Welcome to Cumberland, ME
A historic Casco Bay town with small-town charm and big-city convenience
Cumberland, ME is a quintessential Maine town that stretches from the shores of Casco Bay inland toward the Windham border, encompassing three distinct areas: Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, and West Cumberland. Incorporated in 1821 after splitting off from North Yarmouth, Cumberland has grown from a farming and shipbuilding community into one of the most sought-after towns in the Greater Portland area, all while holding onto the working farms, historic landmarks, and close-knit community feel that first defined it.
Positioned just 11 miles from Portland and 11 miles from Freeport, Cumberland offers the rare combination of small-town character and easy access to two of Maine's most vibrant commercial centers. Add in top-ranked schools, protected coastline at Casco Bay, and a wealth of parks and trails, and it's easy to see why
Cumberland real estate remains some of the most desirable property in the state.
What to Love About Cumberland
- Coastal access at Cumberland Foreside - public waterfront at Broad Cove Reserve, with room to paddle, swim, or simply take in the view of Casco Bay.
- A genuine farming heritage - working orchards and farms like Sweetser's Apple Barrel & Orchards and Spring Brook Farms still anchor the local landscape.
- Top-ranked public schools - part of MSAD 51, consistently rated among the best school districts in Maine.
- An abundance of parks and preserves - Twin Brook Recreation Area, Knight's Pond Preserve, Rines Forest, and Broad Cove Reserve offer year-round outdoor access.
- A close-knit, community-first atmosphere - from the Memorial Day parade to summer concerts on the Greely High School lawn, Cumberland's calendar is built around neighbors gathering together.
- Convenient location - 11 miles to Portland, 11 miles to Freeport, and about 25 minutes to Portland International Jetport.
Local Lifestyle in Cumberland
Life in Cumberland moves at a comfortable, community-oriented pace. Cumberland Center serves as the town's hub for government and education, with a walkable cluster of cafés, a library, and everyday essentials, while Cumberland Foreside offers coastal living along Casco Bay and West Cumberland provides a quieter, more rural setting. That range of settings within one town is part of what makes
Cumberland real estate appealing to such a wide range of buyers, from young families drawn to the schools, to retirees seeking a quieter pace, to commuters who want easy access to Portland without giving up small-town living.
Consistently ranked among the safest towns in Maine, Cumberland has a strong tradition of neighbors showing up for one another: a Memorial Day parade through the town center, summer concerts on the Greely High School lawn, and farmers' markets that celebrate the town's agricultural roots. Outdoor recreation is part of daily life too, residents walk, run, and bike the town's trail network in warmer months, then cross-country ski and snowshoe those same paths once winter arrives.
Dining and Shopping in Cumberland
Cumberland's charming Main Street area is dotted with locally-owned businesses, from cozy cafés serving freshly brewed coffee to family-run restaurants offering hearty regional fare, the kind of spots where the same faces show up week after week. The town's rich agricultural roots also show up on the plate, with local orchards and farms supplying produce to area markets and seasonal farm stands throughout the growing season.
For a broader range of shopping and dining, Cumberland's location puts both Portland and Freeport within easy reach, Freeport's outlet shopping and Portland's celebrated restaurant scene are each just 11 miles away, making it simple to enjoy a night out without leaving the comfort of small-town living behind.
Entertainment and Things to Do in Cumberland
Cumberland's recreational and cultural calendar stays full throughout the year:
- The Cumberland Fair - held every September since 1868, one of Maine's largest and longest-running agricultural fairs, complete with the state's original Pig Scramble tradition dating back to 1893.
- Val Halla Golf Course - a well-maintained public course with scenic views, popular with golfers of every skill level.
- Twin Brook Recreation Area - open for cross-country skiing, walking, and youth sports year-round.
- Knight's Pond Preserve - a 212-acre preserve centered on a 46-acre pond, with a scenic 2.8-mile shoreline trail.
- Broad Cove Reserve - a 22-acre coastal preserve with beachfront, a pier, and loop trails along Casco Bay.
- Rines Forest - over 200 acres of woodland trails, popular for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.
- The Cumberland Historical Society - housed in the 1853 Cumberland Schoolhouse, offering a window into the town's farming and maritime past.
Cumberland, ME at a Glance
Feature | Detail |
|---|
Incorporated | March 1821 |
Named For | Ephraim Sturdivant, ship captain and the town's first treasurer |
Total Population | 2,811 |
Median Age | 37.4 years |
Average Individual Income | $60,085 |
Distance to Portland | ~11 miles |
Distance to Freeport | ~11 miles |
School District | MSAD 51 |
*Demographic data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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