Living in Scarborough, Maine – A local relocation guide. Updated 2026. Beaches, schools, home prices, and honest trade-offs.
Scarborough is one of southern Maine’s most popular and versatile suburbs – a growing coastal town of around 20,000 just south of Portland, known for four public beaches, top-rated schools, and a wider range of home prices than its pricier neighbors. After three decades covering Maine, here is an honest look at living in Scarborough: what you get, what it costs, and who it suits.
The Basics
Scarborough spans more than 50 square miles about seven to ten miles south of Portland (a 15-20 minute drive downtown via Route 1 or the turnpike). It is the largest and most economically diverse of the premium Portland suburbs, with four public beaches, Maine’s largest saltwater marsh, the Eastern Trail, distinct village neighborhoods (Pine Point, Higgins Beach, Prouts Neck, the Highlands), and a growing commercial center. It draws families, professionals, and retirees who want coastal access and top schools with more housing variety than Cape Elizabeth or Falmouth.
Scarborough Home Prices & Cost of Living (2026)
As of 2026, Scarborough is one of the most competitive markets in southern Maine, with recent single-family median sale prices running roughly $710,000 to $870,000 – up sharply year over year – though the town’s defining feature is its wide range: inland homes and condos start in the $300,000s, while beachfront and Prouts Neck estates exceed $2 million. That range makes Scarborough more accessible at the entry level than Cape Elizabeth or Falmouth, even as its top-end and median prices have climbed. Homes sell fast, often within a week or two. (Housing figures are approximate and change; verify current prices before buying.)
Schools and Beaches
The Scarborough School Department is consistently regarded as one of the top public systems in Maine, a major draw for families. And the beaches set Scarborough apart – four public beaches including Scarborough Beach State Park, Higgins Beach (a surf spot), and Pine Point, plus the marsh for kayaking and birding. Few Maine towns pair top schools with this much beach and open space.
The Trade-offs
Honestly: Scarborough has grown fast, and with growth come new subdivisions, some traffic on Route 1, and a spread-out, drive-everywhere layout – it is suburban, not a walkable downtown. Prices, while more varied than its neighbors, have risen sharply and the market is competitive. But for a blend of coastal access, top schools, housing variety, and Portland proximity, Scarborough offers more range than almost any comparable Maine suburb.
Living in Scarborough: FAQ
Is Scarborough, Maine a good place to live?
Yes. Scarborough offers four public beaches, top-rated schools, a wide range of home prices, and a 15-20 minute drive to Portland – which is why it is one of southern Maine’s most popular suburbs for families, professionals, and retirees. The trade-offs are fast growth, some traffic, and a spread-out suburban layout.
How much does it cost to live in Scarborough, Maine?
As of 2026, Scarborough’s single-family median runs roughly $710,000 to $870,000, but the range is wide – inland homes and condos start in the $300,000s while beachfront estates exceed $2 million. That variety makes Scarborough more accessible at the entry level than Cape Elizabeth or Falmouth.
How far is Scarborough from Portland?
Scarborough is about seven to ten miles south of Portland, a 15-20 minute drive downtown via Route 1 or the Maine Turnpike – one of the closest suburbs to the city, with the added draw of beaches and top schools.
Job hunting near Scarborough? Most residents commute to Portland – browse current jobs in Portland and South Portland on JobsInMaine.
More Maine town guides: Living in Cape Elizabeth · Living in Falmouth · 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 best beaches in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.