Bay View is an understated neighborhood on the waterfront, just outside of Saco, Maine. Defined by its central location and its quiet anonymity, this community is sandwiched between a sprawling forest, the Saco River and the Atlantic Ocean. Its school district is well-regarded and sought after, making it an ideal landing spot for families. Although the beach is public, it’s just far enough from tourist hotspots that it largely escapes the chaotic summer season associated with New England beach towns. Bay View is so small that tourists tend to drive right by it, and long-term neighbors like it that way.
Bay View is an enclave where the beach and forest meet.
Folks soak up the sun and sand in Bay View.
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Buying in Bay View
Bay View’s residential construction happened sporadically, so prospective buyers will find everything from Victorian cottages built in the early 1900s, priced between $2 and $2.5 million, to large new construction Colonial Revivals, which cost from $4 to $6 million. While there is not much directly in the neighborhood apart from the beach, Bay View’s central location is a big selling point. “You have the ability to bike or walk, if you’re feeling wild, to Old Orchard Beach, or you can go the other way and dock your boat at Camp Ellis,” says Elias Leland, a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Realty in Saco. “You’re in a really good center point where you’re isolated from the crowds of vacationers.” Lack of parking and the natural barrier of Goosefare Brook Marsh to the north mean residents get to look out on a secluded stretch of Atlantic shoreline from the comfort of their porches.
Homes overlook the beach in Bay View.
A beautiful New England style home on the shore in the Bay View neighborhood.
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The beach and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
The community’s namesake beach is public, with lifeguards on duty from mid-June to late August. The city of Saco makes beach wheelchairs available for anyone who wants to borrow them, and people often bring their dogs to walk along the sandy shore. Between Bay View and the town of Saco is the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, a massive protected forest that spans 50 miles between York and Cape Elizabeth. From the neighborhood residents can take a guided stroll along Atlantic Way Trail, a 2-mile hiking path that meanders through the Goosefare Brook marsh. Locals are likely to come across wild turkey or white-tail deer while wandering beneath the pine and birch trees.
Summertime is beach time in Bay View.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful place to do some bird watching.
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Scholastics in Saco
Children in Bay View are zoned for the Saco School Department, attending Governor John Fairfield School for kindergarten through second grade. Fairfield School scores a B-plus from Niche and offers multi-language learning programs. For third through fifth grade, students attend C.K. Burns School, also rated B-plus. C.K. Burns’ LEGO Robotics team took home the first-place award for Robot Design at the Maine State LEGO League Championship in 2024. Beginning in sixth grade students can begin at the highly regarded Thornton Academy, a private day and boarding school that earns an A-minus. Thornton Academy is free to attend for Saco residents.
C K Burns School enrolls young learners in the Saco, Maine, area.
Niche gives Governor John Fairfield School a B+ rating, placing it above average.
Thorton Academy was established in 1811 in the Saco, Maine, community.
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The Pier of Old Orchard Beach is only a few miles from Bay View.
Old Orchard Pier and the River Jam
Old Orchard Pier, one of Southern Maine’s favorite seafood destinations, is just 2.5 miles north of Bay View. During the season, entertainment is a nightly occurrence at this collection of venues. Tourists and locals alike enjoy live music and stand-up comedy while the tide rolls in beneath them. Downtown Biddeford and Saco also host plenty of events year-round, including the River Jam and Fringe Fest, where locals can enjoy live performances, food trucks and fireworks on the Saco River.
Getting around Bay View
When commuting, residents can drive north 3 miles on Route 9 to Old Orchard Beach or west 3.5 miles to Saco. From here, they can pick up Interstate 95, giving them access to Portland International Jetport 16.5 miles away.
Route 9 runs through Bay View.
I-95 is near Bay View.
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Shopping in Southern Maine
There are no grocery stores directly in this beachside enclave, but residents are not far from essentials. “People have to go up to Saco for groceries,” Leland says. “But it’s a pretty quick drive.” There is a Shaw’s 4 miles from Bay View, while the nearest Target is 11 miles away in Biddeford. Ocean Park Subs and Grocery just up Seaside Avenue is more conducive to a beach day. Locals can pick up beach supplies here during the summer and can grab an order of cinnamon buns or a lobster roll year-round.
Get a great lunch at Ocean Park Subs and Grocery in Bay View.
Enjoy outdoor dining in Bay View.
Shaw's is the premier grocery store near Bay View.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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There are very few remaining lots with a location like this. 10,000 square foot building lot on desirable Seaside Avenue with leechfield in place designed for a 3 bedroom home only 800 yards to beautiful Bay View beach cleared and ready for your dream home to be built. Great view potential. Nothing can be built behind or on either side of you. Golf and Ferry Beach State Park near by. One of
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
61
Median Age
53
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$149,999
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$176,481
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
67.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
