Natural beauty surrounds West Kennebunk
West Kennebunk, within the seaside town of Kennebunk, is a community surrounded by natural beauty. While downtown Kennebunk gets relatively busy in summer, West Kennebunk is “off the tourist radar,” says Rebecca Bassett, broker of Portside Real Estate Group and Kennebunk resident for more than 30 years. “It's an area where the majority of people are permanent residents, making it more of a residential community.” There are hiking trails, extensive nature preserves and schools within a short distance of homes. Buyers who want to enjoy Kennebunk amenities can find more affordable housing and larger lots in West Kennebunk.
Access to more than 3,000 acres of protected land thanks to the Kennebunk Land Trust
West Kennebunk offers abundant outdoor recreation within a short distance. The Kennebunk Land Trust works to protect more than 3,000 acres of land, which includes a mix of forests, marshes and farmland. Locals can take a hike at the Alewive Woods Preserve, which has a pond and about 2.5 miles of trail. In August, hikers might find blueberries along the way; the Kennebunk Plains Preserve also allows for blueberry picking. Bikers can take a spur trail from Kennebunk Elementary School to connect with the 65-mile Eastern Trail, a bike trail that starts in Kittery and ends in South Portland. In addition, Middle Beach, Gooch's Beach and Mother's Beach are all within an 8-mile drive for most West Kennebunk residents.
Housing options in West Kennebunk
West Kennebunk housing includes a few homes from the 1800s, colonial revivals and Cape Cods from the mid-to-late 1900s and several traditional-style residences from the past 20 years as well. “Zoning in West Kennebunk is a little different from Kennebunk,” Bassett says. “You’ll usually get a little more acreage. It’s good for people who want a little more space and privacy.” Buyers might find a few single-family listings starting in the $400,000s. Most newly built, three- and four-bedroom houses in developments sell in the $700,000s or $800,000s. It’s typically less expensive here than on the other side of the interstate, where historic homes and waterfront properties can inch toward $4 million.
Kennebunk Elementary School and Middle School of the Kennebunks are within a short drive
Children from Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel attend schools within Maine Regional School Unit 21, which receives an overall A-minus on Niche. West Kennebunk kids can begin their education at Kennebunk Elementary School, which gets a C-plus. The Middle School of the Kennebunks earns an A; both the elementary and middle schools are located in West Kennebunk. To complete their secondary education, students can attend Kennebunk High School, which has a B-plus rating and a 97% graduation rate. Kennebunk High offers opportunities such as internships, STEM programs and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Degree Programme. For parents who prefer private schools for their children, there are a few options in Kennebunk, including The New School, an A-minus-rated high school with a student-led educational model.
Getting to and from West Kennebunk
West Kennebunk is located right along Interstate 95, which gives a direct route to Portland as well as most major cities along the east coast. In the town of Wells, about 8 miles away, there is an Amtrak station with service to Boston and Portland. Those with private planes can fly into the Kennebunk airport, but the nearest airport offering commercial flights is Portland Airport, just over 20 miles from West Kennebunk. For urgent medical care, locals can head to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Somersworth or Maine Medical Center in Portland; both are about a 25-mile drive from the area.
Annual Christmas Prelude and other events in Kennebunk
The town of Kennebunk organizes events throughout the year. Annual ones include HarvestFest in October, May Day Festival and Breakfast for Pooches at Gooch’s, where dogs get a final send-off to their free reign of the beach as summer begins. The most notable area festival is the Christmas Prelude. It includes events throughout Kennebunk and Kennebunkport — Santa arrives on a lobster boat, children can have breakfast with Mrs. Claus and there are craft workshops as well as animals to pet. The Waterhouse Center, in downtown Kennebunk, has an ice rink in winter months and is a venue for artisan markets during other parts of the year. In warmer months, there is also a Saturday morning farmers market along Wells Court, around 3 miles from West Kennebunk.
The Village Tavern is a neighborhood hotspot
Residents will find options for most shopping and dining in downtown Kennebunk. However, there are a few well-loved options within West Kennebunk. The Village Tavern, along Alfred Road, is one of them. “It’s always packed, even on a Wednesday evening,” Bassett says. “They do a great job with vegetables.” Meals are served with a choice of sides, such as broccoli topped with blue cheese and crispy Brussels sprouts. The neighborhood also has a small grocery store for essentials, Cummings Market, and those looking for some art to brighten their home can stop by Gallery 149. In Kennebunk, 50 Local is a popular dining spot for any occasion. “You can go in with shorts and a T-shirt on and feel comfortable, or you can get dressed up for date night,” Bassett says. Hannaford, a New England grocery chain, is also in Kennebunk. Residents looking for more selections can drive to Portland or Portsmouth or order their groceries online from Whole Foods.
Environmental considerations
Some areas of West Kennebunk are prone to flooding. Buyers who purchase a home or property within a flood zone may be required to purchase additional flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) considers York County to be at a high risk of ice storms and at moderate to low risk of other environmental hazards.
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
