Blue Hill, Maine
On Maine's Scenic Central Coast, Charming and Weathered Blue Hill Dates from 1762 and is a Hub for Artists, Craftsmen and Musicians
Hugging the rugged outcroppings of the Blue Hill peninsula on Maine’s central coast, this charming, weathered waterfront town has a history that reaches back to 1762. It’s across the water from beautiful Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain (the first place to see the sunrise in the United States).
Although traditional lobstering and boat building are still practiced, Blue Hill has become a hub for artists, craftsmen and chamber musicians. Kneisel Hall, one of the planet’s best chamber music schools, attracts national and international musicians and music lovers.
Other arts organizations include the New Surry Theatre and the Blue Hill Concert Association. For history buffs, the Federal clapboard Holt House chronicles three centuries of Blue Hill life.
The downtown is lined with sturdy, white-washed New England-style storefronts with antique shops, galleries, gift shops and bookstores. Locals also enjoy seasonal farmers’ market and a co-op market with a cafe. During the summer, a series of summer concerts presents the works of Beethoven and Brahms.
Many residences date from the 1800s and sit on a country lot. Home styles include Cape Cod, salt box, farmhouse, bungalow and more.
Blue Hill Mountain has hiking trails, and Blue Hill Town Park has a beach and a sunbathing rock. Bar Harbor’s Sand Beach is about an hour away.
The area is very quite in the winter.
Population: 2,500
Median Home Price: $680,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures dip into the single digits, teens and 20s. On average, the area receives 45 inches of rain and 70 inches of snow per year.
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Age 45 or Better:Â 50%
Hospital: Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital
Public Transit:Â Yes, but it is limited.
Political Leanings: Split down the middle
Is Maine Retirement Tax-Friendly: Yes
Drawbacks: Summer tourist traffic is heavy.