Community Information
Cape Elizabeth, Maine Real Estate
Cape Elizabeth, Maine offers a distinctive coastal lifestyle just minutes from downtown Portland, known for its scenic shoreline, iconic lighthouses, and quiet residential neighborhoods. One of Southern Maine's most desirable communities, Cape Elizabeth consistently attracts buyers seeking a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and easy access to the city, all within a welcoming and small town setting.
From waterfront estates and shingled oceanfront cottages to classic New England colonials and contemporary homes with sweeping Casco Bay views, Cape Elizabeth real estate offers a diverse range of properties at a variety of price points.
The market here is competitive, driven by limited inventory and strong, sustained demand from both local buyers and those relocating to Southern Maine from out of state.
Living in Cape Elizabeth
Residents enjoy access to some of Maine's most iconic landscapes, including Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
There are miles of scenic trails, sandy beaches, and open space at Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park. Whether you spend your weekends hiking the rocky coastline, kayaking Casco Bay, or simply watching the waves from your backyard, Cape Elizabeth delivers an outdoor lifestyle that is hard to match anywhere in New England.
The community is further defined by its top-ranked public schools through the Cape Elizabeth School Department, highly engaged residents, and a strong sense of place that keeps homeowners here for decades.
With a population of approximately 9,500 and a tight-knit neighborhood feel, Cape Elizabeth strikes an ideal balance between peaceful coastal living and the convenience of Greater Portland where world-class restaurants, arts, healthcare, and the Portland International Jetport are all within a short drive.
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Cape Elizabeth is a coastal community of approximately 9,500 residents, known for its highly educated population and strong household incomes.
The median household income is around $145,000, with many residents employed in professional and executive roles. The median age is approximately 47-49, with a balanced mix of families and established homeowners.
Homeownership is high, and the average household size is about 2.5 people, contributing to the town’s quiet, residential character. With over 70% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, Cape Elizabeth is widely recognized for its strong schools and engaged community.
At a Glance:
Population: ~9,500
Median Household Income: ~$145,000
Median Age: ~47–49
Education: 70%+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higherSource: U.S. Census Bureau; Census Reporter; World Population Review
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Cape Elizabeth offers a quintessential Maine coastal experience, defined by its iconic lighthouses, dramatic shoreline, and peaceful natural landscapes.
At the heart of the community is Fort Williams Park, home to the famous Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Residents and visitors enjoy miles of walking paths, oceanfront picnic areas, and sweeping views of Casco Bay.
Nearby, Two Lights State Park offers rugged coastal scenery and quiet trails, while Crescent Beach State Park provides sandy beaches, dunes, and a more traditional seaside setting for swimming and relaxation.
Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area for walking, biking, and simply taking in the natural beauty that defines this coastal town.
Some of my favorite local places include;
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. A true Maine experience, known for its lobster rolls, fresh seafood, and sweeping views of the rocky coastline.
Bite Into Maine. A popular stop at Fort Williams Park, offering award-winning lobster rolls with a variety of flavors.
Inn by the Sea. A luxury oceanfront inn offering refined dining at Sea Glass Restaurant, with seasonal menus and beautiful views just steps from Crescent Beach.
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Cape Elizabeth is widely recognized for having one of the highest ranked public school systems in Maine, making it a strong draw for families.
The Cape Elizabeth School Department serves students from kindergarten through grade 12 and is known for its high academic standards, strong community support, and balanced programs.
Schools in the district include Pond Cove Elementary School, Cape Elizabeth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth High School, which consistently earns top rankings for academic performance, college readiness, and extracurricular opportunities.
Students benefit from a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and arts programs, all supported by modern facilities and a collaborative learning environment.
The district’s commitment to excellence and small town community feel make Cape Elizabeth an exceptional place for education.
Cape Elizabeth Real Estate Market Snapshot.
Cape Elizabeth Real Estate Market Snapshot. Single-Family Homes | Last 12 Months
Cape Elizabeth remains one of the most desirable communities along Maine's southern coast, and the numbers reflect it. Over the past year, 108 single-family homes sold in Cape Elizabeth, with a median sold price of $1,000,000. This supports the town's consistent demand and appeal among buyers seeking coastal Maine living at its finest.
Homes in Cape Elizabeth moved quickly, with a median of just 11 days on market, and sellers received a median of 100% of asking price, which is a strong indicator of how competitive this market remains. The range of sales activity spans from entry level opportunities to exceptional waterfront estates, with sold prices reaching well into the millions.
Data reflects single-family home sales in Cape Elizabeth, Maine from May 2025 through April 2026. Source: Maine Listings MLS.
Cliff House Beach | Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth, Maine Real Estate. Frequently Asked Questions.
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Very competitive. Homes sold in a median of just 11 days over the past year, and the median list-to-sale ratio was 100%. This means homes typically sell right at asking price. Homes that are correctly priced and presented well often attract multiple offers, particularly in the spring and early summer market.
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Cape Elizabeth is approximately 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Portland by car, depending on your starting point. It offers a quiet, residential coastal setting while remaining extremely convenient to Portland's restaurants, shops, waterfront, and businesses.
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Cape Elizabeth is consistently ranked among the top public school systems in Maine. The district includes Pond Cove Elementary School, Cape Elizabeth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth High School, which is recognized for high academic performance, college readiness, Advanced Placement courses, and strong extracurricular programs. Families frequently cite the schools as a primary reason for choosing Cape Elizabeth.
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Yes. Cape Elizabeth has a significant inventory of oceanfront and water-view properties, ranging from classic New England cottages to luxury estates. Waterfront and water view homes command a premium and tend to move quickly when priced well. Notable areas include Shore Road, Delano Park, and Broad Cove neighborhoods.
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Cape Elizabeth is not a walkable community in the traditional urban sense. Most residents rely on a car for daily errands and commuting. However, it offers exceptional walkability in a recreational sense, with miles of trails, the Shore Road Pathway, and parks including Fort Williams Park, Two Lights State Park, and Crescent Beach State Park all easily accessible on foot or by bike from many neighborhoods.
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Cape Elizabeth's mil rate is $11.73 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for fiscal year 2025-2026. This can shift with annual town budgets and revaluation cycles. Tax bills are due in April and October. For more details view the Cape Elizabeth Tax Information on their website.
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If you are considering a move to Cape Elizabeth or simply want to experience the area before committing, there is no better way than staying right in town. Inn by the Sea is Cape Elizabeth's premier oceanfront hotel, offering beautifully appointed rooms and suites just steps from Crescent Beach.
Whether you are considering selling your Cape Elizabeth home or searching for your next property here, understanding current market conditions is essential to making a confident decision.
Get in touch to start the conversation.