Lakefront living with small-town character in Winthrop
With its access to outdoor recreation and a small-town atmosphere, Winthrop is the commercial heart of Maine’s Winthrop Lakes Region. “It’s in central Maine, where it’s not too far from the ocean and not too far from the mountains, and it also has a lot of recreational activities right there,” says Debra Cooke, an associate broker with Lakehome Group Real Estate who grew up in the area. Water recreation is the big draw, and the community has access to Maranacook Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake and smaller ponds. Winthrop’s town center offers a blend of locally owned shops and chain retailers like Hannaford. “For people who want to be in a little bit more of a bigger town, this would be perfect because it has all of those shops and businesses, and yet it’s not a city,” Cooke says. “It’s a really great place where you have everything nearby, and yet it’s only maybe 15 minutes outside of Augusta.”
Year-round water recreation and library activities
Winthrop’s lakes and ponds are the heart of outdoor recreation here. Maranacook Lake is just north of the town center, where boaters can launch their crafts at a public boat ramp and swimmers can take a dip at the public beach. Cobbosseecontee Lake — which is usually called Cobbossee Lake by locals — also has boating and beach access. The lake is known for its bass fishing and the Ladies’ Delight Lighthouse. Members of the Augusta Country Club have access to a private beach and boat slips on Cobbossee Lake; the club also has an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts. In winter, ice fishing is popular on the lakes, and the Hillandalers Snowmobile Club maintains trails throughout the area. The Bailey Public Library has regular events, including a ukelele group, kids’ video game club and free yoga sessions.
Sought-after lakefront homes, farmhouses and in-town Cape Cods
Winthrop is best known for its lakes, and the lakefront properties here are sought after for their views and private water access. These homes often have Craftsman and saltbox influences, and many also have amenities like swimming pools, private docks and detached garages. Prices for these typically range from around $550,000 to $1.2 million. “There are some gorgeous homes on the lake, but there are also more reasonably priced homes,” Cooke says. “There’s a little of everything for any price range.” Buyers can also find ranch-style and Cape Cod houses in the surrounding forests and in Winthrop’s town center. Historic farmhouses — some built as early as the 1700s — are also available, sometimes on several acres. Prices for these generally range from $200,000 to $550,000. Multifamily properties can cost between $270,000 and $650,000, while manufactured houses range from around $30,000 to $300,000.
Winthrop Public Schools serve the area
Kids can attend Winthrop Public Schools, which earn an overall rating of B from Niche. They can start at the B-rated Winthrop Grade School and then go to the A-minus-rated Winthrop Middle. Winthrop High earns a B and has a performing arts center where the school’s theater arts students perform three shows each year. The center also hosts performances and concerts by elementary and middle school students, as well as community groups.
Main Street and Route 202 are commercial hubs
Winthrop’s Main Street is a walkable town center lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, like Black Bloc BBQ, which serves smoked meat in a casual atmosphere. “The White Duck Brew Pub is a place that everybody wants to go to,” Cooke says. Located near Cobbassee Lake, the restaurant serves pub food made from scratch and has a large outdoor dining area. Nearby, The Woodshed, which is operated by the folks behind the television show “Maine Cabin Masters,” is a casual restaurant that hosts a concert series from Memorial Day through mid-October. More businesses are along U.S. Route 202, including a Hannaford grocery store, Audette’s Hardware and Stevenson’s Farm Stand, which offers locally grown produce from mid-June through mid-October.
Annual arts festival and holiday parade bring locals together
Each August at the Winthrop Arts Festival, local artists and artisans sell their work along Main Street. The event features live music throughout the day, and local organizations and businesses host special events, including smaller vendor fairs and cornhole tournaments, alongside the main festival. In December, the community kicks off the holiday season with a holiday parade through town.
A walkable town center and city amenities within a 30-minute drive
Route 202 leads around 12 miles to Augusta and 20 miles to Lewiston-Auburn. Interstate 95 is about 10 miles away. Sidewalks in Winthrop’s town center make it pedestrian-friendly. Houses of worship here include Winthrop Congregational Church and St. Francis Xavier Church. MaineGeneral Medical Center's Alfond Center for Health is 14 miles away, and Portland International Jetport is a 58-mile trip.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
