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).
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
Roz Anton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
Trails
Hiking
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Trails
Wells Parks & Recreation Department
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Hilton-Winn Preserve
Wells Harbor Community Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
Events
Transit
Airport
Portsmouth International at Pease
33 min drive
Bus
Wells Transportation Center
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wells
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wells, ME sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Wells, ME over the last 12 months is $569,678, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Perfect Vacation Getaway or Short-Term Rental Investment Property! Ability to sleep 4 on this highly desirable Belle of Maine Studio Cottage. Whether you are an investor looking for a solid Short-Term Rental or a Beach Lover looking for an affordable Beach Cottage this one is for you! Open concept kitchen, living and sleeping area. Sip your coffee in the morning and beverage in the
Beach Cottage anyone? Just a flip-flop stroll from the sand, this charming 3-bedroom cottage is the perfect mix of cozy and coastal. Whether you're looking for your own sunny escape or a smart rental investment, this one has it all — ocean breezes, a fireplaced living room, air conditioning for those hot summer days, sunny front deck, rear sunporch and deck, outdoor shower, and decades of
Enjoy beautiful beach and ocean views from the front and panoramic vistas of the tidal marsh and Ogunquit River from the back. This beautifully reverse designed home features three spacious bedrooms, each with its own private bath. The sun-drenched second floor offers an open-concept layout with a fully applianced kitchen, a large dining area, and a bright, inviting living room that opens onto
This amazing property is seeking a buyer/investor who can see beyond its current state to what this home has been and has the potential to be again. The attached, 2 car garage currently houses 2 workshops and acts as a storage area for the current owner's past endeavors. Assorted machinery remains, as well as many items collected over the years.The home itself is a sprawling ranch, featuring a
Patricia Berry
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group
Experience the epitome of seasonal living in this beautifully updated ''Ellsworth'' style cottage, nestled within the vibrant 65-acre gated community of Summer Village in Wells. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom retreat seamlessly blends comfort, style, and convenience, making it an ideal getaway or investment opportunity.Step inside to discover all-new flooring that flows throughout the cottage,
Welcome to 403 Webhannet Drive—an iconic property in Wells that's been enjoyed by the same family for 50 years! This classic New England compound features a 7-bedroom, 3-bath main house plus a fully equipped detached carriage house with its own kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath. That makes 8 total bedrooms, 4 total bathrooms, and over 3000 sq/ft of space to make memories that will last a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Roz Anton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
14,146
Median Age
54
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,436
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,187
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.4%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.6%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
10°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
41''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
8/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 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.
