Welcome to Kennebunk
Kennebunk is a safe, mid-sized town in southern coastal Maine. The school system is considered excellent, and the commute to Maine's largest city, Portland, is an easy half-hour drive north on the Maine Turnpike.
Kennebunk, the Abenaki word for “the long cut bank” - referring to the Kennebunk River - was settled by Europeans in 1621, and was part of the town of Wells until 1820.
Kennebunk homes have a wide range: waterfront mansions transition as you move inland to in-town suburban homes and idyllic small farms on the fields west of the Maine Turnpike.
There are a little more than 11,500 residents in Kennebunk, who enjoy freshwater activities on the Kennebunk and Mousam rivers, while also having easy access to the ocean. The three beaches in Kennebunk – Mother’s, Parson’s, and Gooch’s – are a must-visit when in town. Surfing and kayaking are very popular around here in the summer, as well as whale watching.
Nestled between two tidal rivers, Kennebunk became a hub for the West Indies trade and shipbuilding. In the first half of the 19th century, more than 1,000 ships of all sizes were built in the approximately fifty shipyards in the area.
A sign of the shipbuilding period’s wealth is the historic district, where there are many examples of Greek Revival, Victorian, Colonial, and Federal style homes. One of the most famous is the "Wedding Cake House", an example of early architecture with extensive scroll-saw Gothic trim.
Many of these homes can be seen with guided walking tours, which are provided by the Brick Store Museum. Other museum displays include decorative and fine arts as well as artifacts of the region’s history.
Art galleries are scattered throughout the town with something for every taste, whether it’s sculpture, photography, or painting. River Tree Arts has been a vibrant community arts center for decades, teaching art, music and dance to generations of Kennebunk residents.
AAA picks for restaurants in the area include the White Barn Inn Restaurant, which has gained an elusive five diamond rating. On the site of a former shipyard is Federal Jack’s, and if you're in the mood for a brew pub, the Sebago Brewing Company provides American cuisine in an informal atmosphere. Other styles of cuisine include Thai, Irish, and Continental, so there’s something for every palate.
Kennebunk is a good place to live if you're looking for a mid-sized town with a strong spirit of community, plenty of activities, wide open spaces, and great beaches. Browse Kennebunk homes for sale, then give us a call and let's talk about Kennebunk real estate!
