$810,548Average Value$411Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
Scarborough has great schools and sandy beaches near Portland
Scarborough rides the crest of Saco Bay in southern Maine, about 7 miles south of Portland. Outdoor lovers enjoy its sandy beaches, cycling paths and saltwater marsh teeming with birdlife. Coastal Route 1 skims through town and hooks to Interstate 295 for an easy commute to Portland. Like neighboring Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough has a highly rated school district that draws families. And as an added bonus, home prices are lower here.
The housing market in Scarborough is steady year-round
Most people who live in Scarborough own their homes and live here full-time. “I would not consider Scarborough seasonal. It’s more of a year-round residential place, for sure,” says Martha Hiat, an associate broker with eXp Realty – Brett Davis Office who’s lived in the area since 1989. “I would consider that it has evolved into kind of a corporate community . . . There is a range of folks living there, but it also lends itself to people who work i n banking, people who work in insurance, people who work in those types of corporate jobs.”
On average, properties sell about three weeks after going on the market. Some manufactured homes cost under $100,000, but cottages and small ranch-style houses start in the lower $300,000s and large modern farmhouses can sell for around $1.5 million. Some luxury homes fetch prices from $3 million to $4 million. The median home sale price is around $700,000, which is lower than the median in Cape Elizabeth but slightly higher than Portland’s median. Property taxes in Cumberland County are on the higher side, but again, you’ll typically pay less in Scarborough than you would in Cape Elizabeth.
Homes in the Scarborough neighborhood often feature large front yards.
Raised ranch-style homes are popular in the Scarborough area.
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Scarborough Public Schools is a highly rated district
Kids attend schools in the highly rated Scarborough Public Schools district. Depending on their address, kids might start at one of three primary schools:
Blue Point
Eight Corners
Pleasant Hill
For grades 3 through 5, students move to Wentworth, the district’s top-rated elementary school. Wentworth School is tucked between the middle and high schools in the Oak Hill neighborhood.
Welcome to Scarborough High School.
Wentworth School is a highly rated public elementary school in Scarborough.
Scarborough Middle School serves students from grades 6-8.
Eight Corners is one of the elementary schools serving the Scarborough community.
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The coastline offers sandy beaches, tide pools and nature trails
Winters in Maine can be harsh, but the summers make up for it, especially in coastal towns like this one. At Ferry Beach State Park, kids can explore the tidal pools and romp on the playground. Anglers head to Pine Point Beach early in the morning to fish for stripers before the beach fills up with sunbathers and sandcastles. Pine Point is also a popular spot for watching the sunset. During peak season, lifeguards are on duty at Scarborough Beach State Park, which features picnic areas and another long stretch of sand. Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, a salt marsh woven through with nature trails, offers prime bird-watching. Cyclists, joggers and walkers can hit the Eastern Trail, which cuts through Scarborough on its 65-mile path from Kittery to South Portland.
Hikers embark on the Eastern Trail in Scarborough.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is a nature preserve and education center.
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The commute to Portland takes 10 to 15 minutes
Aside from seasonal gigs and a few roles in public works and law enforcement, there’s not much of a job market in Scarborough. The Hannaford supermarket chain is based here, but corporate jobs don’t open up very often. “Scarborough’s kind of a hub, in terms of people live there, and then they’ll work north, south, east and west,” Hiat says. “Some people who live in Scarborough probably work in New Hampshire, honestly. But Portland would be an area of commute, for sure.” The drive to Portland typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Scarborough neighborhoods from Oak Hill to Prouts Neck
What are your main reasons for moving to Scarborough? Your answer to that question will help you decide which neighborhood might be best for you. Here are a few of the most popular areas:
Oak Hill –close to schools, restaurants and shopping, including groceries at Hannaford
Dunstan Corner –between Interstate 95 and Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
Pine Point – prime access to beaches, seafood restaurants and local shops
Prouts Neck – homes with ocean views and private beach access
If you’re looking for a home in a more rural setting, check out properties west of the interstate toward the towns of Buxton and Gorham. You won’t be as close to the beach, but you’ll have more privacy and room to spread out, and you’ll be well away from the crazy Route 1 summer traffic.
The blanket of snow on Scarborough residents' lawns begins to melt during the spring.
The difference between summer and winter on the Maine coast
What’s it like in Scarborough in the winter versus the summer? “The nightlife, restaurants, shopping and stuff like that . . . I don’t think anything closes up, but I’m sure it gets less busy,” Hiat says. “ Old Orchard Beach is beachy, beach culture with a year-round element, but Scarborough is like, people are living and working there.” But if you plan to live there year-round, be sure to pack a winter wardrobe. “The weather on the coast of Maine from Scarborough up through Brunswick is all pretty much the same,” says Hiat. “It’s coastal, but it’s not as frigid as some areas. I wouldn’t categorize Scarborough as having different weather than any other part of Maine ... unless you go up north.”
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Johnna Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Scarborough, ME sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Scarborough, ME over the last 12 months is $700,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Tucked away within The Downs, The Cottages at Simplicity Court offer a rare opportunity to own one of just eight thoughtfully designed cottage homes, built in 2023. Quietly set within one of Scarborough's fastest growing and most exciting areas, these homes provide both privacy and convenience in a unique setting. Each cottage features a full sized kitchen, an open living area with a beautiful
Derek Goff Joseph TomazinSignature Homes Real Estate Group, LLC
Welcome to ''The Tree House'' by the sea. Originally built as a coastal cottage in the 1920s, this stunning home was thoughtfully expanded and fully renovated in 2010 to capture ocean views and coastal breezes in its serene setting. Warm natural elements and architectural details define the inviting interior, while multiple decks and balconies provide the perfect vantage point to relax and listen
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Exceptional two-level condominium featuring thoughtfully designed, separate living spaces on each floor, offering enhanced privacy and versatility. Located just steps from public access to the long, sandy beaches of Pine Point, this sun-drenched home showcases inviting living areas, including a front living room with ocean views, two generously sized bedrooms with an adjoining bath, and a
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Welcome to Peaceful Lane, one of Scarborough's newest neighborhoods. Built in 2025, this beautifully appointed home offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Thoughtful upgrades include forced hot air heating with central air conditioning, 200-amp electrical service, upgraded cabinetry and appliances, quartz countertops, a tiled backsplash, and a cozy gas fireplace.The
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Welcome to North Village – Your Perfect Home in a Prime Location! Nestled in a serene and picturesque location, North Village offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty. Situated in Eastern Village, a peaceful, welcoming neighborhood, you'll enjoy a quiet and friendly atmosphere, while still being close to everything you need. Landscaped streets, shaded sidewalks, and
Indulge in the ultimate convenience of modern living at The Lofts @ 225, our brand-new units in the heart of The Innovation District at The Downs. These thoughtfully designed studio and one-bedroom units are brought to you with efficiency in mind and the added perk of having all utilities included, including lightning-fast fiber internet. Enjoy the perfect synergy of compact luxury, inclusive
Carrier Woods Apartments offers a sense of community and so much more! With access to walking trails, gardening plots, and a community dog park, this community has something for everyone. You will find yourself conveniently located close to beaches, major employers, shopping, restaurants, public transportation, as well as accessibility to major highways. You can make this home for your pets also,
Welcome to Hackamore Place Apartments, a recently built multifamily community offering a range of beautifully designed 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. With 10 distinct floor plans, youll find the perfect space that suits your lifestyle. Nestled in a residential area of a vibrant live, work, play community, Hackamore Place offers the tranquility of suburban living while being just steps away from a
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Experience the pinnacle of modern living at Hayloft Apartments, where every detail is designed to elevate your lifestyle. Enjoy the comfort of our spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, available in seven different floor plans. Each residence is meticulously crafted with thoughtful layouts that provide ample space for relaxation and entertainment.Located on the edge of an exciting urban
Choose to live your best life at Beacon at Gateway! Our charming Scarborough, Maine apartments allow you to reside in comfort and convenience while exploring the unique and dynamic culture of nearby Portland. Superior amenities and a well-connected address allow you to indulge in all the urban conveniences you want without giving up on the peace and quiet you deserve.
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
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