5 Awesome Communities Within 30 Minutes of the Beach

Talk to anyone in the market for a slice of the oceanside life and they can rattle off the names of plush coastal towns without thinking. And, I know we’ve all been sucked down the rabbit hole of multi-million dollar oceanfront Zillow listings. What you may not know is that the seacoast is dusted with hidden gems of coastal New England hamlets just a step off the beaten path, but still just a short drive to the ocean. There is no shortage of dream homes in the often-overlooked seacoast communities and the agents at Exit Oceanside Realty are just the local experts to help you find them! 

Our Top 5

Eliot, Maine

Eliot Is a town of 6,200 people whose website boasts safe neighborhoods, convenient shopping, and exemplary schools. Eliot is bordered on one side by the Piscataqua river making it a convenient place to live for boaters and at just 6.4 miles from the closest beach, it is a fantastic location for beachgoers and landlubbers alike.

South Berwick, Maine

South Berwick is a vibrant village full of Maine charm. The bustling downtown features many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, gourmet dining, charming shops, and walkable neighborhoods. The nearest beach is 10.8 miles away making this a dream location for a home. 

North Berwick, Maine 

North Berwick is a small yet vibrant community of just over 4,000 people. North Berwick is nestled along the Salmon Falls River and is home to one of the largest local employers- Pratt and Whitney. North Berwick offers everything from greenspace to wild woodland and is just 11 miles from the beach.

Alfred, Maine 

Alfred was once home to a thriving Shaker community whose influence reaches far beyond the Alfred Shaker Historic District at the heart of the village. The town describes itself as a predominantly rural community with a “classic New England village” that offers both historic and modern appeal. Alfred boasts five ponds and lakes within its bounds and is just 13.5 miles from the ocean. 

Sanford, Maine 

The city of Sanford boasts a population of around 20,000 people. The city’s history is a long one that fills the cityscape with beautifully refurbished mills. In fact, Sanford was a pioneer in the movement to repurpose mill buildings. Today, Sanford is a local center of commerce and offers some of the best home deals on the market. And, just 20.6 miles from Old Orchard Beach!