Community

Located in southwestern Hancock County, at the confluence of Mill Pond and Blue Hill Bay, Blue Hill lies along the eastern edge of a remarkable coastal peninsula. Settled in 1762, the town earned its name from the bluish hue of the evergreens dotting the rocky summit of the highest point for miles in each direction. Sparkling ocean shoreline, forested hills and valleys lush with blueberries have long made the region attractive to the farmer, fisherman and vacationer alike. Once a primarily seafaring and shipbuilding community, the town is known as much today for art galleries, antique shops, music and architectural craftsmanship. This well-established, growing community is picturesque, friendly, and safe - a superb place to raise a family!

 

Recreation

Blue Hill is situated at the gateway to Maine's Down East/Acadia Region, which stretches across several hundred miles of rugged Atlantic coast. Here, the land is carved by tidal estuaries and rocky coves, rich in blueberry fields and home to a diverse wildlife population that includes herons, seals, and whales. Natives and newcomers enjoy the range of activities in all seasons!

 

The warmer months of the year are perfect for outdoor adventures. Hike or bike along the scenic coastal roads traversing the peninsula, or hop in the car for a short ride up the coast to Acadia National Park, New England's only National Park, and one of the top 10 most visited in the US! Acadia encompasses 35,000 acres of pristine coastal land, with more than one hundred miles of walking and hiking trails, including several to the summit of Cadillac Mountain - the first location in the US to see the sunrise each day. Enjoy a round of golf at the Blue Hill Country Club, and make plans to attend the fair! Each year on Labor Day weekend, The Blue Hill Fair showcases Maine's thriving agricultural industry, and thrills crowds with carnival rides and entertainment by headliners like Faith Hill and Charlie Daniels!

 

Dawn in Acadia National Park

 

Winter is brisk, but there's still plenty to do, indoors and out! Snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular pastimes, and some of the finest skiing and snowmobiling in the East are found in Maine. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscape at a slower pace, if you like. Check out a book from the library, curl up beside a blazing fire, and take in the splendor of snow-tipped pines just outside your window! Deer, moose, owls, and rabbits abound in all seasons – naturalists, be sure to keep a pair of binoculars handy for the trail and the backyard!

 

The nautically inclined will appreciate kayaking, canoeing, sailing - even a relaxing cruise aboard one of the delightful schooners that offer charter services. A number of public launches beckon salt- and fresh-water boaters, fishermen, and even the intrepid swimmer! Take a stroll through Blue Hill’s historic district, browse for a unique treasure in one of the eclectic stores and galleries, check out the local aquarium, and experience a delectable variety of culinary offerings! The Bagaduce Music Lending Library is a unique resource for sheet music used by musicians worldwide, but if live performance is your passion, delight in an evening of chamber music at renowned Kneisel Hall, or tap your feet to the sounds of the Blue Hill Brass. For a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, head to Bangor, Maine's third largest city, and only an hour's drive from Blue Hill. Bangor offers all the amenities one would expect from a metropolitan center - shopping, sports, arts events and also Bangor International Airport, which connects to several major US hubs. Portland and Boston are great for day trips, and even Canada is close enough for a quick jaunt!


 

Rounded, 934-foot Blue Hill Mountain looks out over the town and its harbor. Photo by Sue Anne Hodges

 

Schools

Maine is highly ranked in terms of educational quality and performance, and Blue Hill is committed to providing a learning atmosphere that meets and exceeds even these high standards. Younger students attend either Blue Hill Consolidated School or the Waldorf-inspired Bay School. At the high school level, George Stevens Academy and Blue Hill Harbor School encourage students to thrive in challenging and comprehensive intellectual programs that inspire a love of life-long learning, and dedication to community. Graduates are self-motivated, well-rounded and prepared to make a positive impact on the world around them!

 

The triumvirate of Colby, Bates and Bowdoin Colleges is an impressive start to the list of higher education choices found in Maine. The University of Maine system is a cornerstone of affordable and progressive education, with seven campuses statewide. The flagship campus at Orono is just 50 miles away, with more than 12,000 students enrolled as undergraduates, or in one of several esteemed programs of graduate study. The Maine Maritime Academy in nearby Castine, Maine, has a venerable reputation for nautical training, and The College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor is a distinctive liberal arts school with an emphasis on the relationship between humans and the environment. With prestigious private institutions, a thriving state University system, and an assortment of trade and vocational schools, Maine is an outstanding place to pursue post-secondary education!

 

Blue Hill, Maine                                                                         

 

Blue Hill Cove (photo taken in front of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital)

 

Economy

Blue Hill has a long and rich history of shipbuilding, seafaring, and mining that has helped shape an economy based on utilization of natural resources. At the close of the nineteenth century, vacationers discovered the region, and formed summer colonies to enjoy the spectacular scenery and unique atmosphere. Today, the picture is a mixture of old and new, and much of the area's prosperity is still linked to its strong maritime tradition. A world-class wooden boat building school, and the highly respected Maritime Academy, attract students and faculty from across the globe. Fishing is still a mainstay – with more lobster caught in Maine than in any other state!

 

An entrepreneurial spirit pervades this area as well, and many small businesses capitalize on the vital tourism and recreation industries. Maine’s coast is home to artists, galleries, antique and specialty shops, as well as restaurants and vintage inns. Blueberries carpet the local fields and hills each summer - in fact, Maine produces 99% of all the wild blueberries in the country! The Blue Hill Peninsula is a vibrant place to work, with residents taking pride in creating dynamic opportunities in this exceptional community.

 

Blue Hill Memorial Hospital overlooks a beautiful ocean cove.

 

 

A modern medical services building is right on the hospital campus.

 

Real Estate

Hancock County has the longest coastline of any Maine County! The addition of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds keep waterfront property in steady supply. The region boasts a wide variety of housing options, from modest to luxurious, and at reasonable prices. Live in an outstanding coastal setting, with extraordinary views and friendly neighbors! Distinctive homes line the charming village streets, and traditional farmhouses are scattered across the countryside. Quaint seaside cottages dot the shores of Parker Point and the inner harbor, and contemporary homes have sprung up in locations from in-town to lakeside. There are still many parcels of land forested with spruce, fir, pine, aspen and birch on which to build your custom home as well. Mountains, valleys, ocean and river frontage - Blue Hill has it all!