A rural farming community with nature trails and waterways
Pine forests, stretches of farmland and old New England homes characterize the rural New Gloucester neighborhood. Situated in northern Cumberland County, the community enjoys large lots and quiet country roads without sacrificing access to the state’s larger cities. “We’ve maintained a great balance of environmental protection, historic preservation and limited economic development opportunities,” Town Manager Bill Kerbin Jr. says. Working farms operate farm stands with local produce, while nearby parks and waterways offer frequent opportunities to go fishing or hiking. With access to state highways and interstates, residents enjoy access to amenities while living in a slower-paced atmosphere.
19th century capes on spacious, wooded lots
“There are some streets where you have a grouping of homes, but for the most part, they’re spaced out,” Kerbin says. Most homes are accompanied by acres of property, and many are situated in wooded enclaves further from the road. Those looking to build their own home can find a 5-acre lot for about $150,000. Ranches and bilevels built in the 1990s and early 2000s are priced between $300,000 and $400,000. A Cape Cod built in the mid-19th century costs about $450,000, while homebuyers can find a rustic home on a working farm that was built in the 1980s for almost $1 million.
Career certification at Gray-New Gloucester High
Children start kindergarten at Memorial School, which has a B-minus grade from Niche. In third grade, students go to Burchard A. Dunn School and then advance to Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, which both have B grades. Students finish at B-minus-rated Gray-New Gloucester High, where students can enroll in career pathways to begin studying their field of interest in high school. The high school offers certification options for auto collision technology, carpentry, masonry, culinary concepts and more.
Learn and explore at Pineland Farms
Near the southeast corner of the neighborhood sits a 5,000-acre working farm called Pineland Farms, an agribusiness that is part farm and part educational and recreational venue. In the warmer months, residents can stroll among apple trees and blueberry bushes, explore the 1-acre flower garden, listen to children’s story times in the barn or take a full moon hike. Pineland Farms is the town’s go-to place for sledding, and afterward, residents can warm up with a snack in one of the farm’s heated crystal balls. The neighborhood also hosts the New Gloucester Fairgrounds, which used to be used for horse racing and is now a public outdoor space with a track and volleyball court. Residents only live about 15 miles from the coast, but they can find a beach in the neighborhood. Outlet Beach offers access to Sabbathday Lake for boating and swimming.
14 miles to Auburn and 24 miles to Portland
There aren’t sidewalks or public transportation options in this rural neighborhood, so residents rely on cars to shop and drive to work. U.S. Route 202 and Interstate 95 both run north-south through New Gloucester, making it easy for locals to drive to surrounding cities. Auburn is 14 miles north, Freeport is 15 miles east and Portland is 24 miles southeast.
Beer and pizza at Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company
There aren’t many restaurants in the neighborhood, but Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company recently opened a location in New Gloucester and serves Maine brews and craft pizza in a comfortable rustic environment. Residents drive 6 miles south to Gray for more dining options, like Two Mums Kitchen, which serves classic comfort food. Gray also houses grocery stores like Hannaford and some retail options. “Most people drive to Freeport to shop at the outlet malls, though. That’s definitely the largest shopping option in the area,” says Ciara Gendron, a central Maine native.
Thompson’s Orchards offers autumn and holiday fun
True to its name, the New Gloucester Fairgrounds hosts a volunteer-operated community fair with carnival rides, live music and local vendors. In the fall, locals can go to Thompson’s Orchards for hayrides and apple picking and stop by the farm stand for local goods and fresh-pressed cider. Seasonal events extend through December as the orchard transitions to offering holiday trees and wreaths, hot chocolate and pictures with Santa.
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Jeff Tippett
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Danica Neddenien
