Why Live in Breakwater
Breakwater, a maritime neighborhood in South Portland, stretches into Casco Bay and is characterized by its classic coastal New England-style homes, including clapboard houses, front-gabled homes, wood-shingled homes, and Cape Cods. The area features locally owned businesses, quiet streets, and outdoor escapes, all under the watchful gaze of two lighthouses. The South Portland Public School District serves the community, with Dora L. Small Elementary School receiving high ratings. Breakwater offers a variety of dining options, such as El Corazon Casita for tacos, Spring Point Tavern for cocktails, and North 43 Bistro for waterfront dining. Local bakeries like The Cookie Jar and Rosemont Market & Bakery, as well as Red’s Dairy Freeze for ice cream, are popular spots. For groceries, Shaw’s and Hannaford in nearby Knightville are convenient options, along with SoPo Seafood for fresh catches.
Outdoor activities are abundant, with Bud Light Park, the Greenbelt Walkway, Willard Beach, and the historic Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse providing scenic spots for recreation. Boating is common, with Spring Point Marina and Breakwater Marina nearby. Robinson Woods Preserve offers forested trails, while Anytime Fitness caters to indoor fitness needs. Community events such as Pandora Winter Lights and Art in the Park foster a close-knit atmosphere. The neighborhood enjoys a lower crime risk compared to the national average. Transportation is facilitated by bus stops along Broadway, sidewalks, and bike-friendly streets, with the Casco Bay Bridge connecting residents to Portland, 4 miles away. Major roads like Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 1 are easily accessible, and Portland International Jetport is 7 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breakwater a good place to live?
Breakwater is a good place to live. Breakwater is considered car-dependent and bikeable with minimal transit options. Breakwater has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.6 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $92,067 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 52.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Breakwater are home owners, with 49.5% of residents renting and 50.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Breakwater can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Breakwater neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Breakwater?
The median home price in Breakwater is $590,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $118,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,000 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $129K a year to afford the median home price in Breakwater. The average household income in Breakwater is $92K.
What are the best public schools in Breakwater?
The best public schools that serve Breakwater are:
What are the best private schools in Breakwater?
The best private schools that serve Breakwater are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Breakwater, South Portland, ME?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Breakwater, South Portland, ME?
Are home prices dropping in Breakwater?
Yes, home prices in Breakwater are down 31% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Breakwater, ME
On average, homes in Breakwater, South Portland sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Breakwater, South Portland over the last 12 months is $407,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$407,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,325,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$487,500
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$268,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$552
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median List Price
$590,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-15%