Lake vs. Coast (Portland, Raymond, Phippsburg: renting, house, live)

[redsynner]

I am in a quandry... I have the opportunity of renting a lakefront house on Sebago with all the amenities I wanted (fireplace-yey) ... or I have the option of renting a home on the coast in Phippsburg with own boat slip and dock. Unfortunately, I am emotionally involved with both and very torn. Have not lived in either area, so I am not familiar with either.

Can anyone give any feedback as to the downfalls of either location? Any benefits of one over the other. I need to decide on the locale within the next 2 weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[BacktoNE]

For me, there is no debate. Ocean over lake every time. And Sebago is crowded all season long. Not my cup of tea.

[Bydand]

Have to agree. Generally I like lakes over the ocean, but Sebago can be a zoo from what I've seen. I would go with the ocean and your own slip.

[mollysmiles]

I vote for the ocean too....you won't regret that fresh salt air smell greeting you....and you can always run to the lake for a dip if you want!

[Elcarim]

I've always been drawn to the power and vastness of the ocean. Something about it just moves me!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Counterpoint.
You can go boating any time on Sebago. In Phippsburg they have a large tide. The tide determines when you can go boating and when you better be back.

[moughie]

Both are wonderful!

Flip a coin- heads or tails.

Or divide it up- How about 3 months in one spot and 3 months in another??

[MRVphotog]

That's a tough one. If you like to swim the lake is more hospitable but I have to admit after spending most of my time in Vermont lately, when I do go to Maine I'm reminded I miss the smell of the salt air.

It seems Maine has a zillion lakes and as another poster mentioned, especially in Windham and Raymond, Sebago can be one busy lake with boaters. The lake on the westside above Sebago Village is quieter. The southern end of the lake is the water supply for Portland so access is prohibited which excacerbates the crowding.

Phillipsburg is pretty quiet and more out of the way. If the place on Sebago is anywhere near Rt 302 it's pretty busy.

[K-Luv]

The downfall of Sebago will be the amount of vacationing Portlanders who want to get away from the all the tourists in Portland.

[dramamama6685]

Since I will eventually be moving to the ocean.. you can guess where my vote lies!