$716,293Average Value$358Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
East Saco's coastal enclave between historic downtown and the Atlantic ocean
With Historic Downtown Saco to the west and the Gulf of Maine’s wide shore to the east, the neighborhood of East Saco is conveniently situated between all that this coastal New England city has to offer. Highly rated public schools and county parks make the area popular among families looking for a quiet location that's still fairly close to major highways like Interstate 95. “It’s a rural beach area, but Portland is under 30 minutes away. You’ve got easy access to U.S. Route 1, Interstate 95 and an Amtrak station downtown,” says Nichole Fecteau, a real estate agent with The Masiello Group who has sold several homes in the area. “There are some renters along the beach every summer, but it’s mainly permanent residents." Year-round residents often take advantage of the locally owned shops and restaurants, Ferry Beach State Park and the Biddeford-Saco Country Club. Housing ranges from cottages hidden behind the trees, to riverfront homes and coastal properties with views of the ocean. The area’s historic sites and the Saco Museum harken back to New England’s rich history. The CAP Index Score for East Saco is 1 out of 10, which is significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Bayview Beach is just outside East Saco, ME.
East Saco, ME is situated between the city’s lively downtown and its sandy beaches.
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Swimmers choose between Ferry Beach State Park and Bayview Beach
Ferry Beach State Park is a popular beach with a small daily fee for residents, who can also get annual state park passes. Its boardwalk leads to a sandy shore, where visitors can surf, swim and kayak. Locals may spot a hermit crab or two among the rocky shoals, and anglers can fish for striped bass, mackerel and bluefish. “Ferry Beach State Park is much less busy than Old Orchard Beach, which is also near Saco,” says Fecteau. “People appreciate how quiet and family friendly it is.” The park itself has picnic shelters and a nature center with educational information about local wildlife. There are also walking trails and boardwalks that wind through swampy marshlands that house the Black Tupelo, a rare tree native to Maine.
Lifeguard-protected Bayview Beach off Bayview Road is the area’s public beach option, with accessibility for walkers and drivers. Consisting of the Atlantic Way, Vines and Plymouth Trails, an extensive network of hiking routes spans East Saco. Each dirt path is less than 1 mile long, offering a trek surrounded by marshland and wildflower fields. Golfers can also book a tee time at the Donald Ross-designed, 18-hole course at Biddeford-Saco Country Club on Old Orchard Road.
Bayview Beach is situated on the eastern side of East Saco, ME.
A view of the shoreline and beachfront homes at Bayview Beach in East Saco, ME.
Biddeford-Saco Country Club is a golf haven for local golfers in East Saco, ME.
Welcome to Ferry Beach State Park near East Saco, ME.
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Quiet cul-de-sacs, riverfront homes and views of the ocean
East Saco’s housing is a mix of countryside estates, cottages tucked into forest thickets and waterfront homes with access to the Saco River. Quiet cul-de-sacs surrounded by mature trees are home to large estates on shaded lots. Ranging from split-levels and oversized Cape Cods to Colonial-inspired estates, the area embraces its New England aesthetics. A few – but not many – homes sit on the Saco River, with private docks and views of the water. “It’s rare for a waterfront property to go on sale, and they won’t last for more than a week if they do,” says Fecteau. Most single-family homes cost between $400,000 and $2 million. There is a small selection of townhouses in East Saco, consisting of duplex-like attached units with modern appliances and open floorplans. Buyers can choose from a few small communities, with units ranging between $350,000 and $600,000.
A lovely gray ranch-style home in East Saco, ME.
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Home 12
The East Saco neighborhood offers suburban streets.
In East Saco, there are Cape Cods, colonials, and contemporary homes.
The wide, spacious suburban streets are a major advantage for East Saco, ME.
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Historic Downtown Saco exudes New England Charm
While East Saco is primarily residential, Saco’s downtown area along Main Street is only 2 miles away. “It’s a classic New England downtown. The buildings are old but well-preserved, and there are so many local places to eat,” says Fecteau. Founded in 1953, Rapid Ray’s is a fast-food joint on the National Register of Historic Places. The retro-style diner is known for its cheeseburgers and lobster rolls. With a homey interior, Golden Rooster is also a local fixture, serving steak benedict, Texas-style French toast and other breakfast basics. Another popular spot along the thoroughfare is the Saco Museum, where visitors can learn about 18th-century factory life and Civil War-era medical practices. There is a Hannaford right in town, and Shaw’s is less than 3 miles away on Scamman Street. Other big stores, like Target and The Home Depot, are 6 miles west within the Biddeford Gateway Center.
Local businesses line the streets near East Saco.
Rapid Ray's, is the go-to spot for fast, flavorful burgers near East Saco.
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Community events and festivals in Saco
Saco is known for its events, especially its Music in the Park summer concert series, which is held on Tuesdays at Memorial Field just behind the middle school. A varied roster of local and regional bands play songs for visitors who make themselves comfortable on the grass. The Saco Car Show often takes place at Thornton Academy in July, showcasing over 150 antique cars and trucks. In October, the city hosts its Pumpkin Harvest Festival and its Saco Spirits spooky downtown walking tour. During the winter holidays, locals can attend tree lighting ceremonies, a parade or the Main Street Market at the high school gym, where there are crafts, clothes and vendor goods.
Create lasting memories at the Saco Pumpkin Harvest Festival, a family-friendly event.
Catch the Biddo Honeys at the annual Music in the Park event in Saco.
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Highly rated Saco public schools
Governor John Fairfield School earns a B-plus on Niche and teaches kindergarten through second-grade students. C.K. Burns School serves third through fifth grade and scores a B. Saco Middle School and Thornton Academy both earn an A-minus. The high school’s campus was founded in 1811 and encompasses nearly 80 acres of school buildings and sports fields. While the school is public for Saco residents, students from across southern Maine can pay to attend. It also has an impressive study abroad program, offering dorms which can host students from over 50 countries.
Welcome to Thornton Academy in East Saco, ME.
Thornton Academy has a spacious campus in East Saco, ME.
Thornton Academy Entrance
Thornton Academy is a charter school that East Saco's main students can attend.
East Saco schools and managed through the Saco School Department.
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Commutes up to Portland via I-95 or the commuter rail
Saco is conveniently located near Interstate 95, making it easier for commuters to head up and down the coast. Downtown Portland is about 17 miles away via Interstate 95, and drivers can reach it in about 30 minutes when traffic is light. Portland is home to the Portland International Jetport and the MainHealth Maine Medical Center. Locals can also take the commuter train from the Saco Transportation Center to downtown Portland. The train ride takes about an hour.
East Saco, ME has access to three Saco Bay trails that intersect near the coastline.
Road signs
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Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Chris Freeman
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Jonathan Safford
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
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
Jonathan Safford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Blandings Park
Pepperell Park
Playground
Saco Dog Park
Dog Park
Ferry Beach State Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Strawberry Field Park
Soccer
Parking Lot
Memorial Recreation Fields
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Playground
Transit
Airport
Portland International Jetport
26 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Saco
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Saco, Saco sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in East Saco, Saco over the last 12 months is $723,596, down 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the perfect blend of classic charm and modern comfort in this beautifully updated Cape-style home in Saco. Ideally located just minutes from the beach, the Biddeford-Saco Country Club, the lively shops and restaurants of downtown, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers the lifestyle you've been waiting for with a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Inside, you'll find a
Exciting and rare estate offering only minutes to local beaches and Ferry Beach State Park! Set on 10.78 acres in an established neighborhood abutting parkland, this custom built home was designed for lifestyle and entertainment. With stately curb appeal and lush landscaping, the home welcomes visitors with its circular driveway. Inside, cathedral ceilings greet you in the formal living room with
Attention developers, investors, and visionary homebuyers — don't miss this rare 2.48-acre parcel in the heart of prime Saco, Maine! With strong potential for subdivision and a variety of development possibilities, this level and well-located lot offers the perfect blend of space and convenience. Enjoy desirable nearby amenities, all just minutes from beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
This sun-filled 3BR 3BA Dutch Colonial boasts a fabulous location just minutes to some of Maine's best beaches and Thornton Academy! Enjoy the large yard featuring a inground pool with adorable adjacent pool house, multiple storage sheds for your beach gear and kayaks, and an oversized 3-Car garage for the big toys! The sunny & spacious interior offers a big living room w/ cozy woodstove and
Peter CoyneCoyne Webber Real Estate Associates, LLC
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jonathan Safford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,604
Median Age
52
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$109,544
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,332
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
57.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%
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®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 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.
