Waldoboro offers a blend of coastal, country and small-town living
Located on the Medomak River in Maine’s Midcoast region, Waldoboro is a small agricultural town known for its nature preserves, farms and shellfish industry. The river’s estuary is a popular spot for shellfish harvesting and is particularly known for clams. Its downtown area is near U.S. Route 1, a busy thoroughfare for people heading to nearby towns like Damariscotta and Rockland, but most of the community is quiet and surrounded by nature. “You’ve got three areas: You’ve got saltwater frontage, which will drive a higher price point, then you have regular Waldoboro, like the downtown center, and that’s a lot of older beautiful homes — some have been updated, some have not — and there are good deals. There are nuggets in there to be had. And then you’ve got rural,” says Melanie Trott, who’s sold homes in the area for 15 years and is a broker and owner at The MidcoastHome Real Estate Co. “It becomes rural very quickly: rolling hills, big fields, horses, cows, you name it.”
Properties in town, near the water and on several acres
New Englander and Cape Cod homes are common throughout Waldoboro. In town, these and colonial homes sit close together, with yards large enough for driveways and established gardens. Farther from the town center, homes can sit on over 100 acres, and some have views of the Medomak River. In general, updated homes under 2,000 square feet range from $140,000 to $500,000, while larger homes range from $470,000 to $1 million. Manufactured homes range from $120,000 to $360,000. Apartment complexes provide rental options in the town center. Some properties near the river can have a high risk of flooding and might require flood insurance.
The Heirloom Seed Project at Medomak Valley High
Kids can attend elementary school at Miller School, which earns a C from Niche, and then go to the B-minus-rated Medomak Middle. At the C-plus-rated Medomak Valley High, students can take applied botany to participate in the Heirloom Seed Project, which has the biggest high school collection of heirloom seeds in the country. Students in the course cultivate the seeds in the school’s greenhouse.
Stores and restaurants are downtown and on Route 1
Waldoboro’s downtown area is concentrated around Main and Jefferson Streets. “It has a nice little downtown: It has a True Value, it has a bookstore, it has a laundromat, it has a dive bar and a coffee shop. What else do you need?” Trott says. Here, The Narrows Tavern serves classic pub fare, and it’s also known for its seafood. Route 1 is home to more businesses, including a Hannaford grocery store and Family Dollar. It’s also where diners can grab a bite at Moody’s Diner, which has been a community staple since 1927. Delano Seafood Market and Spear’s Farm Stand sell locally sourced seafood and produce. More stores and restaurants are in Damariscotta.
Water recreation, nature trails and a theater for entertainment
Pine Street Landing provides access to the Medomak River, offering a boat ramp, birdwatching and water views. Nature preserves are scattered throughout the area, including Burkett Mill Preserve and Riverbrook Preserve, where the forested trails are popular for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Nearby, Damariscotta Lake State Park is known for its freshwater fishing and sandy beach. Kids can join Medomak Valley Little League and play at several ballparks near the town center. The Waldo Theatre hosts concerts, plays and screenings of cult classic movies.
A car-dependent community between Damariscotta and Rockland
Route 1 is Waldoboro’s main thoroughfare, leading about 11 miles to Damariscotta and 16 miles to Rockland. Augusta is 28 miles away via state Routes 32 and 17. Some roads in the town center have sidewalks, making it pedestrian-friendly. Houses of worship here include Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ and First Baptist Church of Waldoboro. MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is 11 miles away, and Portland International Jetport is a 65-mile trip.
Waldoboro Day brings the community together
Waldoboro Day celebrates the community’s history with two days of events each June. The parade through town, featuring appearances by Maine’s Wild Blueberry Queen and other local celebrities, is a highlight; the festival also includes a craft fair, a history tour and fireworks.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
