Real estate market in mid-coast Maine (Camden, Rockport)

[Gail A Newton]

Considering a move to the mid-coast Maine area from the west coast.  Hoping to visit this spring.  Would love to hear advice regarding real estate in that area.  We would probably buy a home to fix up and live in for a year or two.  Seems like the prices are super reasonable.  Am I missing something?  What about taxes?  I would love to hear any feedback on the market or the rental market.  Thanks so much! 

[Katie Magoun]

Mid-coast Maine is beautiful. The towns of Camden/Rockport and Rockland in particular are both highly desirable and are considered expensive markets for Maine. The downside (for many) is that they're not particularly close to amenities (major airport(s), shopping centers, etc.) or larger/stable employment opportunities. And the surrounding suburbs drop off pretty steeply in desirability from a real estate stand point. 

Brunswick and Bath are further south, and in my opinion, are more promising rental markets for long term buy and hold than traditionally mid-coast towns like Camden and Rockland (though I love them both!). Bath is home to one of the Navy's largest and busiest shipbuilders, BIW... and while that business can be volatile at times, the US isn't going to stop spending money on defense any time soon. Brunswick is a college town (Bowdoin) with LLBean Manufacturing and close close proximity to Portland. We considered Brunswick and Bath and spoke with a few agents and property managers up that way... the consensus is that demand is outstripping supply, so the market is investment friendly. 

Any towns along the coast will have higher taxes, but they are also usually the most desirable places to rent. 

Of course the prices will look low to you as someone coming from California. I'd get to know the market that most interests you and figure out what makes sense numbers wise. 

Good luck, and welcome to Maine!