Cape Elizabeth, Maine

“Our Town” is our insiders’ look at the communities of New England. “Our Town” gives you the key, top-line facts and figures any home buyer needs to know. But, just as importantly, “Our Town” will give you a sense about what statistics can’t tell you, but what you really need to know: what’s the character of the community?

For this personalized view, we ask our agents to share their “Five Faves” about the towns where they not only do business, but in which they live. Our hope is that you may find some special tidbit on “Our Town” that could help make it your town.
This month’s “Our Town” takes a look at Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Located approximately five miles south off Portland and situated amid miles of open ocean, Cape Elizabeth marks the entrance to Casco Bay. A small community of only 15 square miles, the town is famous for its lighthouse, Portland Head Light, considered the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

For this issue of “Our Town,” we spoke with Vicki Kennedy, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Oceanside.

• What is the median price of a Single Family home?
  Cape Elizabeth has beautiful homes for families in the $300,000 range.
• What is the public transportation system like?
  Unfortunately, we don’t have a public transportation system, but the town is small – only 15 square miles, so it is relatively easy to get around in.
• What is access to major highways?
  Conveniently located close to Portland, residents and visitors alike can access the Maine Turnpike and Route 295 easily.
• How are the school systems in the area?
  Our students typically rank first in Maine in statewide academic achievement exams. With the emphasis on academics, more than 90% of graduates go on to post-secondary education.
• Who is attracted to this area?
  Families of all ages are attracted to the coastal beauty of Cape Elizabeth. It’s truly a getaway, but with proximity to more developed city areas including Portland.
• Demographics
  Typically, we have just over 9,000 residents in Cape Elizabeth.
• Average age:
  The average age here is 43.

Vicki’s Five Faves in Cape Elizabeth:

• Best Beach: Crescent Beach State Park opened in 1966, and is a classic saltwater beach park with beach sand dunes, picnic areas, views of fishing boats and just offshore…Richmond Island.Sandy oceanfront beaches, saltwater coves, wooded areas, and rock ledges provide seashore recreation for beachgoers, fishing and water sports enthusiasts, and nature observers. The park’s signature feature and namesake is a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach ideal for strolling and sunbathing, where relatively warm waters and light surf make swimming and boating a pleasure. A few feet from the crowded summer sands are trails for walking and nature watching.In the off-season when the park is closed to vehicles, walkers are welcome to enjoy the tranquility of the beaches and trails. In the winter, visitors can hike or cross-country ski on.
• Best State Park: Two Lights State Park is a popular point of destination for Maine residents and the many visitors who enjoy the state’s legendary rocky coast. Opened in 1961, the park encompasses 41-acres of rocky headlands. Standing high above the rocky coast and rolling surf, visitors have sweeping views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic.The park’s name originated from the twin lighthouses located nearby at the end of Two Lights Road. Built in 1828, these were the first twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Although not open to the public, the eastern light is an active, automated light station, visible 17 miles at sea. The western light ceased operation in 1924 and is now a private home. Edward Hopper’s famous paintings “Lighthouse at Two Lights and “Lighthouse Hill”, show Cape Elizabeth Light at Two Lights, and is the country’s most famous lighthouse painting. It is part of the collection of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.Picnic tables situated on the hills facing the ocean afford visitors spectacular views of the ocean while enjoying an afternoon barbecue or clambake or lobster from the Lobster Shack.
• Best Areas to Explore: Fort Williams Park, named by President McKinley in 1899 was Cape Elizabeth’s first military fort. The Fort was a tremendous military asset during World War II by protecting the shoreline of Cape Elizabeth, and providing defense for Portland Harbor. After the war, the fort essentially closed as a defensive fort, and became accommodations for the Army Reserve. Fort Williams was officially closed and deactivated in 1963.The Town of Cape Elizabeth purchased the beautiful 90+/- acre park in 1964 for $200,000. The old military buildings became Town property as well. Along with the various batteries is Goddard Mansion. Although not in the condition it was when Colonel John Goddard and his family lived in it during the mid to late 1800s, the walls of the great mansion still stand high on the hill overlooking Fort Williams.Fort Williams is Home to the oldest lighthouse in Maine and the most photographed lighthouse in the world, Portland Head Light. Welcoming nearly a million visitors a year, it is not surprising to see people on any given day of the year enjoying the playing fields, tennis courts, beach, or simply walking around the park. During the winter months many find Fort Williams an ideal place to cross-country ski, sled, or even ice skate on the pond. Special events such as Family Fun Day, the Labor Day Art Show, and the Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race happen annually.
• Best Restaurant: Watch the boats passing by and enjoy the ocean breeze as you enjoy fresh Maine lobster at the Lobster Shack Restaurant located atop the rocky coast at the end of Two Lights Road. Dinner at The Good Table Restaurant or the dining room located within The Inn by the Sea are two other great choices while you’re visiting Cape Elizabeth.
• Best Drinks: Rudy’s is a local hangout where you can enjoy beer , wine and light fare. An exciting new location is our new coffee and wine bar, The Local Buzz. They offer a light lunch menu and tapas style food in the evenings. We’ve enjoyed some local jazz bands and guest bartenders are also a hit!

To learn more about Cape Elizabeth, ME, please contact Vicki at RE/MAX Oceanside:
Vicki Kennedy
Broker/Owner
1231 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth
Phone 207-799-7600
Cell 207-749-6756
Fax 207-799-7603
Vkennedy@remax.netdeb@deborahhamilton.com