Overview
The town of Camden (population ~5200) is a vibrant, year round community known for its picturesque harbor, unspoiled natural beauty, and a wide array of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities.
The town was incorporated in 1791 and through the 1800s bustled with numerous boatyards, manufacturing enterprises, and mills. The prosperity of that period engendered the construction of many fine homes, and today the town's architecture reflects the craftsmanship and beauty of centuries past, from stately Federal-style captain's houses to delightful Capes and understated farmhouses.
With the green Camden Hills forming a scenic backdrop and the islands of shimmering Penobscot Bay inviting boaters, the area is home to world-class sailing, hiking, fine dining, art galleries, and internationally known annual technology and world affairs conferences such as Pop! Tech, the Camden Conference, and Camden International Film Festival. The Camden Yacht Club is a harbor mainstay, and outdoor recreation opportunities abound at Camden Hills State Park, Merryspring Nature Center, and Warren Island State Park. The Camden Snow Bowl offers downhill skiing with a view of the Atlantic, and the region offers all kinds of possibilities for cross-country skiing. Mid-coast Recreation Center has an ice skating rink, tennis courts, and fitness center. The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a beautiful facility and community service center with an eight-lane pool. Rockport is home to three golf courses, Samoset Golf Course, Goose River Golf Course and Megunticook Golf Club. The renovated Camden Opera House draws nationally and internationally-known performers to town.
Part of the Community School District and School Administrative District, Camden public schools include Rockport Elementary School, Camden Rockport Middle School, and Camden Hills Regional High School. Children's House Montessori School, Ashwood Waldorf School, and the Riley School are among the area's fine private accredited schools.
Today the finest Camden Maine real estate includes waterfront properties on Camden Harbor, waterfront properties with docks, private oceanfront estates, and attractive, historic village residences. Since the late 1800s when Camden became a summer resort destination, Camden real estate has been sought after, and values here have appreciated since. Even during times of distress in the economy, the value of real estate here has held fairly steady, and has risen during times of prosperity. When an international bank established offices here in the early 1990s, the ensuing revitalization attracted more year-round and summer residents, and the value of Camden real estate began to appreciate dramatically and at a higher rate than in other towns in the Mid-Coast region. As is happening in other communities along much of the Maine coast, more and more people are attracted to Maine's quality of life and are choosing Camden for their primary or vacation homes.