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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwest Harbor, ME

Considering a move to Southwest Harbor, ME? This welcoming community of 1,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $575,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% 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 1,900 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 96% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,900
Density
470 per sq mi
Median Age
52.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
95.8%
Black
0.6%
Asian
1.1%
Others
2.5%

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 123.8. Median home values are around $575,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$575,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$920
State Taxes
Low: 5.8%| High: 7.15%
Cost Of Living Index
123.8
Grocery
116.4
Housing
149.2
Utilities
129.5
Transportation
112.0
Health Care
108.7
Miscellaneous
107.9

Crime

Is Southwest Harbor, ME a safe place to live?

Southwest Harbor is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 120 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 122. 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
120
Property Crimes Per 100k
820
Crime Index
940
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 122

Weather

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

Southwest Harbor experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
15°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
34°F
Max
56°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$74,500
Family Income
$88,000
Per Capita Income
$35,200
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
7.1%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.2%
Commute Time
18.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.4%
Bachelors or More
28.6%

Education

How are the schools in Southwest Harbor, ME?

Southwest Harbor offers quality education options, with public schools like Maine Coast School and Mount Desert Island High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of the Atlantic and University of Maine at Augusta - Ellsworth Center. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Maine Coast School
Street
320 Main St
Phone
207-288-5044
Students
140
Student Teacher Ratio
9.8
Name
Mount Desert Island High School
Street
1081 Oak Hill Rd
Phone
207-288-5011
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
11.6

Private Schools

Name
Holy Redeemer School
Street
6 Mount Desert St
Phone
207-288-3676
Students
85

Colleges

Name
College of the Atlantic
City
Bar Harbor
State
ME
Distance
9 miles
Students
380
Name
University of Maine at Augusta - Ellsworth Center
City
Ellsworth
State
ME
Distance
24 miles
Students
600

Healthcare

Southwest Harbor residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mount Desert Island Hospital and Waldo County General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mount Desert Island Hospital
Address
10A Healthcare Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone
(207) 288-5081
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Waldo County General Hospital
Address
118 Northport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915
Phone
(207) 338-2500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $575,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.9%. Southwest Harbor offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
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
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
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 1,900, median home value $575,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 18.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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