$195,517Average Value$168Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
A growing rural community surrounded by lakes and forests
The small rural town of Dexter is centered around Lake Wassookeag. What used to be a hub of activity and commerce for neighboring towns has focused inward in recent years. It's becoming a community-oriented area with organizations geared toward creating events and improving the parks. Surrounding the town hall and library, raised-ranch houses and New Englander-style homes are just a short walk or drive from trails and parks, as well as a public boat ramp allowing boaters to enjoy the lake. “The town brings people from everywhere, and since the town is in basically the center of Maine, there is lots of outdoor recreation available, from hiking to moose watching and kayaking,” says Mark Stephens, a resident for over 18 years who co-owns the Brewster Inn with his wife, Tina. “It’s a nice place to be, we really like being here.”
Dexter is a rural town with so much to offer in the heart of Maine.
Welcome to Dexter, a town full of beauty and opportunity for you and yours.
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Fun on Lake Wassookeag and local trails
The Dexter Public Beach and Recreation area is one of the more prominent parks in town and is home to a public boat ramp and sports fields. Tina Stephens, the other owner of The Brewster Inn, says the Dexter Development Association has worked hard to get the beach area back in great shape with the help of local volunteers. The DDA has also added a dock using donations to allow kids to go out on and have also started offering free swim lessons in conjunction with the YMCA out of Dover-Foxcroft. "There have been visitors coming from other communities to swim in the lake again and older local residents said it reminded them of their youth when the lake was the most popular place to be in the summer," Stephens says. Many also frequent the Dexter Community playground, which has an updated playset and a baseball diamond. The Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail is a 27-mile trail that is used for summertime and wintertime activities, from four-wheelers to cross-country skiers, as well as hikers year-round. The trail is part of the Interconnected Trail System, which is under the Maine Snowmobile Association and has mapped out over 14,000 miles of trails all over Maine. This has also led to the creation of the North County Riding Club, which uses these trails for dirt bikes and four-wheelers. Dexter Municipal Golf Course, a popular 9-hole course amid Maine’s rolling hills, offers a walk through a more manicured form of nature. Fishermen can also stop by the nearby Echo Lake to catch brook trout and smallmouth bass.
Take a dip into Lake Wasookeag and cool off with family and friends in Dexter.
Seeing RTVs traveling along the Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail in Dexter is a common sight.
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Older New Englander and ranch homes
Housing in Dexter reflects home styles found in Central Maine, with the town primarily consisting of New Englander and raised-ranch houses built in the early 1900s and even as far back as the late 1800s. The homes often sit on shaded lots underneath mature American beech and black cherry trees, with neighbors and friends a short walk away. Houses can range between $40,000 and $360,000. “Prices in the neighborhood are pretty affordable but have been rising a lot in the last three years,” Stephens says, “and lots of people have been moving into our part of Maine from all over the U.S.” In Dexter, prices have gone up 35% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
There's a fair share of homes in Dexter that have detached garages offering great storage space.
You will find certain streets in Dexter have homes that are of the same style.
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The Red Hot Dog Festival
The largest event in Dexter each year is the Red Hot Dog Festival in August. Named after the iconic Maine hot dog style with a bright red casing, the event is a big day for the community, as the main street is closed and filled with food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, and a stage featuring live music. The event also has a red hot dog eating contest, which is sponsored by the Brewster Inn. About 5,000 to 7,000 people attend each year, Stephens says, adding, “Last year, we had a really good Ozzy Osbourne cover band.”
Classic Maine dining and a growing downtown
One of the more popular eateries in Dexter is Lakeshore Restaurant, which sits along the water. Here, patrons can stop in after a day at the nearby park and enjoy classic diner fare, seafood or a scoop of ice cream from the serving windows. Closer to downtown, Our "Famb"ily Restaurant is another spot specializing in breakfast and lunch that’s known for its eggs Benedict and a variety of omelets. The downtown area has also grown a lot in the last few years, with Maine Sole, a recent addition to the area that provides classic handmade shoes and is one of the 13 well-performing shoe manufacturers in Maine. Groceries can be found at the local Hannaford downtown.
Families love to dine in and indulge in conversation at the Lakeshore Restaurant in Dexter.
Our "Famb"ily Restaurant is a local favorite in Dexter for breakfast and lunch.
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Vocational options at Dexter public schools
Students can begin their education at Ridge View Community School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school that receives a C-minus rating on Niche. They can then finish at the C-rated Dexter Regional High School, known for its girl's basketball team, which just won the Class C basketball state crown in March of 2024. Students can also attend the unrated Tri County Tech Center, where vocational programs include welding, culinary arts and early childhood education.
This is the main entrance to Ridge View Community School.
Dexter Regional High School sits next to Lake Wasookeag.
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State routes and quiet streets
Dexter offers a number of options to commuters. State routes 23, 94 and 7 all run through town, streamlining trips to nearby hotspots like Newport and Dover-Foxcroft. “It’s a healthy mix of walking and driving. Some people will walk to places that they think are walkable, but a car or mode of transportation is necessary,” Tina Stephens says. Bangor International Airport is 31 miles to the southeast, and the Northern Light Mayo Hospital is 13 miles to the north.
Dexter connects to multiple state routes making traveling by car easy.
Quiet streets encompass Dexter, making for the perfect place to raise a family.
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Written By
Braxton Puentes
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Ruo Zheng
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dexter, ME sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Dexter, ME over the last 12 months is $224,900, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home feels like brand new! Offering 3 levels of living space, 5 bedrooms, and 3 full baths, every room has been completely renovated from top to bottom. The kitchen boasts stunning quartz countertops, new cabinets, and brand-new appliances. All 3 bathrooms have been fully updated, and a new washer and dryer are included. Each level is equipped with a mini-split heat pump for year-round
Completely remodeled executive ranch with a chic and modern decor. The interior was transformed with a custom kitchen, bath upgrades, new flooring, doors and trim. Nickel gap accent walls were added for a subtle and elegant look. Other features include a primary bedroom with ensuite, whole house standby generator, mini splits for a/c and heat. Walk out basement with a finished bar area with bath,
Motivated Seller! Nestled on a spacious 4-acre lot, this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Dexter is full of potential. If you're looking for a charming house with plenty of room to roam, this property offers the perfect opportunity to create your dream home or a great investment.The home features a traditional layout with a cozy living space, three well-sized bedrooms, and a full bathroom. Vinyl
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