Welcome to Bridgton
In 1768, land was granted by Massachusetts to a group of proprietors led by a man named Moody Bridges, for whom Bridgton was ultimately named. European settlers began to live in the area in the 1770s, and Bridgton incorporated as a town in 1794.
From 1832 until the advent of the railroad, goods were moved between Bridgton and surrounding towns along the Cumberland-Oxford Canal. Twenty-eight locks along the way made for a navigable water route of 38 miles, from Harrison, Maine, in the north to Portland, Maine, on the coast. The last lock was the Songo River lock, which connected the southern tip of Long Lake with Sebago, Maine's largest lake. Songo is the only lock still in use from the era, and pleasure boaters from Bridgton's Long Lake use it to access Sebago Lake.
Living In Bridgton, ME
Bridgton is a small town in Cumberland County. Its population in the 2020 census was just over 5,400 year-round residents. Much of the town's eastern border runs along spectacular 11-mile Long Lake. Other beautifully unspoiled bodies of water in Bridgton include Moose Pond, Highland Lake, and Woods Pond. There is also a frontage on Kezar Pond. Those relocating to Bridgton will find real estate ranging from large lakefront properties to affordable cottages and everything in between.
This town shines in any season, but Bridgton is renowned for making summer memories. Hot days will find tourists and residents alike flocking to enjoy all the boating, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding that Bridgton offers. Families enjoy spending a day swimming and picnicking at Highland Lake Beach, Woods Pond Beach, and Salmon Point Beach. On summer evenings, folks are out grabbing an ice cream after dinner, then heading for the Bridgton Twin Drive-In Theater, one of the few remaining drive-in movies in the region.
With easy access to Pleasant Mountain and Bald Pate Mountain, hiking in any season in Bridgton can't be beat. A recently added standout is Pondicherry Park, a newly created recreational area of 66+ acres. There you'll find some easy, well-tended trails, perfect for kids. The Stevens Brook Trail, an easy two-mile stretch from Highland Lake to Long Lake, is another good choice for those not looking for an arduous hike.
Elementary school-age children in Bridgton are served by the Stevens Brook School. The combined Lake Region Middle School and Lake Region High School are both located in Naples, Maine. Bridgton is also home to Bridgton Academy, an all-boys college-preparatory school established in 1808.
You'll find plenty of choices for refueling in Bridgton -- give Venezia's a try for Italian (check for hours in the off season), or the Standard Gastropub for some truly unique fare.
Check out our own Jeremy Frantz giving his own unique video tour of some of his favorite spots in the area!
Bridgton, Maine, is a terrific place to live, whether you're a year-round local or own a seasonal lakefront cottage. Browse Bridgton, ME homes for sale, then give us a call at 1-207-351-8188: we'd love to show you around!
