Falmouth ME Housing Guide

Overview of Falmouth Maine

Falmouth is located just outside in town Portland, making it both a quiet and convenient place to call home. Each one of its neighborhoods offer a variety of homes with their own unique charm. Whether it’s beachside cape, a lakeside cabin, or a cozy inland ranch, choices for real estate in Falmouth are vast. Located on scenic Route 1, it’s just moments from Sebago Lake, Freeport, as well as Bath, and Brunswick. In fact, those searching for real estate in Falmouth should also take a look at homes in Freeport, and Brunswick.

A drive through Falmouth, will reveal a strikingly serene scene of ocean front property, great education, close access to the Greater Portland area, a thriving local community, and one of Portland most popular suburbs in which to raise a family. Located just north of Portland, Falmouth's residents enjoy golf at some of Southern Maine's best courses, many parks and restaurants, and the advantages of proximity to the Portland area combined with suburban pleasures. Whether launching a boat into Casco Bay, attending services at one of Falmouth's many beautiful churches, or going for a paddle on Highland Lake, Falmouth should be on the short-list of any consideration for buying a home in Southern Maine

Falmouth's first European settler was Arthur Mackworth, who as early as 1632 lived on Mackworth Island, obtaining a grant of 500 acres (2.0 km2) from Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the Lord Proprietor of Maine. In 1658, Falmouth was recognized as the province's 7th town, which then encompassed the present day cities of Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and Cape Elizabeth. The Massachusetts General Court incorporated Falmouth on November 12, 1718. Falmouth gets its name from Falmouth, England, the site of an important Parliamentary victory in the English Civil War.

In 1765, Cape Elizabeth (then including South Portland) was set off. In 1786, Portland broke away, followed in 1814 by Westbrook, although boundaries between it and Falmouth were readjusted throughout the 19th-century. By 1859, fishing and farming were principal trades. Other industries included three shipbuilders, three brick makers, a sawmill, gristmill and tannery. In 1886, the town also produced boots, shoes, tinware and carriage stock. In 1943, Mackworth Island was donated to the state as a wildlife refuge; today it is site of the state school for the deaf and hard of hearing.

By the 1950s, Falmouth began transforming from a rural agricultural community into primarily a residential suburb of Portland. The booming economy allowed people who had previously lived in the city to buy homes in neighboring towns like Falmouth; where more open space and cheaper residential taxes were available. In the span of fifty years, the town's population has skyrocketed from under under five thousand to over ten thousand residents today.

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

Falmouth Historical Housing Statistics

Falmouth Maine is one of the top housing markets in the state, given its close proximity to Portland, waterfront property and great schools. Entry level homes can be found for around 250K. A 4 bed, 2 bath newer colonial can be found for 300K to 500K. Housing prices are close to where they were in 2003 having lost about 20% of their value in the past 3 years, but, like most greater Portland real estate markets, pricing has stabilized throughout 2009.

The Falmouth Maine housing market for residential real estate saw a total of 152 residential homes and condos sell in 2011 compared with 171 in 2010. The median sales price in 2011 was $382,000 compared with $400,000 in 2010 however despite this statistical drop the real estate market is quite stable overall.  

Prices in Falmouth are quite comparable to home prices in Cape Eilzabeth and then Yarmouth, Maine to the North.

Transaction Volume

Pricing

Falmouth Schools and Education Overview

Falmouth is home to Falmouth High School and Middle School, both noted for their strong curricular and sports programs. Falmouth Public School's first goal is, "Because our community values health, balance and belonging, we seek to establish a culture of wellness that supports the physical, social and emotional well-being of all members of our school community." However, this goal is practically the central thesis of the entire town. The Falmouth public school system is noted as one of the best in the state which appeals to those looking to relocate to Maine.

Useful School Links

• Falmouth School System
• Falmouth High School
• Falmouth Middle School
• Falmouth Elementary School

Recreation in Falmouth, ME

Throughout the downtown area specialty shops, high end boutiques, and array of fine restaurants provide places to relax and get out into the community. There are also many places to discover the natural side of the town. Falmouth townspeople thoroughly enjoy the perks of Macworth Island, one of the most beautiful public lands in town -- and in Maine. For years, it has been home to Baxter School for the Deaf which features sprawling green lawns, making a wonderful location for an afternoon picnic. Those who find a home in Falmouth Forside also will be close to the powerful Atlantic Ocean.

Nearly one mile of coastal real estate leads visitors past sandy beaches, scenic enclaves, and seaweed laden crags. The salty aroma of Casco Bay envelops the air as visitors discover the ferry village, as well as Governor Percival Baxter’s curious pet cemetery. Inland there are many other nature parks, such as the Presumpscot Sanctuary, also home to the Maine Audubon Society.

Home to the Maine State Ballet Theater and the Showcase Theater, Falmouth boasts its own thriving artistic community without even having to venture into Downtown Portland. Falmouth's schools regularly stage popular shows, and Falmouth High School regularly place highly in the competitive one-act Drama Festival. Falmouth's beauty extends past the Art. There are many places to get out into nature and get close to local wildlife.

There is also a Maine Audubon Sanctuary located in Falmouth on preservation land. Here they offer tours, programs for young children and much more.

Falmouth Neighborhoods