Across the Fore River from Portland’s bustling downtown district is Breakwater, a slower-paced maritime community protected under the watchful gaze of two lighthouses. This South Portland neighborhood, which stretches into Casco Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, offers locally owned businesses, outdoor escapes, and walkable, quiet streets. Because of this, “Inventory is slim, and prices are high,” says April Cohen, head of The April Cohen Team with Duston Leddy Real Estate and a lifelong resident of the city. “We are all in a crazy boom in South Portland.”
The Greenbelt Pathway offers walkers and bikers a place to get some exercise while taking in coastal views in Breakwater.
Locals walk along the path that coasts South Portland and Bug Light Park.
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Classic New England homes
Classic coastal New England-style homes are the norm in Breakwater and South Portland. There are clapboard houses with colorful facades, front-gabled homes, wood-shingled homes, Cape Cods and new construction. Prospective homebuyers can expect prices to range from the $600,000s to $2 million. Yet, like many coastal communities, rising tides and flooding are a concern, such as the recording breaking flood levels in January 2024 that washed away two shacks at Fishermen’s Point that were a community landmark.
A common home style found in Breakwater.
Larger beachfront home can be found in Breakwater near Willard Beach.
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The Daniel F. Mahoney Middle School in South Portland, Maine.
Education in South Portland
The South Portland Public School District serves the community, scoring above average ratings on Niche. Children who live in the Breakwater area may attend the A-minus-rated Dora L. Small Elementary School. Students then go on to South Portland Middle School; having opened its door to students in the fall of 2023, it still needs to be graded on Niche. Students finish their studies at the B-minus-rated South Portland High School, known for its athletics department, having won 98 State Championships. The Southern Maine Community College also calls Breakwater home.
Breakwater is a very bike friendly neighborhood.
Morning bike rides and afternoon picnics
Like many coastal communities, Breakwater is surrounded by natural beauty. Bud Light Park features a small lighthouse and the Greenbelt Walkway, which spans nearly 6 miles from South Portland to the neighboring town of Scarborough. Locals and visitors can also trek along the rocky pier to fish or explore the historic Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Around the corner, Willard Beach offers relaxing afternoons for sunbathers, strolls with the family dog, or sunset picnics. Boating is another common pastime and commercial activity, with Spring Point Marina and Breakwater Marina close by. Those who prefer forested trails versus sandy beaches can explore for miles in the nearby Robinson Woods Preserve, while fitness enthusiasts can opt indoors at Anytime Fitness on a rainy day.
North 43 Bistro in Breakwater is home to authentic and fresh of the dock seafood.
Walks to waterfront dinners
In Breakwater, locals can grab some a-la-carte tacos at El Corazon Casita, sip a cocktail through a squiggly straw at Spring Point Tavern or enjoy some monkfish and waterfront views at North 43 Bistro. And that’s all within one block. Short bike rides lead to beloved bakeries like The Cookie Jar and Rosemont Market & Bakery, and when it comes to dessert, Red’s Dairy Freeze is the go-to spot for ice cream. Although small boutiques are scattered around downtown, South Portland is home to locally owned stores like Nonesuch Books & More and Pet Supplies Plus. In terms of groceries, Shaw’s and Hannaford in neighboring Knightville are close by, while SoPo Seafood offers fresh catches of the day.
Art in the Park and musical delights
South Portland residents have easy access to community events throughout the year, such as the Pandora Winter Lights that illuminate downtown’s streets. Closer to home, Art in the Park is a massive art show held every August in Mill Creek Park. With up to 175 artists, locals can peruse works of art while enjoying local food vendors and live music. For a different art scene, Mad Horse Theatre and Lyric Music Theater often showcase a range of shows. With a close-knit community, locals enjoy a low crime score of 3 out of 10, according to the CAP Index.
Getting around South Portland
With bus stops along Broadway, sidewalks lining busy roads, and quiet residential streets, locals can get around for the most part by walking or biking around town. The Casco Bay Bridge leads residents to the heart of Portland, about 4 miles away, while other major roads like Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 1 are nearby. Those looking to travel even further can catch a flight at Portland International Jetport, 7 miles away. Other essential establishments include the Maine Medical Center and various houses of worship.
Breakwater is a very bike friendly neighborhood.
Breakwater offer public transportation to help residents and visitors get around.
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.
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This top floor Penthouse unit with a one of a kind view is breathtaking. With Casco Bay at your fingertip, you could literally sit and watch the inner workings of the ships channel and all Portland Harbor activities.This two-bedroom unit features 762 square feet, fresh painted, new carpeted & new stainless appliances could make this an entirely fresh beginning. Breakwater at Spring Point is a
Breathetaking views from this top floor Penthouse unit with a one of a kind exposure to all of the natural beauty of Portland harbor and Casco Bay.Framed by the city skyline, FortGorges and the inner harbor islands. Freshly painted and newly carpeted this unit is a blank canvas awaiting your final touches..Breakwater at Spring Point is a largecondominium building set between
This year-round beachfront home is truly a rare offering! With breathtaking 180-degree ocean views, a large open lot, and private access to desirable Willard Beach, this charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is minutes from all this coveted neighborhood has to give. Nestled on a spacious lot, the existing 100 year old classic Cape-style home has been cherished by the same family for 50 years. Picture
Anne BosworthLegacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
Fully-furnished year-round rental available November 1st!Beautifully renovated, fully furnished one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the desirable Willard Beach neighborhood of South Portland. Flooded with natural light all day long and just a couple minutes walk from the beach. This is one of the best locations in greater Portland. Plus enjoy a large, beautifully landscaped yard to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
704
Median Age
37
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,833
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,067
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
52.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
23/ 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.
