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.
