12 Popular Coastal Maine Towns to Live in 2023

With over 3,500 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder Maine is known for its stunning beaches, coves, and bays. Sparkling seas, white sands, kayaking and boating, fishing and whale watching, these idyllic coastal Maine towns are top-tier. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Maine or one of the many Mainers looking for a beachside property, you have lots of towns to choose from.

But if you’re not sure what beach towns in Maine to check out, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right coastal area, Redfin has put together a list of 12 coastal Maine towns from Bar Harbor to Portland. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Bar Harbor

Median home price: $1,300,000 
Bar Harbor, ME homes for sale
Bar Harbor, ME apartments for rent

To begin our list is Bar Harbor, located on Mt. Desert Island. There are plenty of beaches to explore living in Bar Harbor such as Bar Beach, Boulder Beach, and Sand Beach. Living in this town of 5,500 people, you can explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia, hike Cadillac North Ridge, and explore downtown Bar Harbor.

#2: Belfast

Median home price: $246,000 
Belfast, ME homes for sale
Belfast, ME apartments for rent

Another one of Maine’s great beach towns to consider buying a home in is Belfast, home to 7,000 people. You’ll find lots of beachfront parks, oceanfront lookouts, and picturesque views of the water throughout town. You can also hike the Belfast Rail Trail and explore the local spots in downtown Belfast.

#3: Camden

Median home price: $473,000 
Camden, ME homes for sale
Camden, ME apartments for rent

Next up is Camden. Even with 4,900 residents, there are many beaches to explore on a sunny Maine day like Barrett’s Cove and Laite Memorial Beach. If you find yourself moving to Camden, explore Bald Mountain Preserve, hike the Mt. Battie Trail up to the historic Mt. Battie Tower, and have a meal along the waterfront. 

#4: Cape Elizabeth

Median home price: $885,000 
Cape Elizabeth, ME homes for sale
Cape Elizabeth, ME apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Cliff House Beach and Crescent Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in Cape Elizabeth. About 9,300 people live in Cape Elizabeth, where you can also explore the landmarks at Fort Williams Park, check out the many lighthouses, and stroll through the quaint streets.

#5: Castine

Median home price: $535,000 
Castine, ME homes for sale
Castine, ME apartments for rent

The picturesque beach town of Castine has about 810 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find a few beautiful beaches such as Wadsworth Cove Beach. In Castine, you can check out some of the museums and quaint downtown.

#6: Kennebunkport

Median home price: $1,100,000 
Kennebunkport, ME homes for sale
Kennebunkport, ME apartments for rent

With roughly 3,600 people calling Kennebunkport home, it’s a great beach town to consider renting or buying a home in. Some beaches you can visit are Cape Porpoise, Colony Beach, and Goose Rocks Beach. Whether you hike along the Edwin L. Smith Preserve, have a meal at a waterfront spot, or visit Cape Porpoise Stage Island State Park, there’s many activities to do and see in this coastal Maine town. 

#7: Ogunquit

Ogunquit, ME homes for sale
Ogunquit, ME apartments for rent

With a population of about 930, Ogunquit is an awesome coastal area to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore, like Footbridge Beach and Little Beach Ogunquit Beach. If you find yourself moving to this quiet coastal Maine town make sure to visit one of the museums like the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, check out one of the quaint cafes, and stop by the Lobster Point Lighthouse.

#8: Old Orchard Beach

Median home price: $525,000 
Old Orchard Beach, ME homes for sale
Old Orchard Beach, ME apartments for rent

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Old Orchard Beach such as Old Orchard Beach and Surfside Beach, perfect for a picnic. Make sure to explore the waterfront shops and Old Orchard Pier, spend the day at Palace Playland, and go camping once living in Old Orchard Beach. 

#9: Portland

Median home price: $570,000 
Portland, ME homes for sale
Portland, ME apartments for rent

Just about 68,300 people live in Portland where you’ll find beaches like East End Beach. Other attractions in Portland include checking out the historic sites and museums like the Victoria Mansion and the Portland Museum of Art, strolling along Back Cove, and visiting Presumpscot River Preserve.

#10: Rockport

Rockport, ME homes for sale
Rockport, ME apartments for rent

This seaside town has a population of 3,400 and there are lots of beaches to spend the day at. In Rockport, you can visit Back Beach Landing, Cape Hedge Beach, Front Beach, Long Beach, and Old Garden Beach. You’ll also have plenty of activities to explore during your free time, like exploring Beech Hill Preserve, hiking along Aldermere Farm Trail, and stopping by the Andre the Seal Statue.

#11: Wells

Wells, ME homes for sale
Wells, ME apartments for rent

In Wells there are plenty of beach spots you’ll want to spend time at if you decide to move to this cozy oceanfront town. Some of these beaches include Crescent Beach, Drakes Island Beach, Moody Beach, and Wells Beach. Wells is home to 9,600 people and you’ll find lots of other activities like checking out Wells Harbor Park, exploring the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and having a meal at a local restaurant.

#12: York

York, ME homes for sale
York, ME apartments for rent

York has plenty of beaches to choose from, perfect for a beachside picnic. Some famous spots are Cape Neddick Beach, Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, and York Harbor Beach. Looking for something to do in town? Make sure to explore the Highland Farm Preserve, check out the views at Nubble Lighthouse, and camp by the beach. 

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Maine. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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