Living in Cape Elizabeth, Maine – A local relocation guide. Updated 2026. Schools, home prices, the coast, and honest trade-offs.
Cape Elizabeth is one of Maine’s most sought-after places to live – an affluent, coastal town of about 9,600 just across the bridge from Portland, known for top-ranked public schools, near-zero crime, and dramatic oceanfront including Portland Head Light. After three decades covering Maine, here is an honest look at living in Cape Elizabeth: what you get, what it costs, and who it suits.
The Basics
Cape Elizabeth sits directly south of Portland (about a 10-15 minute drive to downtown), on a peninsula of rocky coast, beaches, and farmland. It is one of the wealthiest towns in Maine, with a median household income around $130,000 and a rural-meets-affluent feel – big lots, coastal homes, working farms, and a small, tight-knit year-round community of just under 10,000. It is home to Portland Head Light (Maine’s oldest lighthouse), Fort Williams Park, Crescent Beach State Park, and the world-class Beach to Beacon 10K road race.
Cape Elizabeth Home Prices & Cost of Living (2026)
As of 2026, Cape Elizabeth is the most expensive community in Greater Portland, with median home prices commonly running $620,000 and up – and waterfront and premium homes selling well into the $800,000s and beyond. The overall cost of living runs roughly 12% above the national average and above the Maine average. This is a premium market: you are paying for the schools, the coast, the safety, and the proximity to Portland. (Housing figures are approximate and change; verify current prices before buying.)
Schools
Schools are the number-one reason families move to Cape Elizabeth. The public school system is consistently ranked among the very best in Maine, and top schools are the single biggest driver of the town’s home prices and demand. For families prioritizing public education, Cape Elizabeth is one of the strongest choices in the state.
Safety
Cape Elizabeth is one of the safest towns in Maine, with a violent crime rate near zero. Combined with the schools and coastal setting, this is a large part of why it draws families and retirees willing to pay a premium.
The Trade-offs
Honestly: Cape Elizabeth is expensive and quiet. It is residential and rural in character – you will drive to Portland or South Portland for most shopping, dining, and nightlife. There is little commercial development in town by design. And the housing market is competitive, with limited inventory and strong demand. If you want walkable downtown amenities or a lower cost of living, Portland proper, South Portland, or a more affordable suburb may fit better. If you want space, coast, top schools, and safety near the city, Cape Elizabeth is hard to beat.
Living in Cape Elizabeth: FAQ
Is Cape Elizabeth a good place to live?
Yes, especially for families and those who can afford it. Cape Elizabeth offers top-ranked public schools, near-zero crime, beautiful coastline, and a 10-15 minute drive to Portland – which is why it is one of Maine’s most desirable and expensive towns. The trade-offs are high home prices and a quiet, residential character with few in-town amenities.
How much does it cost to live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine?
Cape Elizabeth is the most expensive community in Greater Portland. As of 2026, median home prices commonly run $620,000 and up, with waterfront homes well into the $800,000s, and the overall cost of living runs about 12% above the national average.
How far is Cape Elizabeth from Portland?
Cape Elizabeth is directly south of Portland, about a 10-15 minute drive across the bridge to downtown – close enough for an easy commute while offering a rural, coastal setting with top schools and far more space.
Job hunting near Cape Elizabeth? Most residents commute to Portland – browse current jobs in Portland and across South Portland on JobsInMaine.
More Maine town guides: Living in Falmouth · Living in Scarborough · Living in Yarmouth · Living in Freeport · Living in Saco
See also our best places to live in Maine for families, living in Portland guide, and guide to moving to Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.