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Gardiner

Gardiner

Located in Kennebec County

$327,328 Average Value
$208 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

Gardiner is a historic town along the Kennebec River

Gardiner is a quaint historic town in Kennebec County with about 6,000 residents. The Kennebec River flows to the east, and locals wandering the historic downtown district can hear it lapping as they shop or dine. A rail trail follows its banks, and it’s a backdrop for waterside parks and festivals. Gardiner is known for its historic architecture, and old Victorian and Colonial-style homes are scattered throughout the community, with a large concentration surrounding the town common. Plus, the community is near U.S. interstates 95 and 295, making regional travel convenient.

The Gardiner area displays a mix of civic spaces and surrounding neighborhoods connected by local streets.
The Gardiner area displays a mix of civic spaces and surrounding neighborhoods connected by local streets.
A welcome sign marks the entrance to Gardiner’s historic downtown, reflecting the town’s strong sense of place and identity.
A welcome sign marks the entrance to Gardiner’s historic downtown, reflecting the town’s strong sense of place and identity.
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Historic downtown has diners, thrift shops and bookstores

Historic downtown Gardiner features a quaint strip of local businesses. Brick sidewalks and vintage streetlamps line this walkable district, where there aren’t any stop signs or strip malls. Residents can dine at spots like A1 Diner. Housed in an old railcar, the restaurant serves everything from baked beans and mac and cheese to chicken salad plates and meatloaf. Nearby, Depot Pub is the community’s local watering hole. “It’s called The Depot because the train used to run by,” says Kim Gleason, owner/broker of McAllister Real Estate, who graduated from Gardiner Area High School. “The train no longer runs through, but it maintains a lot of character.” Inside this dive, there’s an old newspaper shop front and wooden booths where folks can sip beers and eat fried food. Downtown is also known for charming shops, like Stone Bread & Books, a bakery and bookstore. A few doors down, Rags to Riches Thrift Shop sells secondhand goods, while Top-Side Gaming offers a selection of trading cards. Cultural centers, like the Johnson Opera House and the Gardiner Public Library, are also in this area. Just north of the downtown area, locals can go grocery shopping at Hannaford.

A longtime dining destination, the A1 Diner adds character and charm to Gardiner’s streetscape.
A longtime dining destination, the A1 Diner adds character and charm to Gardiner’s streetscape.
Warm wood details and classic décor define the interior of the Depot Pub, a well-known Gardiner dining destination.
Warm wood details and classic décor define the interior of the Depot Pub, a well-known Gardiner dining destination.
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Riverfront parks and trails offer scenic spots to walk and play

Gardner Common features a walking path, playground and white gazebo in the middle of its grassy green space. Located downtown, it's surrounded by historic churches and Colonial-style homes. Nearby Waterfront Park has a boat launch, scattered benches and a waterside walkway. It’s the site of community events, including a free summer concert series on Friday nights. Also along the water, the Kennebec River Rail Trail follows a defunct rail bed for nearly 7 miles, from Augusta, Maine, to Gardiner. It’s popular for walking, running and cycling.

In Gardiner, the The Gardiner Common is home to the town's gazebo, a gathering place for community events.
In Gardiner, the The Gardiner Common is home to the town's gazebo, a gathering place for community events.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail in Gardiner provides a paved path surrounded by natural scenery and community amenities.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail in Gardiner provides a paved path surrounded by natural scenery and community amenities.
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Historic homes surround the common, large lawns outside of downtown

No two properties look alike here, with styles ranging from charming Victorians to Colonial Revivals with bright coats of paint. Historic homes surround Gardiner Common. Away from downtown, things start to spread out, with houses sitting on large lawns. “If people own one of those historic properties, they tend to hang onto it,” Gleason says. For about $100,000 to $250,000, homebuyers can find a historic farmhouse or small cottage that may need repairs. Cape Cods or Colonial Revivals can run in the $270,000 to $500,000 range, while new construction can cost $550,000 to $700,000.

Traditional design and historic character define this single family in Gardiner’s residential area.
Traditional design and historic character define this single family in Gardiner’s residential area.
A Cape Cod–style home in Gardiner features a spacious driveway and an attached garage in a wooded residential setting.
A Cape Cod–style home in Gardiner features a spacious driveway and an attached garage in a wooded residential setting.
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Annual festivals like Artwalk bring neighbors downtown

“There’s a lot of community involvement in Gardiner,” Gleason says. Neighbors gather for events and festivals throughout the year. The annual Artwalk Gardiner celebrates artists living and working within a 20-mile radius. Their work is displayed in galleries and businesses along Water Street, in the historic downtown. In June, the Greater Gardiner River Festival celebrates life along the Kennebec through live entertainment, food trucks, a craft fair and more. The Day of Lights takes place around the holiday season, as downtown businesses and churches adorn their exteriors with festive decorations. It’s actually a month-long celebration, which includes different events, like Shop Small Saturday, a tree lighting ceremony and a parade.

Regional School Unit No. 11 serves Gardiner

Students are zoned for the Regional School Unit No.11 district. They can attend Helen Thompson School, earning a B-minus from Niche, before Gardiner Regional Middle School, which gets a B. Next, they may attend Gardiner Area High School, which receives a C-plus from Niche and has a community service graduation requirement.

The architectural layout of Gardiner Regional Middle School supports both academic programs and community use.
The architectural layout of Gardiner Regional Middle School supports both academic programs and community use.
The Gardiner Area High School campus features multiple academic buildings set within a spacious institutional setting.
The Gardiner Area High School campus features multiple academic buildings set within a spacious institutional setting.
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Augusta and Portland are within an easy drive from Gardiner

Gardiner is car-dependent. U.S. interstates 95 and 295 are just west of the community, and U.S. Route 201 cuts through its center, running north-south. Augusta is about 7 miles north, Portland is about 50 miles south and Maine’s coast is about 43 miles east. For air travel, Portland International Jetport is about 54 miles away.

The city of Augusta is positioned about seven miles north of Gardiner, allowing easy access to Maine’s capital and regional services.
The city of Augusta is positioned about seven miles north of Gardiner, allowing easy access to Maine’s capital and regional services.
Portland is located approximately 50 miles south of Gardiner, providing convenient access to a wide variety of shops and cafés throughout its historic downtown.
Portland is located approximately 50 miles south of Gardiner, providing convenient access to a wide variety of shops and cafés throughout its historic downtown.
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Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Ruo Zheng
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Ruo Zheng
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Ruo Zheng

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Katie McAllister, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Gardiner Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$327,000
Median Sale Price
$310,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$310,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$217,499
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$350,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
83
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$208

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,590
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,681
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,518
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,347
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,424

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Feb 21
    Open Sat 9AM - 11AM

    15 Magnolia Ln Unit 15, Gardiner, ME 04345

    $475,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,592 Sq Ft
    • 15 Magnolia Ln
    • Unit 15

    Welcome to Gardiner's newest community! Located just blocks from the Kennebec River and downtown Gardiner, these custom homes have stunning finishes, including custom kitchen cabinetry,, quartz countertops, and wood & tile flooring. The first floor features an open-concept design, seamlessly combining the kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a convenient half bath. ELEVATOR COULD BE

    Brian Rizzo Rizzo Mattson

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  • Saturday, Feb 21
    Open Sat 9AM - 11AM

    5 Magnolia Ln Unit 1, Gardiner, ME 04345

    $365,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,470 Sq Ft
    • 5 Magnolia Ln
    • Unit 1

    Welcome to Gardiner's newest condominiums! This architectural style has been meticulously restored, honoring its rich heritage while embracing contemporary living. You will enjoy its flowing layout with oversized windows that bathe the rooms with natural light on the 1st floor. Premium finishes include gleaming wood floors, granite countertops, oversized closets, laundry room, and tin ceilings in

    Geri Doyle Rizzo Mattson

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  • Saturday, Feb 21
    Open Sat 9AM - 11AM

    29 Magnolia Ln Unit 29, Gardiner, ME 04345

    $460,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,376 Sq Ft
    • 29 Magnolia Ln
    • Unit 29

    Welcome to Gardiner's newest community! Located just blocks from the Kennebec River and downtown Gardiner, these custom homes have stunning finishes, including custom kitchen cabinetry, quartz countertops, and wood & tile flooring. The first floor features an open-concept design, seamlessly combining the kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a convenient half bath. ELEVATOR COULD BE

    Brian Rizzo Rizzo Mattson

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Gardiner Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,997
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$62,109
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$79,084

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
29.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
59''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

10 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

4 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Gardiner
Katie McAllister
McAllister Real Estate
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