Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cape Elizabeth, ME
Considering moving to Cape Elizabeth, ME? This charming coastal town of 9,535 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle with top-rated schools, very low crime (just 35 violent crimes per 100K), and quick 19-minute average commutes. Expect a higher cost of living, with median home prices at $725,000 and rents around $2,050, but enjoy plentiful outdoor recreation, 54% sunny days, and excellent access to healthcare in nearby Portland. Cape Elizabeth is perfect for those seeking a safe, highly educated, and scenic Maine community.
Demographics - Cape Elizabeth, ME
Demographics - Cape Elizabeth, ME
Cape Elizabeth is home to about 9,500 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of nearly 50, reflecting a mature, family-friendly community. The area is characterized by moderate population density and a slightly higher number of females to males. A small percentage of non-English speakers adds some diversity to this close-knit coastal town.
Population:
9,535
Density:
662 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
1.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Living in Cape Elizabeth comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, driven by a median home value of $725,000 and typical rents around $2,050 per month. Residents should also expect above-average prices for groceries and housing, though utility and healthcare expenses remain relatively moderate. State tax rates and local expenses reflect the area's desirable location and high quality of life.
Median House Value:
$725,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
118.0
Housing:
165.0
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Cape Elizabeth, ME a safe place to live?
Cape Elizabeth boasts an exceptionally low crime rate, with only 35 violent crimes and 420 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of Maine's safest communities. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are extremely rare, at about 1 in 2,857. Residents can enjoy peace of mind and a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
35
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
455
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,857
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 238
Weather
What is the weather like in Cape Elizabeth, ME year-round?
The town experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging 16°F to 33°F and pleasant summers ranging from 58°F to 78°F. Cape Elizabeth sees about 54% sunny days and nearly 48 inches of annual rainfall, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenic coastline. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Cape Elizabeth residents benefit from high household incomes, with a median household income of $129,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.4%. Nearly all adults have completed high school, and over 70% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging just 19 minutes, contributing to a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$63,500
Household Income:
$129,000
Family Income:
$158,000
Per Capita Income:
$71,500
Income Male:
$80,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
3.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
99.1%
Bachelors or More:
71.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Families in Cape Elizabeth have access to top-rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios, as well as private education options nearby. The community is also close to several respected colleges, including the University of Southern Maine just seven miles away. Educational attainment is high, making the area particularly attractive to families seeking strong academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Cape Elizabeth High School
Street:
345 Ocean House Rd
Phone:
207-799-3309
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Street:
14 Scott Dyer Rd
Phone:
207-799-8176
Students:
535
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Name:
Pond Cove Elementary School
Street:
12 Scott Dyer Rd
Phone:
207-799-7339
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Private Schools
Name:
Waynflete School
Street:
360 Spring St, Portland, ME
Phone:
207-774-5721
Students:
585
Colleges
Name:
University of Southern Maine
City:
Portland
State:
ME
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Bowdoin College
City:
Brunswick
State:
ME
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent, with major hospitals like Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital located in nearby Portland. The town has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 97%, and a strong physician-to-population ratio ensures quality medical care. Residents benefit from comprehensive services and emergency care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maine Medical Center
Address:
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone:
(207) 662-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital
Address:
144 State St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone:
(207) 879-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Cape Elizabeth features a robust housing market, with a median home price of $725,000 and 87% of residents owning their homes. The area enjoys a healthy appreciation rate of 5.2% and a low foreclosure rate, making it attractive for both buyers and long-term residents. Rental options are available but limited, with reasonable vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$725,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Cape Elizabeth residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Augusta. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and other transportation needs, with resources available both in-person and online. The DMV provides convenient and accessible support for local drivers.
State:
Maine
Department:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:
1-207-624-9000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.