Life in Wells is centered around the beach
Whether it’s rocky shores or a sandy coastline, life in Wells is centered around the beach. This seasonal town at the water’s edge comes alive in the summertime. When the temperature drops, seaside businesses that have been passed down from one generation to the next put up their “closed for the season” signs. During cooler months, Wells’ year-round residents enjoy a tight-knit community that’s within commuting distance of Portland. “It’s a very friendly place,” says Pam Coyne, lifetime resident and Realtor with Exit Oceanside Realty. “Even though it’s growing, everybody knows everybody.”
From Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge to sandy beaches
Right next to the oceanfront is the giant saltwater marsh of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The massive wilderness reserve, which runs for 50 miles up the coast of Maine, is home to plants and animals not found anywhere else in the state. Visitors come to bird watch or to kayak peacefully through the marsh to Wells Harbor. No matter what time of year it is, neighbors can take advantage of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm —the conservation center offers trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At the end of the day, however, “our biggest draw is our beaches,” Coyne says. “We have beaches that stretch from Kennebunk to Ogunquit.” Locals can also enjoy a game of golf at Old Marsh Country Club or find an 18-hole minigolf course less than 2 miles away at Wonder Mountain Fun Park.
A wide range of housing in Wells
Wells is a popular place for second homeowners, but many people come to live full-time as well. There are several communities for seasonal condominiums and manufactured homes. Manufactured homes and condos might sell between $100,000 and $300,000 and will have additional monthly association fees. Single-family housing farther away from the town’s shoreline includes Minimal Traditional-style cottages and colonials, and listings often range between $400,000 and $700,000. Along the beach, buyers might find five-bedroom cottages with multi-level patios for enjoying the views; these generally go for closer to $2 million.
Wells Chili Festival and summer farmers market
The town of Wells has events throughout the year, including the annual Wells Chili Festival in August, a Haunted Halloween Hayride in October and a weekly farmers market on Wednesday afternoons throughout the warmer months. In July, the Wells Harbor Festival takes place, with competitions for lobster trap tossing, sandcastle building and donut eating, among other things. On summer Sundays, residents and visitors can enjoy free concerts in Wells Harbor Park.
Antique stores along Route 1 and the Maine Diner draw in crowds
U.S. Route 1 is the major business thoroughfare in Wells. The town is known as a popular antiquing spot, and a flurry of stores along Route 1 and beyond make up a little antique district. Several art galleries have sprung up as well, meaning the corridor sees a good amount of tourist traffic in summer. Year-round residents can find groceries at Hannaford in town and can stop by Chase Farms for locally grown produce and whoopie pies. For other retail options, they can visit Kennebunk, 5 miles away, or make the 30-plus-mile trek to Portland for big-city shopping. “Most of our restaurants are seasonal; very few are open all winter,” Coyne says. “Once a month, I go with a group of girls to Kennebunk or Ogunquit, where they have restaurants that are open year-round. Some of my favorite Wells restaurants are Hobbs Harborside, which overlooks the water, and Stutesy’s — it’s a really nice local restaurant.” Some renowned tourist-favorite dining spots include Fisherman’s Catch, known for its lobster rolls, and Maine Diner, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. For doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches, Congdon’s Doughnuts Family Restaurant and Bakery is a popular choice.
Wells-Ogunquit Community School District serves area youth
Wells and Ogunquit share a public school system called the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. Children in prekindergarten through fourth grade may begin their education at Wells Elementary School, which scores an A-minus on Niche. They can transition to Wells Junior High School for fifth through eighth grades, where they may participate in extracurricular offerings, including a strong drama program. The school earns an overall B-plus. At B-plus-rated Wells High School, scholars can prepare themselves for their future by studying Spanish or French and can join the color guard or The Wells Players drama team.
Catch the Amtrak Downeaster from the station in town
Wells is located along both Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. Route 1 has considerable traffic, especially during the tourist season. At the Wells Regional Transportation Center in town, travelers can catch Amtrak’s Downeaster train which connects to Boston and Portland. The nearest major airport is Portsmouth International Airport, about 26 miles away. For medical needs, locals can find the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital within a 20-mile drive.
Preparing for environmental concerns
As Wells is along the coast, it is prone to flooding. Houses located next to bodies of water may be in flood zones, which will require additional flood insurance. In winter months, York County (which encompasses Wells) may experience ice storms, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
