Southport offers a slower pace minutes from Boothbay Harbor
In Lincoln County, Southport is a small town of less than 1,000 residents on an island flanked by the Sheepscot River. The island is about 5 miles from its northern tip to its southern point, with a dense patch of trees in the center. It offers a quieter, less developed alternative to the shopping, dining and entertainment of Boothbay Harbor, which is about 2 miles away. About 48% of the population is over the age of 65, which is significantly above the national average of 19%. Southport’s public beach access, serene lifestyle and waterfront properties also attract summer vacationers. However, about 86% of residents are homeowners.
Southport’s coastal lifestyle supports boating and fishing
Southport is surrounded by water, so residents can expect a consistent sea breeze with the occasional strong wind gust. Hendrick’s Head Beach is a public beach where families can explore tide pools and look for shells when the tide recedes. This beach consists of sand and small pebbles, while the rest of the island’s shoreline is rocky. Boaters can launch from private docks, Southport’s small harbors or bustling Boothbay Harbor. The Maine State Aquarium, open in the summer, has a touch tank and an exhibit on local sharks.
There are a few small islands off the coast of Southport. “Most of them you can boat out to, or kayak, and have a picnic,” says Randall “Randy” Miller, a real estate associate at Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, who sells in Lincoln County. “Some people live there.” At just 130 acres, Squirrel Island is the largest of these islands. There is a ferry that goes back and forth between Squirrel Island and Boothbay Harbor. This pedestrian-only community completely empties out at the end of every summer.
Cape Cod architecture and ocean views define Southport’s housing stock
A few small residential communities branch off from the main road that loops around the island. Southport offers private, spacious lots; some are wooded, while others face the ocean. Buyers can find shingle-sided homes and a prevalence of Cape Cod architecture. Homes range from renovated, two-story cottages built in 1900 to contemporary, 21st-century builds. Prices span from about $370,000 to $4.9 million, with a median price of $1.1 million. At the top of the price range are luxury waterfront properties overlooking the rocky shoreline and lighthouses in the distance.
The public school pipeline in Southport
Southport students are served by Alternative Organizational Structure 98 (AOS 98). Students up through sixth grade may attend Southport Central School, which is located on the island and is not rated on Niche. It has a small enrollment, totaling 15 students in 2024. A new sound system, including speakers and a mixing board, was donated in 2024 to support the music program and other school activities. Boothbay Region Elementary serves students through eighth grade and Boothbay Region High School completes the public school pipeline; both are rated B. All schools in the district provide students with free breakfast and lunch during the school year.
Seafood, community spirit and Maine-made goods in Southport
Southport has three restaurants—all of which specialize in seafood—and one general store. Robinson’s Wharf, known for its oyster bar, waterfront views and live music, has been serving the community for over four decades. It also has a year-round seafood market and gift shop. Southport General Store has been a community hub since 1882. It sells groceries, wine and goods made in Maine, plus freshly prepared foods from its kitchen and bakery. The general store also hosts arts and crafts workshops throughout the year. The small towns surrounding Southport support local businesses as well, but Brunswick, about 30 miles away, has a few national chains like Walmart and T.J. Maxx.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
About 17 miles north in Damariscotta, October brings a can’t-miss tradition to the region. “People come from all over the country for Pumpkinfest in Damariscotta,” Miller says. “There’s a contest to see who can grow the biggest pumpkin—some get close to 2,000 pounds. Then they put little motors on them, a person fits inside, and they race the pumpkins on the river.” Winners of the annual regatta get a pumpkin trophy.
Driving throughout Lincoln County
Due to the absence of public transportation, Southport is a car-dependent area. The main road that loops around the island is known as Hendricks Hill Road on the western side and Cape Newagen Road on the eastern side. To get to and from Boothbay Harbor, drivers cross Southport Swing Bridge. MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital is about 30 miles away and Portland International Jetport is about 60 miles southwest.
