Maine / County

Moving to Southwest Harbor, ME

Thinking of making a move to Southwest Harbor, ME? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Southwest Harbor before you move.

Moving Help for Your Southwest Harbor, ME Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Southwest Harbor move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwest Harbor, ME

Considering a move to Southwest Harbor, ME? This welcoming community of 1,756 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $358,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Southwest Harbor's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Southwest Harbor, ME

Southwest Harbor has a population of 1,756 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 53 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 97% White, 1% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,756
Density
179 per sq mi
Median Age
53.2
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
96.8%
Black
0.6%
Asian
0.4%
Others
2.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Southwest Harbor, ME?

The cost of living in Southwest Harbor is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.0. Median home values are around $358,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$358,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$130
Auto Insurance
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$510
State Taxes
Low: 5.8%| High: 7.15%
Cost Of Living Index
112.0
Grocery
105.7
Housing
122.3
Utilities
110.2
Transportation
109.8
Health Care
107.1
Miscellaneous
104.6

Crime

Is Southwest Harbor, ME a safe place to live?

Southwest Harbor is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 38 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 132. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Maine.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
38
Property Crimes Per 100k
758
Crime Index
796
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 2,600
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 132

Weather

What is the weather like in Southwest Harbor, ME year-round?

Southwest Harbor experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 75°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
12°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
75°F

Spring

Min
32°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
36°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,200 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,800
Household Income
$61,200
Family Income
$71,900
Per Capita Income
$33,200
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
2.5%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
0.4%
Commute Time
15.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.1%
Bachelors or More
39.4%

Education

How are the schools in Southwest Harbor, ME?

Southwest Harbor offers quality education options, with public schools like Pemetic Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of the Atlantic. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Pemetic Elementary School
Street
207 Main Street
Phone
207-244-5502
Students
128
Student Teacher Ratio
9.3

Colleges

Name
College of the Atlantic
City
Bar Harbor
State
ME
Distance
12 miles
Students
360

Healthcare

Southwest Harbor residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mount Desert Island Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mount Desert Island Hospital
Address
10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone
(207) 288-5081
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.2%
Health Care Index
71.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Southwest Harbor, ME?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $358,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 7.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.3%. Southwest Harbor offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$358,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.8%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Southwest Harbor handle vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Augusta. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Maine
Department
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone
207-624-9000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Southwest Harbor, ME

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Southwest Harbor, review the core fields on this page: population 1,756, median home value $358,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 15.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

Ready to Move to Southwest Harbor, ME?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes