This Scarborough, Maine community guide is your definitive resource for understanding one of the most dynamic and most sought-after communities in Southern Maine. Scarborough has earned its reputation as the fastest-growing town in the Greater Portland region — not because it chases growth, but because it has the particular combination of natural setting, school quality, and proximity to Portland that buyers searching for the Maine coastal lifestyle consistently discover is hard to replicate anywhere else on the coast.
The Scoville Foley Team has served Scarborough buyers and sellers from their office at 108 Mussey Road — inside the community they represent — since the beginning. This community guide reflects the depth of local knowledge they bring to every conversation about life and real estate in Scarborough, Maine.
Scarborough is one of the fastest-growing communities in Maine and in the Greater Portland region — but it feels a thousand miles away from city life. Long sandy beaches, acres of pristine marshland, and a genuine coastal New England character define daily life here.
Scarborough occupies a stretch of Southern Maine coastline between Portland and Old Orchard Beach, covering approximately 50 square miles of remarkably diverse landscape: Atlantic Ocean beachfront at Scarborough Beach State Park and Pine Point, the largest salt marsh in Maine at Scarborough Marsh, the commercial and residential corridors along Route 1, and established residential neighborhoods that have absorbed significant growth while maintaining the town's authentic character. With a population of 22,527 and a median age of 48.1, Scarborough is a community of established families, professionals who commute to Portland and beyond, and retirees who have chosen Southern Maine's coast as the setting for their next chapter.
What makes Scarborough so consistently desirable is the combination that buyers from away consistently describe as almost improbably complete: genuine Maine beachfront — not a summer tourist beach but a working coastal landscape with tidal marshes, breeding bird sanctuaries, and Atlantic surf — within ten miles of Portland's world-class food, arts, and economic infrastructure. The Maine Turnpike's I-95 corridor runs through the town, making Portland (12 miles) and Boston (115 miles) both accessible for the professional and lifestyle needs of a community that has attracted a highly educated, high-income resident base from across New England and beyond.
For real estate buyers, Scarborough represents one of Southern Maine's most compelling market propositions: a premium coastal address with an exceptional school district, substantial open space preservation, and direct highway access, at price points that — while reflecting the market's sustained demand — remain meaningfully more accessible than comparable coastal communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
The Scarborough real estate market is one of Southern Maine's most active and most consistently appreciating — driven by the town's exceptional natural setting, its school district, its Portland proximity, and a buyer pool that has expanded significantly as remote work has made Southern Maine accessible to professionals from Boston, New York, and beyond who can now choose where they live without sacrificing career access.
Oceanfront and beachfront estates — Scarborough's most coveted properties along Pine Point Road, Seavey Landing Road, and the Atlantic Drive corridor; current listings include a 4-bed oceanfront home at $2.495M and a 1-bed direct-access unit at $2.295M; limited inventory with sustained national buyer interest
Single-family homes — the dominant product type across Scarborough's established and newer residential neighborhoods; ranging from well-maintained original homes in established areas to new construction on the town's remaining buildable lots; priced from approximately $650,000 to $4M+ for the most significant estate properties
Condominiums — a growing segment in Scarborough's commercial corridor and in the Pine Point and Black Point areas; serving buyers who want the Scarborough address with reduced maintenance; priced from approximately $400,000 to $1.5M+
Townhomes — an increasingly popular product type that balances multi-floor Maine residential character with lower maintenance than a full single-family home; typically $500,000–$900,000
Land and new construction — Scarborough's continued growth has sustained a meaningful land market for buyers who want to build their Maine home to their own specifications; the Scoville Foley Team's development expertise is a meaningful resource for buyers in this segment
Maine has no inheritance tax or estate tax for estates under the state threshold, and Scarborough's property tax rate reflects the town's strong fiscal management and growing commercial tax base — the Scarborough Downs redevelopment and the Route 1 commercial corridor have expanded the commercial property tax base meaningfully over the past decade, providing residential property owners with favorable rate dynamics relative to many comparable Maine coastal towns. For buyers relocating from Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New York, Maine's overall tax environment is generally more favorable for mid-to-high-income households.
Browse current Scarborough, ME listings: Scarborough homes for sale
• Scarborough single-family homes
• Scarborough condos for sale
• Scarborough townhomes for sale
Scarborough Beach State Park — one of Maine's finest public ocean beaches; a wide crescent of Atlantic sand backed by dunes and a protected freshwater marsh; surfing, swimming, and the particular Maine beach experience of cold water and genuine coastal wildness
Scarborough Marsh — Maine's largest salt marsh, covering nearly 3,000 acres of tidal wetlands that provide extraordinary birding, kayaking, and the visual drama of a coastal landscape that has been protected precisely because of its ecological significance
Scarborough School District — rated among Maine's top school systems, consistently earning the state's highest designation for academic performance; Scarborough High School, the Middle School, and the elementary schools form a complete K-12 pathway of genuine quality that is a primary driver of family buyer demand
Portland is 12 miles north — one of the most celebrated small cities in America; James Beard Award-winning restaurants, an internationally recognized arts scene, a walkable Old Port district, and economic infrastructure that makes Scarborough a viable commute without sacrificing the coastal lifestyle
The Maine Turnpike / I-95 — direct access from Scarborough to Portland (12 miles), Portsmouth (55 miles), and Boston (115 miles); one of the most strategically positioned towns in Southern Maine for buyers who need regional connectivity
Pine Point — Scarborough's charming lobster village on the Saco Bay estuary; working fishing boats, seasonal seafood restaurants, and the authentic Maine waterfront character that draws buyers from across New England
Scarborough Downs redevelopment — a transformative 500-acre mixed-use development on the former harness racing track; bringing residential, commercial, retail, and amenity infrastructure that will further diversify the community without compromising its character
Prout's Neck — the exclusive peninsula community at Scarborough's southern tip; Winslow Homer's former studio (now a Smithsonian Affiliate museum), private rocky shoreline, and some of the most significant estate properties in Southern Maine
The fastest-growing community in the Greater Portland region — a reflection of Scarborough's desirability and the quality of what it offers; sustained by thoughtful planning that has protected open space while accommodating growth
Life in Scarborough moves at the pace that Maine's coast sets — deliberate, outdoor-oriented, and governed by the seasons in a way that residents describe not as a limitation but as a genuine pleasure once you learn its rhythms. The summer months bring Scarborough to its fullest coastal expression: Scarborough Beach crowded with families and surfers, the kayak launches at Scarborough Marsh busy with birders and paddlers, Pine Point's lobster shacks doing peak business, and the kind of spontaneous outdoor social life that a genuinely beautiful coastal community generates when the weather finally cooperates.
The shoulder seasons — spring and fall — are when Scarborough's permanent residents reclaim their community. The marsh in October, when the cordgrass turns gold and the shorebird migration fills the sky with movement. The beach in April, empty and wild and as genuinely Maine as any place in the state. The winter, which brings the town to its quieter self — a community of people who chose Scarborough not just for summer but for the full year's experience of living on the Maine coast.
The demographic profile of Scarborough — median age 48.1, average household size 2.34 — reflects a community of established families and empty nesters who have built their lives here over decades. The town's civic engagement is exceptionally high: the school board meetings are well-attended, the conservation commission actively manages the open space network, and the planning board has consistently made decisions that protect Scarborough's character while accommodating its growth. For buyers relocating from larger, more anonymous communities, the sense that individual residents can meaningfully shape their community is one of Scarborough's most valued and least expected qualities.
Scarborough's dining scene is anchored by its genuinely coastal character — fresh lobster, clams, and the full Maine seafood canon available from working lobster shacks and seasonal restaurants at Pine Point that have served local fishermen and their families for generations. The Route 1 commercial corridor offers a growing collection of independent restaurants, craft breweries, and specialty food establishments that reflect the town's increasingly sophisticated resident base. And for everything else — the James Beard-recognized restaurants, the acclaimed wine bars, the full spectrum of international cuisine — Portland's 12-mile proximity makes the city's extraordinary food scene effectively a Scarborough amenity.
Scarborough's Maine Mall and the surrounding South Portland retail corridor — accessible within 10-15 minutes — provide comprehensive suburban retail for everyday needs. The Route 1 corridor through Scarborough itself supports an evolving mix of local and regional businesses. And Portland's Old Port and arts district offer the boutique retail, gallery shopping, and specialty experience that supplement the town's own commercial infrastructure for residents who appreciate that kind of access.
Scarborough is home to the Prout's Neck studio of Winslow Homer — one of America's greatest painters — now operated as a Smithsonian Affiliate museum offering tours of the National Historic Landmark where Homer produced his most celebrated marine paintings. The Scarborough Public Library and the Scarborough Historical Society maintain the town's cultural and historical programming. And Portland — the most vibrant arts city in New England outside of Boston — is 12 miles north, providing the full range of performing arts, visual arts, live music, and the kind of cultural calendar that draws people from across the region.
Scarborough Beach State Park — Maine's most popular ocean beach; swimming, surfing, and the full Atlantic coast experience at a beach that balances public access with environmental protection
Scarborough Marsh — Maine's largest salt marsh; kayaking, birding, and nature observation in a federally protected wetland ecosystem that is among the most significant on the New England coast; the Maine Audubon Society operates the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center seasonally
Pine Point Beach — a quieter, more local alternative to Scarborough Beach; the Pine Point peninsula's sand spit and estuary create a distinctive tidal environment for swimming and paddling
Prout's Neck Bird Sanctuary — a network of private walking trails through the Prout's Neck peninsula's rocky shoreline and coastal forest; one of New England's premier birding destinations during migration
Ferry Beach State Park — in neighboring Saco but easily accessible from Scarborough; a freshwater swimming area in a pine forest setting with trails and picnic facilities
Eastern Trail — a multi-use trail corridor connecting Scarborough to Kittery (and eventually to South Portland to the north); cycling, running, and walking through Southern Maine's interior landscape
Saco Bay kayaking and paddling — the protected waters of Saco Bay provide excellent sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding from multiple Scarborough launch points; the marsh's tidal creeks extend the paddling network considerably
For families evaluating Scarborough real estate, the school district is consistently the single most compelling factor — and with good reason. The Scarborough School District is rated among the top school systems in Maine, earning the state's highest performance designations and producing academic outcomes that reflect the community's investment in public education.
Scarborough High School — the district's flagship; consistently rated among Maine's top public high schools with strong Advanced Placement participation, competitive athletics, and college placement outcomes that reflect genuine academic ambition; the school's arts and performing arts programs are particularly well-regarded
Scarborough Middle School — serving grades 6-8 with a strong academic program, extensive extracurricular offerings, and the active parent community that defines Scarborough's educational culture
Three elementary schools — Bessey, Wentworth, and Blue Point — providing K-5 education across Scarborough's distinct residential areas with consistently strong teacher quality and community engagement
Families who prefer independent education have access to several well-regarded private school options within the Greater Portland area: Waynflete School in Portland (one of Maine's most respected independent schools, serving PK-12), Cheverus High School in Portland (a Jesuit college preparatory school), and several additional faith-based and alternative independent schools serving the Southern Maine region. The Scoville Foley Team can provide school zone information for any specific Scarborough address and connect families with district resources as part of the home-buying process.
Portland city center: approximately 12 miles north (15-20 minutes via Route 1 or I-95)
Portland Jetport (PWM): approximately 10 miles north (12-18 minutes)
Old Orchard Beach: approximately 8 miles south (12-18 minutes via Route 1)
Kennebunkport: approximately 20 miles south (25-30 minutes via I-95)
Portsmouth, NH: approximately 55 miles south (55-70 minutes via I-95)
Boston: approximately 115 miles south (1.75-2.5 hours via I-95 depending on traffic)
Augusta (Maine state capital): approximately 60 miles north (65-80 minutes via I-95)
Bangor: approximately 135 miles north (2-2.5 hours via I-95)
Scarborough's 12-mile relationship with Portland is one of its most strategically valuable attributes. The Maine Turnpike's Exit 42 (Western Avenue) and Exit 44 (Payne Road/Saco) give Scarborough residents two convenient on-ramps to I-95, making the Portland commute consistently achievable in 15-20 minutes during most of the business day. The Maine Turnpike Authority's express lanes and the Route 1 surface alternative provide flexibility when highway traffic is heavy. For buyers whose employers are in Portland's thriving healthcare, technology, professional services, and hospitality sectors, Scarborough delivers the coastal Maine lifestyle without a commute that feels punishing.
The Scoville Foley Team serves buyers and sellers across Southern Maine's most desirable communities:
• Kennebunk — the Kennebunks' historic Maine village character and Kennebunk Beach
• Yarmouth — a beloved Greater Portland community on the Royal River
• Windham — suburban Lakes Region character with Sebago Lake access
• Wells — Southern Maine coastline and the Wells Reserve
Scarborough is consistently considered one of the best communities in Maine and in the Greater Portland region. Its combination of Atlantic Ocean beaches, Maine's largest salt marsh, a top-rated school district, excellent Portland proximity, and Interstate access creates a lifestyle and quality-of-life profile that is genuinely rare on the New England coast. The town's sustained growth reflects the strength of its appeal, and the community's active planning and conservation programs have protected the natural and residential character that makes it so desirable.
Scarborough real estate spans a meaningful range. Single-family homes start around $650,000 for well-positioned properties and extend to $4M+ for the most significant estate homes. Oceanfront and beachfront properties — along Pine Point Road, Seavey Landing Road, and the Atlantic Drive corridor — are currently listed from approximately $2.3M to $3.95M. Condominiums start around $400,000 and reach $1.5M+ for premium units. The Scoville Foley Team provides detailed current market analysis for any specific property type or area within Scarborough.
The Scarborough School District is rated among Maine's top school systems, consistently earning the state's highest academic performance designations. Scarborough High School is widely regarded as one of Maine's premier public high schools, with strong AP participation, competitive athletics, and college placement outcomes that reflect genuine academic investment. The Middle School and three elementary campuses (Bessey, Wentworth, and Blue Point) maintain the same standard of quality throughout the K-12 pathway.
Scarborough is approximately 12 miles south of Portland's city center — typically a 15-20 minute drive via Route 1 or I-95 under normal traffic conditions. The Maine Turnpike provides direct highway access with two Scarborough exits. Portland's Old Port, medical district, arts venues, and employment centers are all comfortably accessible for Scarborough residents as a daily commute or regular evening destination.
Scarborough has several distinct beach and coastal access areas. Scarborough Beach State Park is the most expansive — Maine's most popular ocean beach, with a wide Atlantic sand beach, surfing, swimming, and the protected freshwater marsh behind the dunes. Pine Point Beach provides a quieter, more local alternative on the Saco Bay estuary. The Prout's Neck peninsula offers rocky shoreline walking through the Prout's Neck Bird Sanctuary. Together, these coastal assets give Scarborough one of the most varied and complete coastal recreation offerings of any town in Southern Maine.
The Scoville Foley Team operates from 108 Mussey Road in Scarborough — inside the community they represent — with deep expertise in the full range of Scarborough property types, from oceanfront estates to single-family neighborhoods, condominiums, townhomes, and land. Their development experience adds a dimension that most residential teams cannot offer: for buyers who want to build in Scarborough, the team's knowledge of the town's development landscape is a genuine advantage. Contact the Scoville Foley Team at (207) 885-0500 to discuss your Scarborough real estate goals.
This Scarborough community guide is brought to you by The Scoville Foley Team — local real estate specialists operating from 108 Mussey Road in Scarborough since the beginning. Whether you are buying your first Scarborough home, searching for an oceanfront estate, evaluating a move from away, building on Scarborough land, or ready to sell a property you have loved for years — the Scoville Foley Team brings the market expertise, the development knowledge, and the genuine community roots that Scarborough real estate deserves.
Buying or selling? Let's make it happen. Contact us today to start your Scarborough real estate journey with confidence.
22,527 people live in Scarborough, where the median age is 48.1 and the average individual income is $68,604. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Scarborough, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Shipwreck Foods, Align Maine, and Jacked and Jilled.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Dining | 4.78 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.97 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.93 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.18 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.23 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.66 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Scarborough has 9,427 households, with an average household size of 2.34. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Scarborough do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 22,527 people call Scarborough home. The population density is 472.86 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Buying or selling? Let's make it happen! Contact us today to start your real estate journey with confidence.
