Scarborough sits just south of Portland, offering a perfect blend of suburban tranquility, coastal charm, and easy access to city amenities. With over 22,000 residents, this town is known for excellent schools, picturesque beaches, strong community feel, and diverse housing choices. Whether you prefer wooded lots, waterfront views, or something closer to the bustle, Scarborough gives you options.
MetricApproximate ValuePopulation~ 22,135 (2020 Census) Wikipedia
Median Home Value~$498,700 (Niche, recent) Niche
Median Listing Price~$710,000 (as of August 2025) Realtor+2Zillow+2
Homeownership Rate~ 77% own, ~23% rent Niche
Commute Time~ 18.6 minutes on average Data USA+1
Median Household Income~$94,900 (recent estimate) F. O. Bailey Real Estate+1
Quality of Life: Quiet, leafy streets, large lots, excellent schools, and access to waterfront living without giving up proximity to Portland.
Natural Beauty: Views of Casco Bay, access to water, walking trScarborough is beloved for its balance of peace and proximity. Residents enjoy scenic coastal access (beaches like Higgins Beach and Pine Point, marshes, and harbors), excellent schools, and strong community amenities. Homes vary from upscale waterfront properties to quieter developments and wooded neighborhoods, giving buyers flexibility in style and budget. For many, Scarborough represents great value — a quieter lifestyle than Portland but still close enough for commuting, shopping, dining, and culture.
North ScarboroughMore spacious homes, wooded lots, quiet roads; fairly upscale and desirable. NeighborhoodScout
Oak Hill (Town Center)Central hub with schools, shops, restaurants — good balance of conveniences and residential life. Wikipedia+1
Pine Point / Blue PointCoastal sub-neighborhoods; beach access, summer vibes; popular for people who want waterfront or vacation-home feel. Wikipedia+1
DunstanMixed housing styles; close to major roads & commuting routes; desirable for its location. Zillow+1
West ScarboroughMore wooded, larger lots, buffer from more densely developed areas; more privacy. Wikipedia
Scarborough has its own full K-12 public school system, which is highly rated. There are multiple primary schools, middle school, and Scarborough High School. Families find that many neighborhoods are within short drives or walking distance of primary and secondary schools, which adds convenience. While Scarborough doesn’t typically have the same private school arrangement as some other communities, its public schools’ quality is often cited among the key reasons families choose to settle here.
Enjoy beach days at Higgins Beach, or strolls on Pine Point.
Explore Scarborough Marsh — great for wildlife, walking, and photography.
Local shops, dining, cafés in Oak Hill and Dunstan areas.
Outdoor recreation: trails, parks, water activities, boating.
Community events, seasonal festivals, and the relaxed pace make it appealing to people wanting coastal living with calm.
Scarborough is well-connected with major routes like Route 1, Interstate 295, etc., making commute to Portland fairly short (~20 min depending on location).
Average travel time is under or around 20 minutes for many residents. Data USA
Not heavy public transit, so most households rely on cars.
Access to Portland International Jetport is practical for travel.
If you want a place where coastal beauty, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community come together — Scarborough might just be it. Whether you’re looking for an ocean-view home, a quiet wooded lot, or something close to daily conveniences, we can help you navigate.
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