Kennebunkport

Cape Porpoise is a quiet fishing village in Kennebunkport on the rocky coast of Maine. Locals can hike at the Tyler Brook Preserve or explore the playground at Firefighter’s Park when not on the water. Waterfront homes are a short drive from restaurants, such as the seasonal Nunan’s Lobster Hut, and Bradbury Brothers Market, a community staple that has been open for over 80 years. As part of Kennebunkport, residents attend town events, including the famous Christmas Prelude. It is part of the Maine Regional School District 21, which earns an A-minus from Niche. Cape Porpoise receives a CAP Index Crime Score of one out of 10, compared to the national average of four out of 10. “It’s beautiful, it’s safe and the community is great,” says Realtor Heidi Maynard, co-owner of Pack Maynard & Associates, who has lived in the area for about 40 years. At the Cape Porpoise Harbor, locals and tourists dock their boats after a day of fishing, sailing or visiting one of the nearby islands and can refuel at the public station. The harbor can fill up quickly, although more room is available at the Stage Island Harbor. The neighborhood is home to the Tyler Brook Preserve, with trails such as the Batson River Trail connecting it to the rest of the Kennebunk Conservation Trust. “It’s a wild and quiet space for both people and wildlife,” says Tom Bradbury, executive director of the Kennebunk Conservation Trust. The preserve borders Firefighter’s Park, which features a playground and Little League field. Cape Porpoise’s coast is rocky, so residents often travel to Goose Rocks Beach, about 4 miles away, to surf or soak up the sun. Trees fill most of the neighborhood, although residences along the coast have unobstructed views of the water. Grassy lawns are often decorated with manicured gardens and bushes. Houses in the heart of the village sit close together, while properties are more spread out closer to the water or Tyler Brook Preserve. Many of the homes in the area are older, including Colonials from the 1760s and shingle styles and Cape Cods from the late 19th century, with contemporary properties scattered throughout Cape Porpoise. Most prices fall between $800,000 and $1.95 million, although Maynard says that “anything on the water is $3 to $4 million.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency zones much of the coastline as either Zone AE or VE, meaning there is a 26% chance of flooding over 30 years, with Zone VE experiencing more hazards due to storm waves. These are considered Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), so flood insurance is recommended for homeowners and required for anyone with a federally backed mortgage. While the area is prone to flooding, Maynard says that many homes sit on high elevations, reducing the risk of property damage. There are several community events throughout the year, such as the annual May Day Festival, which features a book sale, live music and a parade that rides through Main Street. However, the highlight of the year is the Christmas Prelude, an 11-day celebration to ring in the holiday season that has earned Kennebunkport the title of the #2 Christmas Town in America, according to HGTV. Santa arrives at the festivities on a lobster boat, and locals can enjoy a street festival, fireworks display and a tree lighting ceremony while carolers sing at the Franciscan Monastery. A handful of restaurants are in the area, including the seasonal Nunan’s Lobster Hut, which is open from mid-May to mid-October every year. Unsurprisingly, this establishment specializes in lobsters, serving them steamed, on a roll, in a stew and a variety of other ways. Cape Porpoise Kitchen is a café and deli with over 20 sandwiches and a gourmet take-home menu, and famous chef Germán Lucarelli owns The Lost Fire, a Patagonian bar and grill. Residents get most of their groceries from the locally owned Bradbury Brothers Market, which opened in 1942. It has an in-house butcher, bakery and deli. Hannaford is about 4 miles away, and Target, Walmart and Lowe’s are about 11 miles away. Cape Porpoise is a part of the Maine Regional School District Unit 21. Kennebunkport Consolidated School receives a B-plus from Niche, and the Middle School of the Kennebunks earns an A. Kennebunk High School scores a B-plus and is the #2 public high school in Maine, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Students at KHS are eligible for a STEM Certificate at graduation if they complete at least 10 STEM courses. While boats make it easy to get around the coast, cars are required on land. Main Street connects Cape Porpoise to the rest of Kennebunkport, eventually leading to U.S. Route 1 and Portland, about 29 miles away. Most people fly out of Portland International Jetport, about 26 miles away, and the closest emergency room is at York Hospital in Wells, about a 9-mile drive.