Somerville offers seclusion and scenic surroundings
Somerville is a rural town offering privacy amongst the ponds, trees and farms of Lincoln County. In this heavily forested area, residents may spot moose wandering across the homesteads or next to one of the waterfront cottages. Somerville lies about 30 miles west of a beach day at the coast, and 15 miles east of Augusta , where folks can shop and go out to eat in Maine’s capital. The overall CAP Index Crime Score in this quiet community is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Properties with countryside vistas in Somerville
Instead of clustered in a town center or in subdivisions, properties in Somerville are spaced out along quiet, tree-lined roads. About 90% of homes are owner-occupied. Cape Cod-style and New Englander farmhouses are common, often featuring decks and porches that look out toward the trees and ponds. Prices range from about $170,000 to $780,000, primarily depending on size. On the low end, buyers can find cabins under 500 square feet, while homes between 2,500 and 4,500 square feet with accompanying acreage fetch top prices. Waterfront properties on the shores of Long Pond have an increased flood risk and are available at various price points.
Students are zoned for RSU 12 schools
The Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit (RSU) 12, rated B on Niche, serves Somerville. Within the town, prekindergartners may attend Somerville Elementary School, which is not rated on Niche. Elementary and middle schoolers may attend A-minus-rated Windsor Elementary. High schoolers have school choice and may attend Medomak Valley High School, rated C-plus. The high school maintains one of the biggest heirloom seed banks in the country: the science department’s Heirloom Seed Project, a catalog of nearly 1,000 seeds, teaches students about biodiversity.
Somerville’s outdoor activities
The natural landscape is the backdrop for entertainment in and around Somerville. While homes surrounding Long Pond typically have private docks for small boats, Damariscotta Lake State Park has public lake access. At this park just south of Somerville, locals can fish for bass in the 13-mile-long lake or sunbathe on the sandy beach. In West Branch Preserve, hiking trails wind through the woods past a stream, a butterfly meadow and a beaver dam. The hiking trails at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm are open to the public on select Sundays while the onsite farmers market is in session. The family-friendly trails lead past brooks and pastures where the resident goats graze. The farm hosts activities like contra dancing, music concerts and cuddling sessions with baby goats.
Shopping and dining nearby and in Augusta
Although there are no restaurants or shopping centers in town, Hussey’s General Store is about 6 miles west, recognizable by its sign advertising “guns, wedding gowns and cold beer.” True to its word, the two-story establishment carries a variety of merchandise, from ammo and outdoor gear to clothing and groceries. Shoppers can find more options in Augusta, like Hannaford, Kohl’s and The Home Depot. One of Augusta’s restaurants is Lisa’s Restaurant & Lounge, which serves three meals every day in a casual, homey atmosphere.
Dirt roads and highways connect Somerville to the region
Somerville is a car-dependent town with no public transportation and a fair number of dirt roads. State Routes 17 and 105 lead directly from Somerville into Augusta. Emergency services are available about 20 miles west at Augusta Hospital. Bangor International Airport is about 60 miles northeast.
