Welcome to Wells
The town of Wells, Maine, named after an English town in Somerset County, was founded around 1643 when settlers from Exeter, New Hampshire, were granted the right to populate the land, which at the time included what is now Kennebunk (until 1820) and the village of Ogunquit (until 1980).
Wells was only one of four English settlements in Maine to survive the French and Indian wars of the late 17th century. The Joseph Storer House is where fifteen soldiers and community members resisted five hundred French and Indians in June of 1692.
The third-oldest town in Maine, Wells was incorporated in 1653 and developed as a farming - rather than fishing - community. In the early 20th century, Wells started to become a popular tourist destination. The town boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches, both public and private, the Rachel Carson Bird Sanctuary, and the Wells National Estuarian Research Reserve. All offer many miles of walking and other activities in a natural setting of unparalleled beauty.
Wells Harbor Park has a playground, beach access, and free concerts over the summer. Congdon’s Doughnuts, established in 1945 and moved to Wells in 1995, was built on Nana’s homemade doughnuts and still practices the theme of “breakfast anytime.” For seafood, Mike’s Clam Shack is always a hit, or dine at The Steakhouse, which serves never-frozen beef and was named one of the top ten steakhouses by Best of New England. All are AAA picks.
According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, Wells currently has between 11 and 12 thousand residents. The taxes are significantly lower than the state median. The schools in Wells are shared with the quaint town of Ogunquit, and have received a National Silver Medal from US News, and are rated as fifth in the state. Crime rates are also very low. Cities like Boston and Portland are very accessible from Wells: aside from the spur of the Maine Turnpike (Route 95), there is an Amtrak station to bring commuters to any of four stations in Boston or north to Portland. Wells even has a year-round bus to get to the Amtrak station.
Perfect for families as a year-round residence, or for couples looking for a vacation home, the town of Wells truly has something for everyone. Browse homes for sale in Wells, then give us a call at 1-207-351-8188 and let's talk real estate.
