Picture this: After spending the day taking the ferry around Casco Bay and exploring Great Diamond Island, your grandkids scarfed down dinner at your big kitchen table and are happily chattering away. While their parents relax around the fireplace, you take the kids to the backyard and light the bonfire table you'd picked up from the L.L. Bean flagship store last spring. It's time for s'mores and stargazing — and it can all be your treat in one of these homes in Portland, Maine.
"Every season brings a new reason to love New England," we've said about why people choose to retire to the region, despite the possible higher costs of living. Kiplinger has picked Portland as one of the best places to retire in New England, thanks to both its lively downtown and attractions like museum and dining, as well as the natural beauty that abounds and the activities that presents retirees looking to make the most of their new free time.
With that in mind, I sourced three homes from top real estate companies at different price points in Portland, Maine. See where you could live.
This is part of Kiplinger's new series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.
1. Under $500k: Downsize with a spacious backyard
Westbrook is just outside Portland, and this home offers a neighborhood feel along with updated amenities. Ideal for a retiree looking to downsize and simplify your life.
Address: 56 Berkeley Street, Westbrook, Maine (listed by Coldwell Banker Realty)
Price: $399,900 | Specs: 2 beds / 1 bath; 1,176 sq. ft.
Highlights:
- 20-minute drive to East End Beach in Portland
- Fenced-in backyard with deck and fire pit
- 1-car garage
- Heat pumps and new appliances
- Updated mudroom
- Fireplace and smart built-in features
2. Around $1M: Island living on 2 acres
A spacious 2-acre lot on Long Island in Casco Bay offers possibilities in addition to the charming home built in 2000.
Address: 175 Island Avenue, Long Island, Maine (listed by Coldwell Banker Realty)
Price: $1,100,000 | Specs: 3 beds / 1.5 bath; 2,200 sq. ft.
Highlights:
- Just across from the shoreline with views of Casco Bay and a large porch to look from
- Mooring rights in the bay, for boaters
- Fabulous kitchen with gas range on an island
- Elaborate tub set-up in bathroom
- Cathedral ceiling and skylights
- Gas fireplace in the living room
3. Over $1M: A-frame-style chalet with lake views
Standish is about 20 miles outside of Portland and home to some fabulous nature, including the Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area and Sebago Lake. This home sits by Watchic Lake as an accessible retreat.
Address: 31 Dorothy Drive, Standish, Maine (listed by Coldwell Banker Realty)
Price: $1,199,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 4.5 baths; 4,309 sq. ft.
Highlights:
- Double A-frame style home with tons of windows and porch space
- The climate controlled two-car garage has a one-bedroom apartment above it and is connected to the rest of the home by a windowed walkway. This creates privacy for any visiting family or if you want to convert an area into a studio or workspace. It could also be an income-generating opportunity if you were to rent it out
- Double oven and updated amenities in kitchen
- Hand-painted double sinks in primary bathroom along with walk-in closet
- Finished basement with recreation space and access to backyard
- Boat launch access on Watchic Lake, which is private
