Pleasant, lavish living in Outer Falmouth
As opposed to the bayside community of Falmouth Foreside, Outer Falmouth offers open land and backcountry recreation rather than a waterfront lifestyle. This large swath of the west side of the town of Falmouth puts residents close to dozens of miles of trails, whether they live off a remote highway or in a planned subdivision. “Southern Maine has tons of hiking trails, and they span through most of Falmouth,” says Doug Schauf, a local Realtor at RE/MAX Oceanside for more than a decade. “There are a gazillion trails.”
Outer Falmouth homes in a pastoral landscape — plus country clubs
The east side of Outer Falmouth features subdivisions and a few country clubs. These communities, which include The Woodlands Club and Falmouth Country Club, grant stately homes quick access to private golf courses, tennis clubs and aquatic facilities. Homes space further apart, and the landscape becomes more rural further west. There are even a few farm properties, combining barn-like features, such as red paint and gable roofs with modern luxuries, including in-ground pools. Home prices are an advantage of the neighborhood compared to Falmouth Foreside, says Schauf. “Falmouth Foreside is likely to be pricier because of the ocean proximity. It’s tough to find much of anything in Falmouth Foreside for under $1 million. It gets a little more reasonable further west.” Indeed, the average home value in Outer Falmouth is roughly $675,000, compared to $1.1 million in Falmouth Foreside.
Straight A scores for Falmouth schools
All three Falmouth Public School campuses are clustered together in the neighborhood, so students are within 7 miles of each school operated by the district, which Niche ranks as the ninth-best school system in the state. Falmouth Elementary School, which gets a Niche grade of A, services nearly 900 students between prekindergarten and fifth grade. Meanwhile, Falmouth Middle School and Falmouth High School also get grades of A. Niche ranks Falmouth High the second-best high school in Maine for STEM education, boosted by its extensive list of science courses, such as astrophysics, forensics and marine research.
Ospreys and endangered rabbits at River Point
The further Outer Falmouth spans inland, the more rustic its landscape becomes. Near the east side of the neighborhood, Falmouth Community Park presents football and soccer fields on what used to be farmland. Nearby River Point Conservation Area teems with wildlife, and visitors may spot ospreys, beavers and the endangered New England cottontail rabbit. Further west, Blackstrap Hill Preserve’s 11 miles of trails extend into dense evergreen forests, where hunting and snowmobiling are allowed. More hiking, as well as ATV paths, await at Lowell Preserve. Next to Lowell Preserve, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks can be launched in Highland Lake.
Shopping and entertainment in nearby Falmouth Foreside
Though it’s far from a retail destination, residents don’t need to leave the community for run-of-the-mill errands, as the neighborhood’s West Falmouth Crossing shopping center houses a Hannaford supermarket, Hannaford Pharmacy and Gorham Savings Bank. Five miles from there, the menu at Wander at LongWoods reflects the surrounding community, as the restaurant-farm-combination curates dishes using local seasonal ingredients including wild mushrooms, fresh olive oil and Maine-brewed beer. A wider selection of shopping, dining and entertainment awaits in neighboring Falmouth Foreside. The neighborhood’s spots include a Walmart, Flagship Cinemas and waterfront tavern, The Dockside Grill.
Right on I-95 and not far from Portland
Cars are the primary way to traverse Outer Falmouth’s roads, though Greater Portland Metro bus stops at West Falmouth Crossing can take passengers to Portland, 8 miles to the south. From Portland, locals catch flights at Portland International Jetport or board the Amtrak train that reaches Boston in less than three hours. Of course, Interstate 95 runs through Outer Falmouth, so motorists can zip onto the interstate that runs the length of the East Coast.
A market tradition since 1880 in near Outer Falmouth
In nearby Falmouth Foreside sits a 140-year-old community gathering spot: Falmouth Town Landing Market. The shop’s narrow aisles are stocked with bottles of wine and shelf-stable groceries, while the deli whips up egg sandwiches and lobster rolls. More than a place to grab a bite, Town Landing Market hosts events, from cider-stocked costume parades on Halloween to seasonal wine tastings.
