A historic downtown on the Kennebec River
Initially established as a small military post called Fort Richmond in 1719, Richmond thrived as a shipbuilding and waterfront trade center in the 19th century before it evolved into the quiet town it is today. In central Maine’s Sagadahoc County, Richmond is a peaceful residential enclave on the Kennebec River. “It’s a tight community where everyone looks out for each other,” says Bonnie Hollander, an associate broker with Tim Dunham Realty who moved to the area less than a decade ago and finds it to be a great place to live. “Everybody is friendly and welcomes you.” Though rural, the town’s walkable historic Main Street hosts local businesses and amenities, and the area’s plentiful forests and waterways provide outdoor recreation. There are neighborhood events to bring the community together, and convenient interstate access allows commuters to easily travel to Augusta or Portland.
19th-century properties on Main Street and Cape Cods on large, forested lots
Properties built in the 18th and 19th centuries are clustered together on small lots along Richmond’s historic district, but homes are spaced further apart and built more recently throughout the rest of the neighborhood. Downtown homebuyers can find a small Colonial Revival built in 1900 for $180,000, while a large coastal bungalow from 1906 costs $450,000. Homes on larger forested lots along peaceful residential roads populate the rest of the neighborhood. There are ranches built in the last 10 years that cost about $300,000, and Cape Cods on 10-acre lots built in the late 1990s priced at $500,000.
The Richmond School Department serves the neighborhood
The Richmond School Department, which separated from the Regional School Unit 2 district in 2022, serves the neighborhood. Kids begin learning at Marcia Buker Elementary, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. Students advance to C-minus-rated Richmond Middle and High School. High school students can participate in the Jobs for Maine Graduates program to begin preparing for college or post-secondary training pathways.
Take a ferry to explore Swan Island
The Kennebec River forms Richmond’s eastern border and the Cobbosseecontee Stream is along the western border, so the neighborhood hosts plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Peacock Beach State Park features a swimming area and picnic area by the Cobbosseecontee Stream. The Pleasant Pond Boat Launch is a little further south and offers convenient access to the Cobbosseecontee for fishing and boating. From downtown, residents can hop on a ferry boat to Swan Island, a small key in the middle of the Kennebec known for its nature trails and a kids-only fishing pond. Locals can spend a day birdwatching, swimming and exploring the island’s five historic homes, or camp overnight. Those looking to simply relax and enjoy views of the Kennebec will find a gazebo and Adirondack chairs at Fort Richmond Park.
Grab beer and pizza at The Old Goat
Richmond’s small downtown historic district houses local businesses and eateries. Annabella’s Bakery and Café serves breakfast platters and pastries, and Kimberly’s Restaurant and Lounge offers American fare, including seafood platters and mac and cheese, in a laidback environment. The Old Goat is an easygoing pub with nine draft lines and 90 bottled beers to choose from — “I particularly enjoy the pizza at The Old Goat,” Hollander says. Strolling downtown, locals can head to small businesses like Seawicks Candle Company and find a small selection of everyday essentials and grocery items at Pierce’s Country Store. The nearest supermarket is Shaw’s, which is in Wiscasset, 13 miles southeast.
20 miles to Augusta and 40 miles to Portland
Some sidewalks are along Richmond’s historic district, but the neighborhood is largely car-dependent, so residents depend on personal vehicles to drive to nearby towns for work and errands. Richmond’s convenient location along Interstate 295 makes commuting to larger towns easy. Just north of Richmond, Interstate 295 merges with Interstate 95 and hits the Augusta area, which is about 20 miles away. The highway also goes south through Freeport, Yarmouth and Portland before meeting with I-95 in Scarborough.
Horse-drawn wagon rides at Richmond’s holiday tree lighting
Residents can head to downtown Richmond for community events throughout the year. Spring brings the Art Fest by the Kennebec with book arts and painting on site. The community comes together to celebrate the town during Richmond Days, a summer event with fireworks, a parade and food trucks. “It’s a way to bring the community together and strengthen the town every year,” Hollander says. The neighborhood kicks off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting, complete with appearances from Santa, hot chocolate and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Photography Contributed By
Jason Veilleux
