Real Estate in Cape Elizabeth

Overview of Cape Elizabeth Maine

Cape Elizabeth — Maine's wealthiest town, is home to scenic Fort Williams Park, the picturesque Portland Head Light, and miles of coastal waterfront. Cape Elizabeth is well-known in the Greater Portland Area as a great place for a tourism and year-round living. Though there are many oceanfront mansions that one would expect in such a scenic location, Cape Elizabeth also hosts many charming multi-acre inland homes, some of which reside on still-functioning farms, and homesteads. Those looking at Maine real estate in Cape Elizabeth, may also be interested in browsing real estate listings in South Portland, or Falmouth.

Originally a part of Portland (named Falmouth at the time), the citizens petitioned for and obtained their own government in 1765, thus including all the area lying south of Portland Harbor and east of the Spurwink River. Commercial and industrial growth in the north end of the town, nearest the harbor (now South Portland), was in sharp contrast to the continuing rural character of the southern tip of the Cape. In 1895, the two sections agreed to separate, and from that date forward the southern end of the original town became the present town of Cape Elizabeth.

The 20th century history of the community has been one of gradual residential growth. The majority of inhabitants now work in the Greater Portland area, and only very few of the working farms still exist. As the town embarks on the 21st century, townspeople recognize the importance of their farming and fishing heritage, and have taken legislative measures to protect and encourage Cape Elizabeth's rural character.

Some other great regional neighborhoods to find good value in your real estate search might be the Damariscotta or Real Estate in Bristol. Cape Elizabeth is a vibrant and exciting community thus if not the right hopefully one of these other communities will be.

Cape Elizabeth Historical Housing Statistics

Home prices are significantly higher in Cape Elizabeth compared to homes in Portland. As one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the region, entry level homes begin around 250K. The current median asking prices for homes and condos are 450K and 364K respectively. Cape Elizabeth, like most communities, has lost a significant portion of its value with 2009 sold prices close to where they were back in 2003.

Ocean-front Property in Cape ElizabethThe Cape Elizabeth, Maine housing market for residential real estate saw a total of 161 residential homes and condos sell in 2012 compared with 129 in 2011. The median sales price in 2012 was $416,000 compared with $436,000 in 2011 which shows that the real estate market has become quite stable.

A glance at any real estate listing for ocean-front property in Cape Elizabeth will reveal the spectacular views of the town's rocky and sandy coast. Many houses straddle the coastline either with direct access to the water, or high above on scenic bluffs, such as the area surrounding Fort Williams Park. While prices overwhelmingly run into the seven figures, a close examination reveals extraordinary value for the breathtaking views and ocean proximity.

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Cape Elizabeth Schools and Education Overview

Cape Elizabeth is known throughout the North East for maintaining one of America's best public school systems. Cape Elizabeth High School is a recent recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award, the highest honor an American school can receive under the No Child Left Behind Act. The school regularly achieves the highest SAT scores in the Maine public school system, and is also known for its sports program, including a men's lacrosse team that has won four of the last seven state lacrosse championships.

Useful Cape Elizabeth School Links

• Cape Elizabeth Public School Department
• Cape Elizabeth Middle School
• Pond Cove Elementary School

Recreation in Cape Elizabeth, ME

Fort Williams Park attracts people throughout the year, offering over 10 acres of land along the Atlantic Ocean. Once an active fort during WWI and WWII, the facility has now been reclaimed and is used by tourist and locals alike seeking a great place to relax under the sun. Portland Headlight, the parks defining characteristic, was commissioned by George Washington in 1787 as the first lighthouse in the United States. Today, visitors add to the buildings reputation as the most photographed lighthouse in the world as they explore the rockbound cliffs throughout. It is said that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came up with many literary pieces whilst sitting at his favorite piece of real estate at the base of the headlight.

Two Lights State Park boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean while the two lighthouses for which it's named stand high over the land. It’s great place to relax and let down your hair, attracting many sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors come from far and wide to not only take in the sights but also to dine at the famous Lobster Shack located within the park. People eat some of the freshest seafood around as they enjoy views of the very water from which their meal was just caught. Purchasing real estate in Cape Elizabeth is a wonderful opportunity to begin your new life by the sea.

Crescent Beach State Park opened in 1966 and is located about eight miles south of Portland, ME. Sandy oceanfront beaches, saltwater coves, wooded areas, and rock ledges provide seashore recreation for beach-goers, fishing and water sports enthusiasts, and nature observers. Crescent Beach State Park is a classic saltwater beach park with beach grass-studded sand dunes, ocean breezes, herring gulls, picnic areas and views of fishing boats and an offshore island.