$410,367Average Value$316Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Main Street shops and historic New England homes
Downtown Saco is the heart of this Maine river valley, which also includes nearby Biddeford and Old Orchard. Throughout colonial and modern history, the Saco River has been a major landmark that assisted with the trade and industry that made the area what it is today. Beginning with the early days of anxiety about French invasions, to the 17th century timber and shipbuilding industry, and the modern luxuries of boating or swimming in nearby waters, Saco's roots are felt by its residents.
Today, Downtown Saco is a small but bustling Main Street with modern shops and restaurants inside antique brick buildings. Houses are both reminiscent of historic New England and modernized for future homeowners. The nearby coastline and its public beaches, as well as the Saco River itself, provide opportunities for swimming and watersports, and some homes on the water have private docks. Local playgrounds and dog-friendly beaches bring friends and family together, and the Saco museum reminds locals of the city's roots. With access to highly rated schools and Interstate 95, this commuter-friendly area is a popular place for those who work in Portland or Boston.
Folks soak up the sun and sand at Bay View. beach near Downtown Saco.
Downtown Saco offers a mix of cozy single-family homes and spacious multi-family dwellings.
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Historic Downtown Saco and locally owned restaurants
Saco’s Historic Downtown is located on Main Street, where steepled churches and antique brick government buildings mingle with modern shops and restaurants. The Golden Rooster is a go-to spot for an American-style breakfast or lunch. Diners can enjoy pasta and a glass of wine from Traditions Italian Restaurant, or get a burger or lobster roll at Rapid Ray’s. And though there are a few local favorites nearby, “There’s not a lot of fine dining or retail in Saco,” says Bailey Pate, broker/owner of Maine Real Estate Co., who has lived in Saco for 25 years. “We’ve got Main Street, which has local shops and restaurants. But people go to Biddeford or Portland for a nice dinner or shopping.” Biddeford is just across the river, and downtown Portland is about 17 miles north via Interstate 95. Main Street is also home to the Saco Museum, which showcases local history and contemporary art. It's the third-oldest museum in Maine where visitors can gather for art shows, events and educational experiences.
Downtown Saco is a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Downtown Saco is home to several historic churches, adding to its unique character.
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Floating down Saco River and days at Ferry Beach State Park
Though downtown may be predominantly a residential and urban environment, its surrounding parks, river and beaches create plenty of ways to get outside all year long. The Saco River attracts anglers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Pate says, “In the summer, people float down the Saco River on floats. Some people make it an all-day thing, bringing food and snacks – some people even bring tents.”
Ferry Beach State Park lies farther east and is home to the area’s largest beach, a nature center and several walking trail. Dog lovers often take their pups up to Bayview Beach, where children can hunt for hermit crabs along the shoreline. “All of Saco’s beaches are lovely,” Pate says. “They’re clean, dog friendly and not too crowded like other beaches nearby can be.” The Saco Dog Park isn’t too far from downtown and has a fenced area for pups to play together. Avid golfers might head over to the 18-hole course at Biddeford-Saco Country Club, and families can explore the playground at Pepperell Park.
Ferry Beach is a beloved state park near East Saco.
The Saco River provides recreational opportunities in South Biddeford.
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Community events and festivals in Downtown Saco
Just across the street from Pepperell Park is Thornton Academy, both the area’s major high school and the location of Saco’s summer concert series, Music in the Park. On Tuesdays during the warmer months, residents can listen to local bands play at Memorial Field. The Saco Car Show also takes place at the high school in July and showcases over 150 different antique cars. In October, Saco hosts its Pumpkin Harvest Festival and the Saco Spirits spooky downtown walking tour. In December, visitors and locals can walk to the tree lighting ceremony, watch the parade and peruse vendors' wares at the Main Street Market in the high school gym.
Talented dancers captivate the audience at the Saco Pumkin Harvest Festival.
Catch the Biddo Honeys at the annual Music in the Park event in Saco.
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Historic New England homes and renovated factory mills
The historic New England houses that line the residential streets near Main Street date back to the early 19th century and often feature Colonial and Classical aesthetics. Columned front porches like those of a Greek temple can be found downtown, as well as cozier Cape Cods with painted window shutters. Tall workers’ cottages are reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution, which brought factory workers into the town's mills. Contrast these with the opulent brick or wood Colonial-inspired manors - many of which have been turned into multi-family housing and condo units. Available single-family homes are becoming rare downtown. Many smaller Cape Cods or workers’ cottages in need of updates can range between $150,000 and $300,000, while larger manor homes can cost from $400,000 to $800,000.
A lot of available housing in the area consists of modern duplexes and condo units that were built within historic mill buildings or manor estates. The former mills on Factory Island consist of both commercial and residential spaces, including temporary apartment living and options to purchase condos that overlook the riverfront or the city. Island Terrace is also a former-mill condo community downtown with units built in the 1980s. Many condos in town cost between $300,000 and $400,000, while duplexes or townhouses in modern constructions run from $450,000 to $600,000.
This home in Downtown Saco stands out with its large columns.
Modest traditional-style homes are common in Downtown Saco.
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Highly rated Saco Public Schools
Downtown Saco students fall within the Saco Public Schools district, which is graded an overall B-plus on Niche. Students often start at Governor John Fairfield School, which scores a B-plus, for kindergarten through second grade. They then move on to C.K. Burns School, rated a B, for third through fifth grade. Saco Middle School and Thornton Academy are both graded an A-minus and are known for their achievements in both academics and sports. Thornton Academy has a large campus for sports fields, community events and outdoor recreation.
Governor John Fairfield School is a public elementary school in Downtown Saco.
Thorton Academy was established in 1811 in the Saco, Maine, community.
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Commutes up to Portland and down to Boston
“A lot of people work in Saco, and a lot commute to Portland or Boston since there’s easy access to the highway and public transport options,” Pate says. Downtown Saco is about 17 miles south of Portland, which commuters can reach by driving north on Interstate 95 or by taking the Amtrak train. The train ride takes about an hour, while driving takes about 30 minutes when traffic is light. Portland is also home to the Portland International Jetport and the MainHealth Maine Medical Center for emergencies or checkups. Boston is about 95 miles south via I-95 and takes about two hours to reach. Saco residents can also cross the river to head into Biddeford for more shopping and dining options, or drive 4 miles east to reach the ocean in less than 15 minutes.
Travelers wait at the Amtrak station in Downtown Saco.
Access to Interstate 95 is a short distance from Downtown Saco.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kate Scamman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mechanics Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Pepperell Park
Playground
Jubilee Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Saco Dog Park
Dog Park
Shevenell Park
Events
Memorial Recreation Fields
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Transit
Airport
Portland International Jetport
22 min drive
Bus
Community Pharmacy
Bus
Elm St & Pleasant St
Bus
Saco Transportation Center
Bus
41 Thornton Ave
Bus
Cutts & Saco City Hall
Bus
200 Main St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Saco
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Saco, Saco sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Saco, Saco over the last 12 months is $431,000, up 45% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Walk to area dining and shopping, hop on Amtrak to Boston for work or pleasure. This convenient location and first floor unit make living easy. Laundry is almost across the hall, high ceilings and a home just waiting for your special touches to make it your own. Relax in the common area beside the firepit while listening to the rushing waters. A secure building with gate and fobbed entrance.
Welcome to your new waterfront community in Saco consisting of twenty-four lovely townhomes situated on the Saco River. These well thought out condominiums offer a spacious open concept floor plan with laundry, and a master suite on the first level offering one floor living. With the peaceful setting by the Saco River, residents can savor the tranquility of living on the water while benefiting
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kate Scamman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,280
Median Age
38
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$50,559
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,601
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.4%
College Graduates
30.1%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
69/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 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.
