Windsor is a growing rural community just outside of Augusta
Best known as the home of the Windsor Fair, the rural community of Windsor encompasses the countryside just outside of Maine’s capital city, Augusta. “It is a really beautiful area,” says Johnny Swan, an associate broker with Brookewood Realty who grew up nearby. “It's one of those outskirtsy-type towns, where it’s not known for big attractions. It’s more of a rural, country-style of living.” Agricultural roots run deep here, which can be seen in the area’s farms and the 10-day fair each summer, and the community is also growing. New homes are being built, driven largely by the proximity to Augusta, which is only 10 miles away.
New and established homes in the countryside
Windsor’s ranch-style, split-level and colonial-inspired homes sit far apart on quiet, two-lane roads that weave through the forested countryside. “There has been a decent amount of new construction I’ve noticed in the past few years,” Swan says, “and I know for a fact that more are going to be going in out there too.” Despite new development, the area maintains its rural character, and most homes sit on over an acre, allowing space for swimming pools and detached garages. Some properties offer views of the area’s ponds and can have docks and beaches for summertime recreation. Prices typically range from $250,000 to $700,000, while manufactured homes can range from $40,000 to $260,000. Some properties might be at risk of flooding; homeowners should check flood maps to assess their risk.
Families can choose from multiple high school options nearby
Kids attend Regional School District 12, which earns an overall rating of B from Niche. Elementary and middle schoolers can start at Windsor Elementary, which earns an A-minus. For high school, students in Windsor can choose to attend one of several schools nearby, and the district will cover the cost. The private Erskine Academy is the closest option; it earns a B-minus and has a 100% college acceptance rate.
The Windsor Fairgrounds hosts big summer events
“The Windsor Fair is a big hit every summer,” Swan says. “It's always the week leading up to Labor Day, and it's your classic little agricultural fair with events and things to go watch.” The fair has brought crowds to this area since 1888, and it’s known as the second-largest agricultural fair in the state. Demolition derbies, livestock competitions and a giant pumpkin contest are just a few of the events, and the fair also has rides, games and fair food. The fairgrounds also host the Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival, a two-day event in August with athletic competitions, demonstrations and Scottish music.
Fishing and boating are popular ways to get outside
Threemile Pond and Togus Pond are both open to the public and have boat ramps for anglers and boaters to launch their crafts. Both ponds are known for their bass fishing, and ice fishing is popular here in the winter. Nearby, Damariscotta Lake State Park is another popular fishing spot, and it also has a playground and a sandy beach for summertime swimming. In Augusta, Western View Golf and Pub is a public nine-hole golf course that has league play, and 1-7-10 Sports Center is a candlepin bowling alley that also has an arcade.
A general store, a diner and a small market serve the community
While Windsor is very rural and mostly residential, the community has a centrally located one-stop shop for essentials. “Hussey’s General Store is a really, really popular store that did get some national attention a while back. They have this funny sign, it says, ‘Guns, wedding gowns and cold beer,’” Swan says. “It’s a hardware store, it’s a grocery store and it’s a sporting goods store.” Priscilla’s Diner near the fairgrounds serves breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere, and Rideout’s Market and Grill is a convenience store, gas station and restaurant offering sandwiches and burgers. More restaurants, shops and grocery stores are in Augusta.
A car-reliant community about 15 minutes from Augusta
State Route 105 leads around 10 miles to Augusta, a drive that takes roughly 15 minutes. MaineGeneral Medical Center's Alfond Center for Health is about 13 miles away, and Togus VA Medical Center is an 8-mile trip. Bangor International Airport and Portland International Jetport are each just over 60 miles away. Houses of worship here include Windsor Christian Fellowship and North Windsor Baptist Church.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
