Highway 2 and state Route 69 are the main roads in Carmel. Bangor is about 17 miles away, a drive that takes roughly 20 minutes via I-95. Newport is about 14 miles away. St. Joseph Hospital and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center are both in Bangor, as is Bangor International Airport. Houses of worship in the community include Carmel Church of Restoration and Crossing Life Church.
A few local stores, with more options in Bangor and Newport
Village Market is Carmel’s go-to spot for prepared foods, snacks and grocery staples. It also has a butcher counter and serves subs, burgers and pizzas to go. Ye Ole General Store, which is a gas station convenience store, also offers pizza and snacks. The Back in the Day Antique Mall has 60 vendors selling vintage furniture and collectibles. Dollar General provides essentials. For a sit-down meal, grocery stores and more retail options, residents head to Bangor or Newport, which are both within 20 minutes.
Written By
Annie Franklin
