YORK COUNTY

County Offices
149 Jordan Springs Road
Alfred 207-459-2500
http://www.yorkcountymaine.gov

Chamber of Commerce
28 Water Street
Biddeford 207-282-1567
www.bidd          efordsacochamber.org

Major Highways
Interstates 95, 295; U.S. Highway 1

 

Services
Experiencing rapid growth, York County continues to attract newcomers to picturesque small towns where residents enjoy excellent transportation services, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and a thriving economy. Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford is the county’s largest healthcare provider. Combining the most modern of technology with compassionate care, SMMC offers a comprehensive range of medical, diagnostic, and education services for inpatients and outpatient. The full-service medical center also offers diagnostic and therapy centers in Saco and Kennebunk. Those who reside in the Greater Sanford/Springvale region can depend on state-of-the-art services at Goodall Hospital.

The public school districts and private schools throughout the county carry on Maine’s enviable reputation for educational excellence. York County Technical College in Wells is one of the most progressive, innovative, and student-centered two-year colleges in New England. York County residents can access a local branch of the University of Maine System in Biddeford, which is also home to the University of New England. This small, independent institution focuses on degree programs in the health and life sciences, medicine, human services, management and education.

 

Lifestyle
York County is a naturally beautiful area that offers world-famous beaches and a wealth of outdoor adventure. Biking, hiking, boating, water sports, horseback riding, family amusements, sports centers, snowmobile trails, ice-skating, and cross-country skiing are just a few of the recreational opportunities. Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh Nature Center invites nature loves to explore Maine’s largest salt marsh by foot or canoe, alone or with a guide. This rich ecosystem supports an amazing variety of waterfowl, egrets, herons, glossy ibises, and many species of shorebirds.

In addition to the exceptional natural resources, the region benefits from strong support for the arts. Designed by noted architect John Calvin Stevens, the 1896 City Theater is one of the finest Victorian opera houses in the nation. The Saco Museum is notable as one of Maine’s oldest and houses a superb Federal period collection as well as paintings and decorative arts from the 17th to the 20th centuries. New residents can choose from well-developed communities like Biddeford-Saco, Sanford-Springdale, and Ogunquit or small scenic villages like Limerick and Cornish. Some communities like Wells have remained popular as summer vacation destinations through the decades, offering a kaleidoscope of white-sand beaches, fine restaurants, local, shopping, and wonderful wildlife preserves. From its seashore ambiance to bustling cities, York County is poised to continue its pattern of quality development.

 

Biddeford

City Hall
207-571-0700
www.biddefordmaine.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-282-1567
www.biddefordsacochamber.org

Biddeford is a reasonably large city located 15 miles south of Portland and 90 miles north of Boston along Interstate 95. With a history dating back to the 1600s, historic Biddeford has long been the industrial center of York County. Today, Biddeford is home to three modern industrial parks as well as several textile mills located along the Saco River.

Biddeford’s quaint downtown area is distinctly urban, blending the bustle of the contemporary business world with a number of historic buildings and churches. The spectacular coastline of Maine, with its pristine sandy beaches and dramatic promontories, lies just a few miles to the east. An area rich in diverse terrain, the city’s west side features gently rolling hills, verdant fields, and pastoral farms.

The convenience of daily life in the Biddeford area includes a number of outstanding amenities. Residents enjoy a modern regional hospital, nearby colleges and universities, cultural institutions, and numerous parks and recreational facilities for four-season activity. This area is home to the lovely campus for the University of New England for a true college-town atmosphere.

The housing selection in Biddeford is diverse enough to cater to a variety of lifestyles and budgets. Blending older homes with newer construction, many of the properties in this area feature frontage along the Saco River or the coast.

Rotary Park offers a 75-acre facility along the Saco River, favored with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy nature study, boating, and fishing.

 

Buxton

City Hall
207-929-5191
www.buxton.me.us

Chamber of Commerce
207-363-4422
www.gatewaytomaine.org

Those whose vision of the idyllic lifestyle is a small town set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty will want to explore Buxton. This area offers many well-kept older homes in the heart of town that mix with handsome newer construction. Other options include custom colonials on multi-acre lots that often command panoramic vistas of the Saco River.

Offering a quiet and picturesque location with an easy commute to Portland, Buxton is just minutes from the beach and less than an hour’s drive from the White Mountains. The town parks are maintained by local volunteers, and these properties are considered to be among the finest in southern Maine.

With its pleasing housing selection and premier recreational amenities that encompass mountain, ocean, and lake sports, Buxton is sure to continue a pattern of growth. Complementing the local shops, nearby Windham offers a shopping center.

 

Cornish

Municipal Offices
207-625-4324
http://cornishme.com

Chamber of Commerce
207-625-8835
www.cornish-maine.org

Located in the majestic foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Cornish boasts outstanding views of towering Mount Washington and several other nearby peaks. Nestled in the heart of the Sacopee Valley, which derives its name from the Saco and Ossipee Rivers, Cornish is graced by lush woodlands, rich wildlife, and numerous lakes and ponds. Another example of Maine’s vigorous outdoor lifestyle, Cornish is home to residents who enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing, and boating. This area is convenient to superb ocean and alpine recreation.

Just a 45-minute drive from the city of Portland, the inland community of Cornish is more secluded than the more heavily visited coastal towns. Enjoying life at a more leisurely pace, residents can spend lazy afternoons browsing the town’s unique craft and antique shops as well as picnicking in the picturesque hillside parks.

Residents celebrate a delightful apple festival each fall. They can also visit the many orchards, nurseries, and farms for farm-fresh goods.

 

Hollis

Municipal Offices
207-929-8552
www.hollismaine.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-363-4422
www.gatewaytomaine.org

Boasting a small-town atmosphere in a scenic, desirable location, Hollis offers an idyllic bedroom community within York County. Local commerce continues to grow and develop along with residential expansion, although residents enjoy expanded options for goods and services in the nearby community of Waterboro.

The housing selection ranges from handsome, well-kept older homes along tree-shaded streets to a wide range of beautiful new construction that showcases a pleasing variety of architectural styles. Recreational amenities in this region are superb, encompassing some of the finest in mountain, oceanfront, and lakefront environments for a full spectrum of outdoor adventures.

 

Kennebunk

Municipal Offices
207-985-2102
www.kennebunkmaine.us

Chamber of Commerce
207-967-0857
www.visitthekennebunks.com

A favorite vacation spot for many New England residents, Kennebunk is also a town that local residents are proud to call home. A dazzling coastal community situated along Maine’s world-famous sandy beaches and rocky coastline, Kennebunk tends to draw newcomers to the myriad of outdoor activities that are available throughout this region. The town’s three coastal beaches include Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Kennebunk Beach.

Large plots of farmland harmonize with wetlands as well as woodlands with freshwater brooks and ponds to provide picturesque landscapes at every turn. These natural assets also offer panoramic backdrops for sports and outdoor adventures around the four seasons. The attractions and the amenities that bring visitors to the Kennebunk community also entertain local residents throughout the year. Fine dining, historical sites and points of interest, water sports including sailing, and cultural events are just a few of the treasures to be explored.

Residents of Kennebunk have access to a number of outstanding recreation areas including Bridle Path—a multi-purpose trail that was formed from an old railroad bed—and 45-acre Wonderbrook Park. Lower Village Park, West Kennebunk Park, and Parsons Fields provide sports fields and courts, ice skating rinks, tennis courts, and playgrounds. A number of large parcels of land in and around Kennebunk have been preserved to protect Maine’s natural wonders including the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Kennebunk is home to the Heartwood College of Art and a boat-building school.

 

Limerick

Municipal Offices
207-793-2166
www.limerickme.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-363-4422
www.gatewaytomaine.org

Nestled in the foothills of western Maine, Limerick offers its residents  a scenic environment brimming over with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, streams, and bucolic country roads. Regionally, Limerick is best known for its friendly residents and stunning vistas. Newcomers to Limerick will first notice the historic, gracious homes that grace the countryside. Many of these fine home sites are remnants from past generations and were built high atop the region’s gently rolling hills in order to provide spectacular panoramic views.

A perfect community for those who enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, boating, and water sports, Limerick offers a wide choice of activities around the four seasons. Sokokis Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and Pickerel Pond are the most popular nearby destinations for water sports; while the Sokokis Trail offers mountain paths, fishing, and bountiful wildlife.

Ogunquit

Municipal Offices
207-646-5139
www.townofogunquit.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-646-2939
www.ogunquit.org

Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea. This picturesque coastal community is situated on one of the most spectacular combinations of sandy beach and rocky coastline in southern Maine. Home to two scenic beaches and several art galleries, the area draws visitors from all over the world and is a haven for artists and performers. A charming town that is pedestrian friendly, Ogunquit features shops, eateries, beaches, and boardwalks that are all within a short walk from the downtown area. A trolley system provides service to the town’s most popular destinations from May until mid-October.

Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove is one of the most picturesque retreats in all of Maine, known for its fine dining, distinctive shopping, and deep-sea charters. This charming cove can best be described as a turn-of-the- century fishing village that is steeped in the tradition and lore of the sea.

Saco

Municipal Offices
207-282-4191
www.sacomaine.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-282-1567
www.biddefordsacochamber.org

Saco is ideally situated along the Interstate 95 corridor, just 15 miles south of Portland and 90 miles from Boston. Settled in the 1600s, Saco embraces a long and rich history as a center of commerce and industry in York County. Today, the city remains a thriving manufacturing center with amenities that include an historical museum, city theatre, and a campus for the University of Southern Maine.

Adding charm to the community, the historic downtown district borders the scenic Saco River. Newcomers will find a rural atmosphere on one side of Saco and exclusive seaside neighborhoods on the other side. The fishing haven of Camp Ellis is situated at the mouth of the Saco River, while Ferry Beach and Kinney Shores to the north provide sandy beaches and panoramic views of Saco Bay.

Islands in the Saco River separate Saco from Biddeford. Nestled along 10 riverfront miles, these communities are among the most scenic in all of New England.

Sanford, Springvale

Municipal Offices
207-324-9173
www.sanfordmaine.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-324-4280
www.sanfordchamber.org

The town of Sanford is comprised of two villages, Sanford proper and the village of Springvale. One of the largest towns in York County, Sanford serves as a commercial, healthcare, and cultural center for a number of smaller towns and communities in the area. Sanford claims historic roots as a mill town. Today, it enjoys the economic advantages of a growing industrial base and the convenience of retail shops and services. The White Mountains are easily accessible for premier recreational activities.

Wells

Municipal Offices
207-646-5113
www.wellstown.org

Chamber of Commerce
207-646-2451
www.wellschamber.org

Well-known as a picturesque New England town with beautiful beaches, Wells has been a popular summer destination for decades. Residents enjoy a number of wonderful seafood restaurants, shopping opportunities, and scenic wildlife preserves that are available year-round. Wells also claims several miles of pristine oceanfront. While some of the shore is made up of panoramic rocky coast and tidal pools, much of it provides a long expanse of wide flat beach and very fine, white sand.

Complementing the miles of scenic beaches, a 70-acre parcel of land located on Route 9A provides four-season opportunities for sports and recreation. This facility offers tennis courts and basketball courts, picnic areas, a baseball diamond, youth-sized fields for baseball and softball, a horseshoe area, and a playground.

Outdoor adventure is also available along the Rachel Carson Nature Trails at the famous Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm, featuring miles of paths and trails for hiking, biking, and strolling or jogging.

The town of Wells is divided into several different sections. The most southern coastal section of Wells is known as Moody Beach. Adjacent to that is the section known as Wells Beach, and the most northerly beach is at Drakes Island. To the west are High Pine, Wells Branch, and the Merriland Ridge areas.