$482,585Average Value$394Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
A serene, rural community in the southern Maine Lakes Region
Dense pine forests, rolling mountain views and sparkling, clear ponds create the landscape in Shapleigh, a rural neighborhood in southern Maine. “It’s a beautiful country town in the Lakes Region,” says Rikki Foglio, a Realtor with Real Estate 2000 Maine and New Hampshire, who has lived in Shapleigh for over two decades. “We have a couple thousand year-round residents, but you definitely see a jump in the population during the summer when people are here enjoying their lake houses.” Year-round residents know that they must drive between 10 and 50 miles to go shopping or go to work, but the scenic, tranquil lifestyle in Shapleigh makes up for it. Most of the homes have direct water access or deeded water frontage, allowing lakeside lounging and boating to fit into daily life. The low-key, secluded atmosphere contributes to the town's CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is the lowest possible score.
Mousam Lake offers gorgeous views to Shapleigh residents.
Residents can relax in the shade of the gazebo in Shapleigh Commons.
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Swimming, boating and fishing in Shapleigh
Water sports and lakeside activities are plentiful throughout Shapleigh, as the neighborhood has Mousam Lake and several freshwater ponds. Mousam Lake is over 900 acres and stretches between Acton and Shapleigh. Boats, jet skis and kayakers frequently cruise around the lake, and fishermen cast lines to catch largemouth bass, trout and yellow perch. In the summer, residents wade into the fresh water at The Foot, a sandy beach at the southern tip of Mousam Lake. The smaller bodies of water, like Goose Pond, Square Pond and Granny Kent Pond, are also popular spots for fishing and boating, with residents frequenting the ponds nearest to their homes. Hikers may head to Williams Town Park to stroll across open farmland, through forests and by a couple of small ponds framed by cattails; trails end with sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. Kids can play catch at Shapleigh Baseball Field, while younger siblings can play on the small playground adjacent to the ball field. There are also soccer fields and a basketball court for pickup games nearby.
Residents can fish near their lakeside homes in Shapleigh.
The Foot on Lake Mousam is a popular beach spot in Shapleigh.
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Cape Cods on multiple acres and waterfront properties
Though the area is known for its waterfront homes, houses can also be found on the quiet country roads that meander through the forests in the rest of Shapleigh. These Cape Cods and ranch styles from the late 1900s and early 2000s often sit on at least an acre of land. Depending on acreage and home size, these cost between $250,000 and $500,000. Smaller waterways, like Goose Pond and Granny Kent Pond, have cheaper waterfront homes. Here, bungalows and log cabins built in the mid-20th century with waterfrontage are priced between $300,000 and $475,000. Waterfront properties with private docks located on Square Pond and Mousam Lake tend to be more expensive. Shingled homes built in the late 20th and early 21st centuries are often priced between $700,000 and $1.2 million, though newly built contemporary lake houses with large windows can cost as much as $1.8 million. Since some homes are very near the water, Risk Factor says they have a major risk of flooding.
Many luxurious homes can be found on the shores of Mousam Lake in Shapleigh.
Wooden cabins can be found both on and off the water in Shapleigh.
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Community gatherings on and off the water
Community members may pay $50 annual dues to join the Mousam Lake Region Association, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the local watershed. Volunteers from the association work to address issues like removing invasive plant species from Mousam Lake and Goose Pond, and the association organizes summer events. During the July 4th boat parade, boaters decorate their watercraft and cruise around Mousam Lake as residents wave to them from the shore. Young anglers compete in the annual kids’ fishing derby, which is in July. The town-sponsored Shapleigh Community Days are also held during the fourth weekend of July at the Shapleigh Commons by the town hall. The festivities begin with food trucks and live music on Friday night, and on Saturday, there’s a parade, face painting, petting zoo and booths selling locally made artwork and snacks. For more frequent events, the Shapleigh Community Library hosts board game nights, kids’ story and craft hours, and adult craft nights.
Shapleigh Commons is a popular gathering spot that hosts the annual Shapleigh Community Days.
The Shapleigh Community Library hosts a variety of community events.
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Local restaurants and small businesses in Shapleigh
While there are plenty of outdoor spaces, there aren’t many businesses in the neighborhood. To the north, Boonies is a rustic country store and gas station that supplies household essentials and snacks. “Shapleigh really only has one major restaurant, which is Local 130,” Foglio says. “But they’re only open for breakfast and lunch.” Local 130 Restaurant and Bar is across the street from the Lower Mousam Boat Launch, so fishermen may grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee before heading out on the water. The restaurant also has a comfortable wooden dining area and a small retail corner that stocks fresh meat, freezer meals and locally made soap and candles. Nearby, there are outdoor supply stores like Beadle’s Bait and Tackle and Lakeside Sport and Marine, where fishermen stock up on bait and fishing gear. One Earth Natural Food Store is a locally owned market that stocks natural soap, bulk dry goods, organic honey and essential oils; it also has a yoga studio that offers drop-in classes. Acton, 3 miles west, hosts Willy’s Ale Room Restaurant and Bar, an elevated American restaurant offering wings with over 30 house-made sauces, fried seafood baskets and pints of craft beer. The nearest supermarket is Hannaford in Sanford, located about 8 miles southeast. Sanford has some locally owned boutiques and a Walmart Supercenter, but people will drive further for retail shopping sprees. “The outlet shops at Kittery, Freeport and North Conway are all about an hour away,” Foglio says. “And an hour doesn’t feel like a lot when you’re used to commuting for work.”
Patrons can enjoy outdoor seating at Local 130 Restaurant & Bar in Shapleigh.
Willy's Ale Room is a popular bar and restaurant near Shapleigh.
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Vocational courses for Massabesic High students
Kids can begin at the neighborhood’s elementary school, Shapleigh Memorial School, which has a B-minus rating from Niche. Students can progress to Massabesic Middle School and then to Massabesic High School, which have C-plus and C-minus ratings, respectively. High school students may enroll in vocational courses through Sanford Regional Technical Center to begin studying business, computer systems, automotive technology and automotive collision repair.
Shapleigh Memorial School is a public elementary school that earns a B-minus from Niche.
Massabesic Middle School, serving Shapleigh, houses students in grades 6-8.
Massabesic High School offers a vocational program to Shapleigh students.
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State highways take residents to Sanford and Portland
Shapleigh’s rural setting makes for a car-centric lifestyle. “It’s country roads, so it’s pretty doable driving, though you do have to watch out for deer at night,” Foglio says. “We’re about 40 minutes away from the beach and an hour from Portland.” Rural roads link with State Route 11, which residents use to travel south to Stanford, which has big box stores and the MaineHealth Sanford hospital. Commuters also use the route to drive toward larger cities located east. They connect to State Route 111 and then Interstate 95 to drive 42 miles northeast to Portland, the most populated city in Maine.
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On average, homes in Shapleigh, ME sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Shapleigh, ME over the last 12 months is $419,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*OPEN HOUSE Sunday 3/8 from 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-3pm* Live, work, and wake up to the river all in one place. Set on .84 private acres with 100 feet of frontage on the Little Ossipee River, this unique property blends residential comfort with approved home occupation potential. In 2018 the first floor bedroom was converted to a pet grooming salon and approved by the town for a Conditional Use Permit.
First lot of a new 5 lot subdivision is available with 2 rights of ways to Square Pond. Level, wooded, with a potential seasonal view of Square Pond. Lot is partially cleared. Road and electric has an anticipated completion date of spring 2026. No building permit will be issues until the road and the electrical is completed.
WHAT A LOCATION!!!! Located on the one of the widest sections of popular Mousam Lake, and west-facing, this cottage could be used year 'round, with a few modifications. The level lot has stairs down to an expandable dock (we have all the pieces needed). Living room with fireplace has glass sliders out onto an open deck, with great view of the lake. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and directly
Discover this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home built in 2019, offering modern comfort on a peaceful dead-end street. This 1,120 square foot residence features a thoughtful layout with excellent natural light throughout. The property includes a convenient 2-car attached garage and sits on a generous lot that provides ample space for outdoor activities and recreation. The daylight
Looking for the quintessential MAINE CAMP??? Well this one fits the bill. The original camp was constructed in 1898, with a major addition constructed in 1920. So, there is no doubt that this has been around for more than a century! Boasting 180 feet of frontage on one of the widest sections of popular Mousam Lake - including a small slice of sandy beach, this ''camp'' offers so many extras. On
The original ''camp'' dates from 1898, with a substantial addition in 1920, which provided a living room with fireplace and expansive views of the lake, plus two large bedrooms on the second floor. The ''camp'' is sited on 1.6 acres, boasting 180 feet of west-facing lake frontage. On the first level, the large living room has hard pine floors, a fireplace and lots of windows facing the lake. In
Two-bedroom ranch style home on 4.736 acres consisting of two lots map 005-43 B and C. Built in 1994 this home features a three-bedroom septic design with an eat in kitchen with large living room, two bedrooms, full bath and two heat pumps on first floor. Basement has generator hook up, FHW beside a wood powered heat boiler and walk in entry with four cords of firewood already for winter. A nice
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home or seasonal getaway in the heart of Shapleigh's sought-after Lakes Region. This peaceful, well-situated parcel offers the ideal blend of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. This property provides easy access to nearby lakes, boat launches, and outdoor recreation, making it a fantastic choice for year-round living or a vacation
Nola CadyKeller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Nestled in a prime location, this stunning 7+ acre parcel offers breathtaking water views of Mousam Lake and an expansive open field, creating endless possibilities for development or personal retreat. Whether you envision a private estate, a family compound, or a business opportunity, this rare offering provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. With ample space and elevated
Investors take notice! The zoning on this property permits a wide range of options, giving buyers the versatility to explore different uses. This three-bedroom mobile home is set on a full foundation and offers excellent potential. The main level features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and open-concept living spaces. The full walk-out basement includes its own private entrance, a full bath,
Beautiful land ready to be subdivided or kept whole and build your compound! Let your imagination dictate your direction! Lots of options.Subject to transfer of deed to seller at closing.This is 2 parcels owned by the same person being sold together. 3.95 acres and 60 acres. Only the 3.95 acres lot has road frontage.
Discover the perfect balance of privacy and convenience with this picturesque 11.18-acre parcel in the heart of Shapleigh. The property features a cleared homesite and an established driveway, offering an excellent starting point for your future home or private retreat. Surrounded by Maine's natural beauty, the setting provides a peaceful escape while remaining just minutes from numerous lakes
The advertised rate of $26,039/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of December 31, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Fantastic and Rare Rural 1 bedroom rental Opportunity!! $1300 monthly. Home is located in Shapleigh, is situated on the owner occupied property and is set up as an accessory dwelling unit! Home includes laundry hook-ups and boasts single story living. Non smoking and No Pets. Many modern details making it a classy and visually stunning rental! Tenant pays for electricity, heat and hot water. 1st
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