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About Saco, ME

About Saco, ME

Nature fills the city of Saco

Saco is a nature-filled city about 17 miles from Portland, Maine. Like many other New England communities, Saco became a lumber town in the 18th century and eventually evolved into a manufacturing and mill town in the 19th century. Today, the coastal city is known for its waterfront amusement parks, scenic trails and beach views, which attract many summer tourists. The city has about 21,000 residents who can explore its natural beauty, attend community events and enjoy the small downtown with shops and restaurants. “It’s really a community-engaged area,” says Angie Presby, a lifelong resident and executive director of Saco Main Street. “There’s always something going on. Our parks and rec department, they’re always putting on really neat activities.”

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The Saco River provides recreational opportunities near Downtown Saco.
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Ferry Beach is a beloved state park near Downtown Saco.
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Homes in a coastal community

Most homes here are single-family, and prices vary greatly depending on size and upkeep. Condos, townhouses and multifamily houses are concentrated in Central Saco, and homes with commanding ocean views are in Kinney Shores, Ferry Beach and Bay View neighborhoods. Saco’s median home price is $538,000, higher than the state’s median. Mobile homes start just under $100,000, and smaller ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and beach cabins can run between $200,000 and $400,000. Larger split-levels, Colonial Revivals and recently built new traditionals can go up to around $900,000. Custom-built waterfront estates fetch over $1 million. Condos from the late 1900s usually sell between $170,000 and $350,000, and standalone condos built recently can go from $400,000 to close to $800,000. Townhouses often fetch between $300,000 and $600,000, and multifamily properties such as duplexes and quadplexes may be between $350,000 to over $800,000. Residences in designated flood zones may require additional flood insurance.

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Bungalow style homes are sprinkled in throughout Kinney Shores.
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Homes in Kinney Shore face the beautiful ocean.
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North Saco surrounded by nature

Saco’s Parks and Recreation department maintains several parks, sports complexes and conservation areas with various trails. Boating activities such as kayaking and fishing are popular along the Saco River, and residents can enjoy the coastal breeze at several public beaches along Saco Bay, including Ferry Beach State Park. In addition to the Boom Field Disc Golf, Saco is also home to the challenging nine-hole Deep Brook Golf Course and the private Biddeford-Saco Country Club. The city has a humid climate with snowy winters and humid summers.

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Pleasant Point Park is a great place to drop in a Kayak near Buxton.
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Bask in the beauty that surrounds Kinney Shores.
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Town-tuition program sends Saco students to Thorton

Saco School Department serves close to 2,800 students and has a B-plus Niche grade. Thornton Academy, a private boarding and day school teaching sixth through 12th grade, is the city’s designated high school. Because the district does not have a public high school, the city covers Thornton’s tuition costs for Saco residents. Thornton scores an A-minus and is rated as the No. 5 best private high school in the Portland area. University of Maine at Augusta has a campus located in Saco, and the institute offers over 20 undergraduate programs.

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C K Burns School enrolls young learners in the Saco, Maine, area.
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Saco Middle School serves students from 6-8.
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Community events include Music in the Park

Summertime in Saco is filled with many community events and festivals, including the Music in the Park concert series and the annual Greek Festival hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Saco Main Street also organizes many celebrations, from June’s Arts Festival to Pumpkin Harvest Festival and the Holiday Parade of Lights.

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Talented dancers captivate the audience at the Saco Pumkin Harvest Festival.
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The annual Holiday Parade of Lights in Downtown Saco is a wildly popular event.
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Proximity to Portland

The city can be accessed via Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 195. The Saco Transportation Center is a stop on Amtrak’s Downeaster line, which runs daily between Brunswick, Maine and Boston. Local bus service is provided by Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, and the Portland International Jetport is about 14 miles north. Saco has several emergency clinics, including MaineHealth Walk-In Care – Saco and ConvenientMD Urgent Care, and the closest hospital is MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in nearby Biddeford. “If you’re anywhere in Saco, you’re within 15 minutes of something,” Presby says. “Nothing’s too far away.” The area's top employers include the city government, Saco School Department and Prime Dealerships.

Saco shopping and dining in the heart of city

Local breweries, eateries and shops line Downtown Saco’s Main Street. Grocery stores, pharmacies, local businesses and familiar fast-food restaurants are slightly north of downtown, at the intersection of Interstate 195 and Route 1. Saco Valley Shopping Center offers several department stores, supermarkets, restaurants and small retailers.

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Shops in Bay View thrive in the summertime.
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Have a drink under a grass umbrella look out at the ocean at eh Tiki Bar close to Kinney Shores.
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Recent crime data

According to Maine’s Department of Public Health, in 2023, both property and violent crimes in Saco have decreased since the previous year.

Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Jeff Tippett
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Tyler Cataldo
Video By
Tyler Cataldo

Neighborhood Map

Saco Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$546,000
Median Sale Price
$533,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$591,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$760,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$354,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
285
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$2
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$366

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
57
Months of Supply
2.40

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Saco, ME

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Governor John Fairfield School
#1 Governor John Fairfield School
B+
Niche
Young School
#2 Young School
B+
Niche
John F Kennedy Memorial School
#3 John F Kennedy Memorial School
B
Niche
Biddeford Primary School
#4 Biddeford Primary School
C+
Niche
Biddeford Intermediate School
#5 Biddeford Intermediate School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
C K Burns School
#6 C K Burns School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Jameson Elementary School
#7 Jameson Elementary School
C-
Niche
Loranger Memorial School
#8 Loranger Memorial School
B-
Niche
2
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Saco Middle School
#1 Saco Middle School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Loranger Memorial School
#2 Loranger Memorial School
B-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
Biddeford Middle School
#3 Biddeford Middle School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Scarborough High School
#1 Scarborough High School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Biddeford High School
#2 Biddeford High School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Old Orchard Beach High School
#3 Old Orchard Beach High School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Bonny Eagle High School
#4 Bonny Eagle High School
C-
Niche
2
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Thornton Academy
#1 Thornton Academy
A-
Niche
Florence Lombard Christian School
#2 Florence Lombard Christian School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Frank Barry
(207) 496-1806
Frank, a longtime resident of Maine, profoundly appreciates the state's natural beauty and the quality of life it offers its full-time and part-time residents. In 2003, he embarked on a career in real estate, becoming a licensed real estate agent. Over the years, he has had the privilege of assisting numerous clients in finding their dream homes while also aiding others in selling their properties as they transition to the next chapter of their lives.

After accumulating valuable experience in retail sales and management, Frank has decided to return to his roots in real estate. As a Realtor, his primary objective is to provide an exceptional experience for his clients that goes above and beyond their expectations. Frank offers his Home Staging expertise as part of his listing package for each property, recognizing the importance of presentation in the real estate market.
Understanding the significance of buying or selling a home, Frank is dedicated to working closely with his clients to ensure they receive the guidance and advice necessary to make the best decisions for their futures.

Beyond his real estate career, Frank's greatest passion lies with his beloved dog, Evvie, and his commitment to raising funds for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. His love for animals and active involvement in this charitable endeavor showcase his caring and compassionate nature, which undoubtedly extends to his approach as a Realtor, where he strongly emphasizes his clients' well-being and satisfaction.
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Top Neighborhoods in this City

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.