Hiram offers small-town lakeside living with mountain views
Set against a backdrop of the Western Maine Mountains, Hiram is a quiet collection of villages where just over 1,500 people call home. “A large part of Hiram is a highland area, and Mt. Cutler is right in the center,” says local associate broker Daniel McDonnell with Real Broker. “There are unbelievable soaring views of the westerly mountains. There’s lake living, river living, mountain living, all in a relatively small area that’s not well known.” Hiram’s rural setting marked by natural landscapes creates ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking local trails to paddling along the Saco River. While the Oxford County town provides a slower pace of life, daily necessities are available at stores in neighboring Cornish, and Portland is about 35 miles to the east.
Nature lovers can hike Mt. Cutler and kayak on the Saco River
Hiram is home to popular hiking trails, both marked and unmarked, up two notable mountains. Both Mt. Cutler and Burnt Meadow Mountain offer different levels of pathways to their summits. “The Saco runs right through the center of Hiram, so that lends to kayaking and other non-motorboating,” McDonnell adds. “And there are plenty of ATV trails, which we call club trails, throughout Hiram as well.” Small lakes like Clemens Pond, Stanley Pond and Barker Pond offer secluded and scenic spots for fishing and paddling. And just 10 miles east of Hiram, Sebago Lake is a larger body of water that has a public beach and marina.
Common home styles include wooded camps and waterfront cabins
Homes in Hiram showcase classic New England lake- and mountain-styles, including Cape Cod cabins, ranch-styles and colonial-style chalets. Many properties dot the shores of the small lakes that pepper Hiram’s landscape, while others are set back in the wooded highlands or along old camp roads, where vintage cottages are tucked between trees and water. About 83% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a stable and invested community. Quaint homes around 1,000 square feet can be found for as low as $110,000, while waterfront properties typically command prices upwards of $580,000 and beyond. McDonnell notes that prices for starter homes usually start around $275,000, while higher-end homes might cost about $650,000. However, he also notes that buyers might find the occasional newer build for around $1 million.
Nearby Cornish offers popular restaurants and antique shopping
Small-town character blends with highly sought-after eateries in Hiram and nearby Cornish. Hiram’s rural setting limits retail, though South Hiram has a small village area. “Back in the day, East Hiram was the town center with the library and fire department,” says McDonnell. “But these days, South Hiram, which people call Kezar Falls, is where you go to get your gas and stuff. And for daily amenities, you would go to Cornish.” In South Hiram, right next to Cornish, Route 160 Ice Cream serves classic ice cream cones and hot dogs. Cornish, however, offers a broader selection of restaurants that people drive for miles to have a meal. Krista’s is known for hearty meals and homemade desserts in a casual atmosphere, while Bay Haven Lobster Pound specializes in lobster and fried seafood. In the same area, Call’s Shop’n Save meets grocery needs, and a few antique stores offer eclectic shopping.
Bluegrass and apple festivals bring the community together
Hiram hosts a lively calendar of community events that showcase the area’s appreciation for local culture. At Apple Acres Farm in Durgintown, the Apple Festival celebrates all things apple, and the annual Bluegrass Festival attracts music lovers. The Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds in South Hiram hosts the larger-scale Crooked River Gathering each August. “It’s the big bluegrass festival with bands that come from all over the region to play for a few days,” McDonnell explains. The fairgrounds also hosts the Ossipee Valley Fair, an agricultural expo with stock and car shows, food vendors, and live music.
Sacopee Valley public schools serve Hiram and surrounding towns
The Sacopee Valley School District, or MSAD 55, serves the towns of Hiram, Baldwin, Cornish, Parsonsfield and Porter. While five communities funnel into one elementary, middle and high school, the student body is relatively low in number, which fosters a tight-knit learning environment. Sacopee Valley Elementary School serves kindergarten through third-grade students and earns a C rating from Niche, while Sacopee Valley Middle School serves up to eighth grade and holds a B-minus. Each year, middle schoolers host Teaching the Community Tech Night, which entails different interactive stations for parents and residents to visit and learn skills like coding and robotics. Sacopee Valley High School receives a C-minus rating.
Route 113 connects the car-dependent town to Portland
The town is car-dependent, as there are no public bus or train services available in or near Hiram. State Route 113 serves as one of the main thoroughfares, connecting residents to Portland, which is about 35 miles east. Once there, the Portland International Jetport is within reach. For healthcare needs, Bridgton Hospital is the nearest general hospital, about 15 miles north of Hiram.
![Mary Beth Greene]()
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
