Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harpswell, ME
Considering a move to Harpswell, ME? This peaceful coastal town has a population of just over 5,000, offering a quiet, close-knit atmosphere. Median home prices are around $452,000 with average rents at $1,340, while cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average but offers strong value for Maine’s scenic shoreline. Residents enjoy low crime rates (just 34 violent crimes per 100k), a 28-minute average commute, and access to quality local schools and nearby Bowdoin College. Expect mild summers, snowy winters, and a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle on the beautiful Maine coast.
Demographics - Harpswell, ME
Demographics - Harpswell, ME
Harpswell is a small, predominantly White community of just over 5,000 residents, with a notably high median age of 57.8, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter pace of life. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, underscoring its traditional New England character.
Population:
5,031
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harpswell, ME?
The cost of living in Harpswell is slightly higher than the U.S. average, driven by a median home value of $452,000 and rents averaging $1,340. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, making it a desirable option for those seeking scenic Maine coastal living with reasonable everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$452,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
5.8%
|
High:
7.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.4
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
114.8
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
102.7
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is Harpswell, ME a safe place to live?
Harpswell offers a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 34 per 100,000 residents and a low chance of violent crime at 1 in 2,900. Property crime is also relatively low, helping residents feel secure in their coastal community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
34
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 130
Weather
What is the weather like in Harpswell, ME year-round?
Residents in Harpswell experience classic New England weather, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 78°F. The area enjoys about 54% sunny days annually and receives nearly 49 inches of rainfall, supporting its lush natural beauty.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Harpswell's residents enjoy a comfortable household income averaging $77,600 and a low poverty rate of 6.1%. The community is highly educated, with over 96% holding a high school diploma or higher, and maintains a low unemployment rate of 3.2%.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$77,600
Family Income:
$94,400
Per Capita Income:
$47,800
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$41,300
Poverty Rate:
6.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
45.8%
Education
How are the schools in Harpswell, ME?
Families in Harpswell benefit from a well-rated public elementary school with a low student-teacher ratio of 11.5, fostering personalized learning. Higher education options are close by, with Bowdoin College just eight miles away in Brunswick, making quality education easily accessible.
Public Schools
Name:
Harpswell Community School
Street:
308 Harpswell Islands Rd
Phone:
207-729-5177
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Bowdoin College
City:
Brunswick
State:
ME
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Harpswell is solid, with 94.2% of residents insured and local care available at Mid Coast Hospital in nearby Brunswick. The area boasts 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring quality medical services for the small population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mid Coast Hospital
Address:
123 Medical Center Dr, Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone:
(207) 373-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harpswell, ME?
The housing market in Harpswell is robust, with a median home price of $452,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 86%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, reflecting steady demand for property in this scenic coastal town.
Median Home Price:
$452,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Harpswell residents are served by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Augusta. The DMV offers convenient access to licensing, registration, and vehicle services, and further information is available on their website.
State:
Maine
Department:
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:
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.