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Highland

Highland

$506,016 Average Value
$305 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Highland's residential homes and proximity to major highways

Highland is a uniquely shaped neighborhood in South Portsmouth with a lot going on at all times, from the railyard trains moving through town to the games played at Wainwright Sports Complex. Highland is also home to the South Portland Public Works and waste management, as well as to several commercial warehouses and storage facilities off Pleasant Hill Road. Though there are little restaurants like the Honeycomb Cafe nearby, most residents shop or dine along Route 1 to the north. “It’s pretty close to just about everything and has lots of access to the parks and the Greenbelt Walkway,” says long-time local, Casey Gray, broker and owner of the Casey Gray Team of RE/MAX Coastal. “The [Greenbelt Walkway] trail is used a lot by everyone and connects to several communities.”

Even with this busy atmosphere, Highland has several quiet residential streets on its northeastern side, branching off of Evans Street. Cape Cods and split-levels with modest lots, some even with backyard pools, give the neighborhood a homey feel. The neighborhood also has access to nearby highways, which connect to coastal beaches, the Maine Mall and downtown Portland, which is only a few miles north.

Highland is a wonderful place to nurture a growing family.
Highland is a wonderful place to nurture a growing family.
The Highland neighborhood boasts a diverse array of homes.
The Highland neighborhood boasts a diverse array of homes.
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Year-round parks, trails and proximity to the coast

Highland’s unique shape encompasses a couple of residential areas, several thickets of forest, a few solar panel fields at the Public Works station and quite a bit of railroad track. That means the area’s largest public green space is Wainwright Sports Complex, a former potato and turf grass farm transformed into a massive community athletic facility. Wainwright offers field space for various sports and is connected to the Greenbelt Walkway, a nearly 6-mile pathway leading to Bug Light Park. Marinas surround Bug Light Park, which is a popular spot for skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating in the wintertime. During the summer, swimmers can head to Willard Beach to relax on the sand and splash in the water.

The South Portland Recreation Center is across the street from many homes on Evans Street and does not require membership fees to access. Visitors can use the pool and fitness center. Just a few miles northwest is the Maine Mall, which has dozens of familiar stores and a food court. Surrounding indoor attractions at the mall include Urban Air Trampoline Park, as well as Entertainment Luxury Cinemas movie theater. Right between the mall and Highland is the City of South Portland Municipal Golf Course, a nine-hole course that is open April through October.

Get ready to grind, flip, and flow at South Portland Skate Park near Highland.
Get ready to grind, flip, and flow at South Portland Skate Park near Highland.
Tee off on the scenic fairways of the South Portland Municipal Golf Course near Highland.
Tee off on the scenic fairways of the South Portland Municipal Golf Course near Highland.
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Highland's air quality concerns and possible traffic noise

Because it is buzzing with manufacturing and distribution, Highland residents may experience pollution, congestion and noise. The Rigby Yard is the largest railroad yard in the region and bisects the Highland community. The South Portland Transfer Station is also on Highland Avenue and disposes of waste and debris. Nearby highways such as U.S. Route 1, Interstate 295 and Interstate 95 make it convenient to get around town but can cause quite a bit of noise. The South Portland Clean Air Advisory Committee addresses issues of Hazardous Air Pollutants, avidly watching air quality and reporting to the city.

Mid-1900s New England homes and early 2000s updates

Forested cul-de-sacs and curved roads lead to clapboard cottages and brick-trimmed estates in the backdrop of activity from Rigby Yard. Raised ranches feature driveways and two-car garages with wooden fences enclosing backyards, where locals often opt for inground pools and patios. Lots are relatively modest and back up to forest or commercial zones, with close neighbors and quiet streets for biking or walking around. However, there aren't many sidewalks, so residents should walk and bike with caution and watch out for traffic.

Highland has a generous number of homes that fall between the $350,000 and $450,000 price point. There are also a few townhouses in the Parkway Woods Subdivision on Gary L Maietta Parkway, with units that cost around $400,000. “Anything under $500,000 is considered ‘affordable’ in the greater Portland area, so when things do come onto the market around that price, they tend to get multiple offers,” says Sarah Delisle, a Realtor with Portside Real Estate Group who has been selling homes in the area for several years. Most homes here, even those that stretch into the $500,000 to $650,000 range, consist of those older New England homes like 1940s Cape Cods and Colonials, as well as more common styles like 1970s split-levels or ranch-style homes.

Ranch style homes are lined in a row in the Highland neighborhood.
Ranch style homes are lined in a row in the Highland neighborhood.
This home is nestled in the charming Highland neighborhood.
This home is nestled in the charming Highland neighborhood.
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Community gatherings and events in South Portland and Highland

Mill Creek Park on Hinckley Drive is the hub for Highland community events. From live music to local creatives selling artwork, this 10-acre green space brings the community together. It hosts annual festivities like Winterfest, a summer concert series and “Art in the Park” in August. South Portland's SpringFest offers a family affair with a gnome village and cornhole tournament. In May, the Bug Light Kite Festival takes flight in Portland, followed by the Maine Lobster Festival in autumn and Harvest on the Harbor. Every Sunday from November through April, the South Portland Winter Farmers' Market sets up booths along Ocean Street, offering farm-fresh produce and local seafood.

South Portland Art in the Park near Highland attracts thousands of people each year.
South Portland Art in the Park near Highland attracts thousands of people each year.
Get fresh, organic produce at the South Portland Farmers Market near Highland.
Get fresh, organic produce at the South Portland Farmers Market near Highland.
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Shopping and dining on Route 1 and beyond

Though Route 1 has the closest shopping and dining, including restaurants like Indy’s Sandwich and Coppersmith Tavern & Table, there are plenty of places to explore within a short drive. The Old Port District, quintessential New England, is 5 miles north, attracting locals with waterside dining and small-town boutique shopping. Locals usually make reservations at Eventide Oyster or head to Portland Lobster Company for buttered lobster rolls. The Honey Paw is typically packed with its curated American Asian fusion menu during lunch. Closer to home, North 43 Bistro's elegant dining room boasts river views from its outdoor patio. For running errands, drivers can take Route 1 south to reach familiar spots like Hannaford and Walgreens.

The Honeycomb Cafe is a favorite spot for locals near Highland.
The Honeycomb Cafe is a favorite spot for locals near Highland.
Residents of Highland will appreciate the close proximity to the Hannaford Supermarket.
Residents of Highland will appreciate the close proximity to the Hannaford Supermarket.
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South Portland Public Schools' programs and achievements

Students living in Highland fall within the South Portland Public Schools district. Dyer Elementary and South Portland High are located within just 1 mile of the neighborhood, and South Portland Middle School’s new campus is right on Wescott Road. South Portland High provides career and technical courses and opportunities for its students, whereas South Portland Middle encourages outdoor education through partnerships with organizations like Ripple Effect and The Telling Room. All schools receive a C-plus rating from Niche. Highland is also 5 miles from Southern Maine Community College, a two-year university with an overall B-minus grade on Niche.

Helena H. Dyer Elementary School serves students from grades K-5.
Helena H. Dyer Elementary School serves students from grades K-5.
South Portland Middle School serves grades 5 through 8.
South Portland Middle School serves grades 5 through 8.
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Commutes to downtown Portland, Scarborough and to the US Coast Guard Station

Highland is just 5 miles south of downtown Portland, which drivers can reach via either Highland Avenue or Interstate 295. Though it may not be in the middle of all the action, Highland is conveniently located for commuters or for those who want to spend time in the city. For weekends away, the Portland International Jetport is about 6 miles north via Broadway or Pleasant Hill Road. “This area is also close to Scarborough which has a ton of beaches and Route 1 has everything on it, like grocery stores and highly rated hospitals. Some of the best surgeons in New England are in Scarborough,” Delisle says. South Portland Bus Service runs public transit with several Main Street and Broadway stops. Highland is 7 miles from Portland International Jetport and 6 miles from Maine Medical Center. Highland is about 5 miles from U.S. Coast Guard Station South Portland, which can also be reached via Highland Avenue.

Stroudwaterr residents have easy access to the Portland International Jetport.
Stroudwaterr residents have easy access to the Portland International Jetport.
Maine Medical Center is adjacent to West End.
Maine Medical Center is adjacent to West End.
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Shelby Sullivan
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Jeff Tippett
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Benjamin Rose

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jonathon Stinson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International Jetport

16 min drive

Bus

Highland & Alfred St

Bus

Dunkin Donuts & Sp Town Line

Bus

Evans St & Bonnybrier Rd

Bus

Highland & Msw Facility Rd

Bus

Evans St & Highland Ave

Bus

Evans St & Community Center

Bus

P.S. Facility Tp

Highland Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$457,605
Median Sale Price
$348,450
Median Single Family Sale Price
$460,605
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$305

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
875
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
6.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,373
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,227
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,230
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jonathon Stinson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,265
Median Age
42
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$102,200
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,183

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.7%
College Graduates
46.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.5%
% Population in Labor Force
77.2%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
36''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

47 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

22 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Highland