Oxford offers a rural atmosphere in southwestern Maine
Oxford is a sparse, rural community bisected by Maine State Route 26, situated midway between the towns of Poland and Norway. Dense foliage is interspersed with homes scattered across the landscape, and residents here can still commute to Portland while retaining the serenity of Maine’s backcountry. “In Oxford, there’s not really a town, so things are more on side roads,” says Aaren James, an associate broker with Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader. “Oxford has a casino and the speedway, but it’s still a rural town in Maine.” The community’s tranquil atmosphere is occasionally punctuated by the roar of engines at Oxford Plains Speedway, which has hosted motorsports events for 75 years. The speedway, along with a local casino and the Oxford Fairgrounds, serve as the area’s primary event venues.
Space between homes in southwestern Maine
Oxford primarily offers a mix of single-family and manufactured homes, and many of the single-family properties sit on multiple acres. Architectural styles include ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and farmhouses. “There are side roads with homes everywhere,” James says, “and more countryside-style homes when you get further out.” Single-family housing prices vary, depending on style and lot size, but typically fall between $150,000 and $450,000. Manufactured homes often cost between $100,000 and $300,000.
Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School offers ice and field hockey
Regional School Unit No. 17 (MSAD 17) serves the area, garnering a C rating from Niche. Oxford Elementary School spans kindergarten through sixth grade and also receives a C. Oxford Hills Middle School and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School both get C ratings, as well. Sports at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High include ice hockey, field hockey and water polo.
Oxford locals can fish, swim and boat in several lakes
Recreation on the water is a popular pastime in Oxford. Close to central Oxford, Hogan Pond and Whitney Pond lie parallel to each other and are open to anglers and boaters. Parts of Thompson Lake, which measures nearly 4,500 acres across multiple communities, are in southern Oxford. Locals can hike trails around the lake or take to the water for swimming, fishing and boating. The Smith Bridge Preserve offers 5 miles of trails within its almost 500 acres. Anglers can fish at Marshall Pond, which also has a boat ramp. Nearby towns like Lewiston and Norway offer more paths for walking and biking. “Trails are everywhere,” James says. “The rail trail program was really popular and would take old, unusable railroad beds, level them flat and make them into trails.”
The Oxbow Beer Garden serves pizza, drinks and more
The section of State Route 26 that passes through central Oxford serves as a primary thoroughfare for the community, and serves as the nerve center of commercial activity here. The Oxbow Beer Garden is one of the area’s most popular stops. “It’s a really nice, wood-fired pizza place,” James says. “They have cool little eating areas out back.” Along with pizza, Oxbow Beer Garden also specializes in serving craft ales and local produce. It also offers ski and snowshoe rentals for use on a nearby trail system. The Lost Gull Fish N’ Chips serves seafood close by, while Rocket Ron’s American Grill is a food truck with outdoor seating. The closest major stores are Hannaford and Walmart, each less than 5 miles up Route 26.
Engines roar at Oxford Plains Speedway
Oxford Plains Speedway is one of the area’s biggest attractions. The racetrack has operated since 1950 and its most notable event is the Oxford 250, a late-model racing showcase that takes place in the late summer every year. “The Oxford 250 is a big deal,” says Mike Quinn, a Realtor and broker with EXP Realty, who grew up in the area. “People come here for the week and camp.” Past winners have included NASCAR champions Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick. Every September, the Oxford Fairgrounds hosts the Oxford County Fair. The four-day event features a steer and oxen show, demolition derbies, ox pulls and live music. Locals can also play games at the Oxford Casino Hotel, which is a major employer in the area.
Drivers get around on Route 26
There is no public transportation available in Oxford, so residents here rely on personal vehicles to get around. Maine State Route 26, which links Portland with the New Hampshire border, runs through Oxford, linking residents with Lewiston and Auburn, both less than 25 miles away. Drivers can get on Interstate 95 about 15 miles east of town. Portland is under 40 miles south via I-95 and is home to the nearest commercial airport, the Portland International Jetport. MaineHealth Stephens Hospital offers medical care about 6 miles north.
