Seclusion and seasonal splendor in Sebago
Sebago’s distinctive name derives from the Abenaki “sobagoo,” meaning “it resembles the sea.” Fittingly, this small Maine town rests along the western shore of Sebago Lake, the second-largest lake in the Pine Tree State. A host of campgrounds and seasonal cottages weaves throughout the wooded roads. “The population in the summertime explodes,” says Denise Dyer, office manager at the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. “The whole area is known for being seasonal.” Folks who make Sebago their full-time home can enjoy yearlong access to the lake and the orchards, sugar shacks and blueberry farms they’ll find here.
Where the water meets the woods
Mainers from surrounding towns flock to Sebago Lake State Park for its fishing and boating opportunities. Unsurprisingly, the park is popular with tourists, too, but out-of-staters descend primarily in the summer when they can take advantage of the lakeside campsites. Year-round residents enjoy ice-fishing and skating when freezing temperatures transform the lake’s surface into glittering crystal. On Sebago Road, Nason’s Beach and Campground feature a swath of golden sand – a rarity for Maine beaches – available for day users and campers. Hikers can explore the wooded trails at Tiger Hill Community Forest, a 1,400-acre nature preserve. This four-season recreational area offers opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, hunting, snowmobiling and more.
Living on the lakefront
Except for the lakefront homes, most of which nuzzle closely together, Sebago properties offer plenty of room to spread out. There are more wooded areas than houses, especially along Bridgton Road traveling north. Sebago features a blend of old and new construction, with A-frames and saltboxes from the 1970s intermingling with tiny homes built within the last five years. An older colonial-style or ranch home costs between $400,000 and $550,000, while new waterfront properties cost $1.5 to $2 million.
Spirit of the seasons
The Sebago Lakes region hosts a variety of seasonal events. For one weekend every February, competitors set their traps for the Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby, which features a Polar Dip, Ice Shack Contest and other family-friendly events. In nearby Windham, the Sebago Spirits Festival celebrates Maine distilleries with free tastings, food trucks, beach games, live music and vendors during one Saturday in September.
Browsing through Bridgton
According to Dyer, residents head out to the Route 302 corridor when they want to dine out. There are a couple of restaurants in Sebago, but these places are primarily popular with tourists. Locals are more likely to head north to Bridgton, where they can grab a pizza from Bhop & Bar (also known as the Bridgton House of Pizza). While in town, they can pick up groceries at Hannaford and browse the discount racks at Reny’s Department Store.
Regional schools in Raymond
Sebago students attend nearby Raymond Elementary School before moving on to Jordan-Small Middle School, also in Raymond. Next is Lake Region High School in nearby Naples. The middle school gets a C-plus from Niche, while the elementary and high schools get a C-minus. Unless their folks are willing to drive them to school, kids who live in Sebago can expect lengthy bus rides each way.
The path to Portland
Folks who are thinking of moving to Sebago will need to have reliable transportation. In a town this rural, owning a car is a must. “The lakes region is a bedroom community to Portland,” Dyer says. “But it goes both ways—people work wherever they can get a job, so some people who live in Portland work here.” The drive to Portland along Route 302 takes about 45 minutes.
Fun on Frye Island
Frye Island’s tall pines rise from the middle of Sebago Lake, beckoning locals to come out and explore. The Frye Island Ferry operates out of Raymond and is available to shuttle passengers from June through September. During their time on the island, visitors can play 18 holes at the Frye Island Golf Club or enjoy a lobster roll from Frye’s Leap Café.
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
