Southwest Harbor, Maine, is a picturesque coastal town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County. This charming town is surrounded by Acadia National Park, offering over 120 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and carriage roads that wind through forests, along the coast, and up to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Southwest Harbor also boasts a variety of local shops and boutiques catering to both locals and tourists. With its abundance of shoreline, Southwest Harbor offers a variety of excellent seafood restaurants that feature fresh lobster and other local seafood on their menus, ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy the freshest catch available.
The town stuns buyers with beautiful homes, ranging from classic New England styles to modern builds, making it a great place for people of all ages and backgrounds to find their dream homes. Despite its small footprint, Southwest Harbor has an active community and a vibrant cultural scene, hosting regular events and festivals throughout the year, including the Acadia Night Sky Festival and the Flamingo Festival.
If living in a charming New England seaside retreat is your dream, you might be surprised to find it is an affordable and achievable reality for many. Southwest Harbor offers a high quality of life with excellent access to the great outdoors and a waterfront lifestyle. Residents also enjoy the benefits of living in a small town while still having easy access to larger cities like Bangor and Portland.
If you're considering a move to Southwest Harbor, working with industry professional Steve Shelton and his team at Acadia Realty can help make your transition smoother. They have extensive knowledge of the local Southwest Harbor real estate market and can assist you in finding the right property that meets your needs. Are you interested in learning about the cost of living in Southwest Harbor? Do you want to discover what it’s like to call this seaside oasis home? If so, keep reading.
Housing: Home purchase price
Southwest Harbor boasts a diverse selection of housing styles that showcase New England charm, ranging from classic coastal homes to modern waterfront constructions. This is a highly desirable location for homeowners, as the booming real estate market has seen an impressive increase in home appreciation over the last 12 months. The median home cost in Southwest Harbor is higher than Hancock County at $509,500, and the town's breathtaking scenery and small-town charm make it a highly sought-after location for those looking for their dream home. Southwest Harbor homes have appreciated by 83.3% in the last decade alone. The average effective property tax rate in Hancock County is the lowest in the state at 1.03%, 5.5% lower than the state average of 1.09%. The average Southwest Harbor resident can expect to pay $3,803 in property taxes.
Utilities cost
In Southwest Harbor, the cost of utilities is generally lower than the national average. For instance, energy costs are 2.8% lower, and the average heating oil cost in the state of Maine was $3.85. Keep in mind that this cost may vary depending on the insulation of your home and individual usage.
Meanwhile, internet and cable costs in Southwest Harbor can vary depending on the provider and package you choose. It's essential to note that larger homes in Southwest Harbor may expect to pay more for their utilities.
Food cost
Southwest Harbor, Maine, is a must-visit destination for cuisine lovers, offering a diverse culinary scene that features some of the best local flavors in the region. From delicious seafood restaurants with sweeping waterfront views to casual local hubs offering farm-to-table cuisine and tasty lobster rolls, Southwest Harbor is a foodie's paradise with an impressive culinary scene that rivals even the most popular cities rife with eateries, cafes, and bistros.
The average cost of groceries and food in New England is $375 per person. The cost of dining out in Southwest Harbor can vary depending on the restaurant. You can expect to pay anywhere between $30 to $45 for a dinner entree at an upscale eatery like Red Sky. However, the town also offers a variety of diverse culinary options, from low-key coffee houses to elevated chophouses and beyond.
Transit cost
In Southwest Harbor, Maine, the most common mode of transportation for residents is driving. The average transportation costs in Maine range depending on the individual and family but can range between $4,332 to $11,773 per year. The good news is that Maine is the second cheapest state for car insurance in the country.
Residents who choose to use public transportation will enjoy the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus, which provides free routes throughout Southwest Harbor and the greater Mount Desert Island area, making it a great option for students, families, and professionals commuting to work.
Average salary
In recent years, the average annual income in Maine was $60,354, equating to a monthly income of $5,029.
Ready to find your next home?
Southwest Harbor, Maine, is a coastal paradise with a unique blend of charm and natural beauty. With stunning views of the water and nearby mountains, it's no wonder many people dream of calling this sought-after town their home. And now, with the help of Steven Shelton and the team at Acadia Realty and a reasonable cost of living in Southwest Harbor, that dream can become a reality. Whether you're searching for a cozy cottage or a modern waterfront home, their expertise in the local real estate market will help you find your perfect match. With their personalized approach, attention to detail, strong negotiation tactics, and commitment to client satisfaction, you can be confident that you will receive excellent service every step of the way. Contact Steve Shelton and the team today to begin your journey to finding your dream home in this charming coastal town. With their guidance and support, you'll soon be enjoying all that Southwest Harbor has to offer.
