What’s It Like Living in Ogunquit, ME? - A Local Guide

Hunter Letendre
7 hours ago
5 min read

Living in Ogunquit, Maine offers a coastal lifestyle centered on proximity to the ocean, a compact walkable village, and a strong seasonal rhythm. It is best known as a resort destination, but for year-round residents, daily life looks very different once summer crowds leave. Ogunquit functions as a small coastal town with limited housing inventory, higher-than-average costs, and a slower off-season pace.

People considering Ogunquit are often drawn to its beach access, arts and theater scene, and village-style layout. At the same time, living here requires adapting to tourism-driven traffic patterns, seasonal business cycles, and a housing market dominated by second homes and long-term property ownership.

Where is Ogunquit located and how is the town laid out?

Aerial View, Downtown, Residential Neighborhood

Ogunquit is located in southern Maine, along the Atlantic coast, just north of the New Hampshire border. It sits in York County and is part of the greater Southern Maine coastal corridor.

The town generally breaks into two functional areas:

Downtown Ogunquit Village: This is the walkable core near Ogunquit Beach, Shore Road, and Main Street. It includes restaurants, small inns, shops, galleries, and access to Marginal Way and Perkins Cove. Housing here is limited, older, and often composed of condominiums, small cottages, or seasonal properties.

Outer Commercial and Residential Areas: As you move away from the shoreline along Route 1, development becomes more auto-oriented. This area includes larger hotels, restaurants, grocery access, service businesses, and residential streets with a mix of year-round homes and rentals.

Because Ogunquit is geographically small, the transition between village and commercial zones happens quickly.

What is the population and demographic profile of Ogunquit?

OgunquitFest, BonAire! Celebration, Pride Parade

Ogunquit has a small year-round population that increases dramatically during peak tourist months. According to recent census estimates, the permanent population is just over 1,000 residents, with a median age significantly higher than state and national averages.

Key demographic characteristics include:

A high percentage of homeowners
A substantial seasonal population
An older year-round resident base
A strong arts, hospitality, and service workforce

This demographic profile influences everything from housing availability to business hours during the winter months.

What is the cost of living in Ogunquit, ME?

The cost of living in Ogunquit is well above national and Maine averages. Housing costs are the primary driver.

Key cost considerations include:

Housing costs estimated at roughly 15–20% above the national average
Higher property values due to limited land and coastal location
Elevated seasonal demand influencing pricing
Utility and service costs aligned with coastal New England towns

While everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare align with nearby Southern Maine communities, housing significantly impacts overall affordability.

What does the Ogunquit housing market look like?

Coastail View Condos, Singla Family Home, Luxury Coastal Property

The Ogunquit housing market is characterized by limited inventory, high demand, and a strong presence of second homes and investment properties.

Common housing types include:

Coastal condominiums
Small single-family cottages
Older capes and colonials
Luxury coastal properties near the water

Median home values often exceed $1,000,000 depending on proximity to the ocean. Year-round rental inventory is extremely limited, and long-term leasing can be competitive.

Compared to inland York County towns, Ogunquit pricing reflects scarcity, location, and buyer demand rather than new construction volume.

How does living in Ogunquit compare to nearby towns?

Ogunquit Beach Lobster House, Front Porch Piano Bar, Sidewalk Dining

Compared to nearby communities like Wells, York, or Kittery, Ogunquit offers:

Greater walkability in its village core
Smaller year-round population
Higher housing costs
Fewer public services and schools within town boundaries

Many year-round residents rely on neighboring towns for schools, medical services, and larger retail options.

What schools serve Ogunquit residents?

Ogunquit is part of Maine School Administrative District 21 (MSAD 21), also known as the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District.

Wells Elementary School

Grades: Pre-K through 5
Niche rating: A range
Known for small class sizes and community involvement

Wells Junior High School

Grades: 6–8
Niche rating: A- range
Focus on core academics and extracurricular participation

Wells High School

Grades: 9–12
Niche rating: A-
Offers Advanced Placement courses, athletics, and arts programming

Families considering Ogunquit often evaluate school alignment alongside housing availability in Wells and surrounding towns.

What jobs and employment opportunities are nearby?

45 Mins. to Portsmouth, NH; 60 Mins. to Portland, ME; 35 Mins. to Biddeford, ME

Ogunquit’s local economy is centered around tourism, hospitality, arts, and service-based businesses. Many residents work seasonally or commute to nearby employment centers.

Common employment patterns include:

Hospitality and restaurant management
Arts, theater, and cultural organizations
Small business ownership
Healthcare, education, and professional roles in nearby towns

Nearby employment hubs within driving distance include:

Portsmouth, NH: 35–45 minutes
Portland, ME: 50–60 minutes
Biddeford and Saco: 35–45 minutes

What is everyday life like in Ogunquit?

Summer Beach Crowds, Busy Night Life, Christmas By the Sea Event

Outside of peak tourist season, everyday life in Ogunquit is quieter and slower paced. Daily routines often involve short drives, local errands, beach walks, and community interaction.

Typical day-to-day characteristics include:

Walkable access in the village core
Seasonal business hours
Quiet winters with reduced traffic
High summer activity and congestion

Residents often describe living in Ogunquit as visually striking and routine-driven rather than fast-paced.

#ThingsToDoInOgunquitMaine

Ogunquit Beach, Marginal Way, Perkins Cove

Ogunquit offers a wide range of activities for residents and visitors alike.

Notable places and events include:

Ogunquit Beach – Three miles of white sand coastline
Marginal Way – Cliffside walking path connecting Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove – Harbor area with shops, dining, and boating access
Ogunquit Playhouse – Historic regional theater featuring Broadway-caliber productions
Ogunquit Museum of American Art – Coastal museum featuring rotating exhibitions
Ogunquit Festive Fridays – Seasonal community events
Local galleries and studios – Year-round arts presence

Outdoor recreation, visual arts, and live theater form the backbone of the town’s cultural identity.

What are the pros and cons of living in Ogunquit?

Ogunquit Playhouse, Museum of American Art, Artisan Craft Fair

Pros

Coastal access and scenery
Walkable village core
Strong arts and cultural presence
Established community identity

Cons

High housing costs
Limited year-round inventory
Seasonal congestion
Fewer municipal services within town

Final thoughts on living in Ogunquit, ME

Ogunquit Heritage Museum, Fourth of July Celebration, Ogunquit Trolley

Living in Ogunquit, Maine offers a coastal lifestyle shaped by seasonality, limited housing supply, and a strong connection to arts and tourism. It appeals most to those comfortable with a smaller year-round community, higher housing costs, and a slower winter pace balanced by vibrant summer activity.

I’m an area expert. Whether you’re interested in Ogunquit or a nearby town, I can help you across NH, ME and MA. If you are considering buying, selling, or exploring coastal Maine real estate, reach out to me, Hunter Letendre, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, to discuss how Ogunquit compares to surrounding communities and what options best fit your goals.