Nobleboro offers quiet lakeside living and a strong sense of community
In Nobleboro, pine woods and quiet waters shape the rhythm of daily life. Founded in 1788, the small Midcoast Maine town sits between Damariscotta and Waldoboro, each around 5 miles away, with the Atlantic coast just 20 miles to the east. “The small-town feel makes our community unique,” says Sara Rogers, a local broker with Newcastle Realty who has lived in Nobleboro for more than two decades. “You mostly know your neighbors, and if you don’t, you get to know them quickly. There’s enough privacy for everyone to mind their own business, but we help each other out when in need.” There are fewer than 2,000 residents living among a landscape dotted with lakes and large ponds where summer cottages line the shore. Families are drawn to Nobleboro for its highly rated public schools and its sense of community, while outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the convenient access to boating, fishing and hiking. The result is a town that feels both tucked away and well connected.
Damariscotta Lake and Pemaquid Pond offer year-round recreation
Damariscotta Lake, one of the largest in the Midcoast region at roughly 10 miles long, borders the town’s western and northern edges. Residents use the lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing, with public boat ramps available for motorboats and sailboats. At the northern tip, Damariscotta Lake State Park provides public beach access and hiking trails. On the town’s southeastern side, Pemaquid Pond offers similar opportunities on a smaller scale, with calm waters for paddling and trails for walking. “There’s a lot of fishing on the lakes, too: bass, trout, salmon and white perch fishing,” Rogers adds.
Waterfront homes, farmhouses and seasonal camps dot the town
Nobleboro’s housing reflects the area’s rural Maine character, and roughly 85% of residents own their homes. The area is dotted with classic New England architecture, including Cape Cods, colonial-inspired homes and shingle-style cottages, many of which are nestled around the town’s lakes. Some properties are tucked into wooded lots, while others sit directly on the water, offering private docks and multi-acre parcels. Farmhouses are also common, often accompanied by barns and open fields. Home prices range widely, from around $240,000 for modest cottages to $2 million for expansive lakefront chalets. During the summer months, a collection of lakeside vacation rentals contribute to a seasonal population swell, nearly doubling the town’s size. “We have a lot of summer residents who come stay in million-dollar properties on the lake,” Rogers says. “But you also have little camps that have been in the family for fifty-plus years.”
A-rated public and private schools serve Nobleboro students
Students can attend kindergarten through eighth grade at Nobleboro Central School, which holds an A-minus rating from Niche. Rogers mentions that the school listens to the community, and the town is conscientious of the resources that the school may need. Since the town does not operate a public high school, the district participates in Maine’s Town Tuitioning Program, allowing families to choose from a range of nearby schools, with any associated tuition paid for by the district. Many opt for Lincoln Academy, a private high school located 10 miles south in New Castle, also rated A-minus. Lincoln Academy offers a range of extracurriculars, including niche clubs like the sailing club and jewelry and small metal smithing.
AppleFest brings neighbors together through pies and music
The town’s main community event centers around local history and seasonal traditions. The Nobleboro Historical Society sponsors AppleFest each October, which features apple-themed foods like homemade pies, local craft vendors, bluegrass music, children’s activities and a silent auction. “My daughter used to sing the national anthem at the beginning of the festival,” Rogers says. “It’s a nice way for the community to gather and enjoy fresh donuts and live music. The local eighth graders even have a stand to raise money for their school projects.”
Local spots include the Savory Moose and the Nobleboro Village Store
Retail and dining options in Nobleboro are limited, with just a handful of local establishments serving the community. “We have the Savory Moose here in town, a bakery with cheese Danishes, chicken pot pie and local farm-fresh soups,” Rogers says. “And we have farmstands, like Spear’s Farm. They have green beans, lettuce, strawberries and corn. They’re family-owned and have been in this area for generations.” The Nobleboro Village Store, a small convenience market, offers basics like donuts and pizza. Across the street, the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro stands out with its white Greek Revival architecture framed by the surrounding greenery. For more shopping and dining variety, residents typically travel 4 miles south to Damariscotta, where there’s Hannaford and a broader selection of restaurants and shops.
U.S. Route 1 runs from the car-dependent town to the coast
With no public transportation options, Nobleboro is car dependent. U.S. Route 1 serves as the main thoroughfare, connecting residents to Maine’s coast about 20 miles east and to Portland International Jetport roughly 60 miles south. The nearest full-service hospital, MainHealth Lincoln Hospital, is about 5 miles south in Damariscotta.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
