Freeport is a coastal village rich with history, much of which is preserved for enjoyment today. Freeport was founded in 1789, and folklore credits Freeport with being "the birthplace of Maine". It was in Freeport at the Jameson Tavern that many meetings were held, and where colonists debated a separation movement from Massachusetts.
Freeport is a diverse yet traditional New England community with a town council/manager form of government. It is an ideal location for a family to live, learn, and enjoy the daily qualities of life in Maine with a growing arts community, significant natural resources, highly regarded medical facilities, and a strong economy and commercial base.
Historical points of interest include the Harrington House (1830), home of the Freeport Historical Society, housing exhibits and archives. The Pettengill Farm is a 19th century salt water farm where visitors and local people alike can find exhibits of 19th century coastal farm life. The Gore House is the home of a truly unique McDonald's, which visitors find extraordinary. Additional points of interest include:
o Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park with oceanfront grandeur and self-guided nature trails through
picturesque woods fronting the Harraseeket River and Casco Bay, along with a picnic area, a
campground, and an active osprey nest on a small island just offshore
o Winslow Park with a beach on Casco Bay
o Mast Landing Sanctuary, operated by the Maine Audubon Society, open daily for self-guided
nature trails and guided tours through fields, woods, salt marsh, and along streams.
o The Desert Dunes of Maine, a unique natural phenomenon
o Charming South Freeport Village offering a panoramic view of a working harbor, restaurants
with great lobster, and scenic ocean cruises.
Freeport/Cumberland County
• Demographics
o Population: 8,000 residents within Freeport; 273,505 residents within Cumberland County
(2004 Estimate)
o Per Capita Income: $35,962 (Cumberland County 2003)
o Personal Median Income: $45,122 (Cumberland County 2002)
o Average 22 mile drive to work
• Housing
o Median home value $220,000
• Education
o Maine high school graduation rate at 95.4%; quality of education in top 10% of US states
o 43% of Cumberland county residents are college educated
o Several colleges and universities with enrollment of over 15,000 within 30 miles of Freeport
• Freeport schools
o Positive student-teacher relationships with low class student/teacher ratios
o MEA high school scores above state average in all areas
o SAT scores above state and national average in all areas
o 75% of students participate in co-curricular athletics or activities
o 89% college acceptance rate for the class of 2004
o Numerous honors and awards for athletic, academic, and music competitions
• Freeport Public Library
o Provides services to Freeport and out-of-town residents
o 55,000 materials including 157 magazines, 2,900 videos, 1,900audiotapes, 480 DVD’s, and 580
CD’s.
• Tax rate: 12.5 per thousand; anticipated to be reduced in FY 2007
• Largest Employer: L.L. Bean
• Superior Health Care within 30 mile radius
o Mid Coast Hospital
o Parkview Hospital
o Community Health Information Partnership
o Maine Medical Center
• High Quality of Maine Coastline Lifestyle
o Region is one of top 20 greenest in country: green space, community spirit, healthy job
markets, environmental friendliness and opportunities
o Numerous recreation opportunities
• Sailing, kayaking, & boating
• Hiking
• Cross country and downhill skiing
o Renown cultural, artistic, and historical opportunities
• Extensive arts community
• Freeport Community Players
• Maine State Music Theater
• The Theater Project
• Eveningstar Cinema
• Five Rivers Arts Alliance
o High level of safety and security
o Moderate, seasonal weather
o Low level of traffic
o Clean air and water
o Friendly people
o Moderate cost of living
o Extreme natural beauty: ocean, rock-bound coast, mountains
o Easy access to major metropolitan centers
o Extensive financial and insurance services
o Significant state and local social services
