Looking to move to York/Wells, ME (Kittery, Manchester: homes, neighborhoods)

[dazy12]

Hi folks,
We live in northern NH (originally from Manchester) and looking to relocate to either southern NH coast or York/Wells, Maine. We have two boys 5 and 11 months. Just looking for some feedback on the areas: the communities, family fun events, etc. Thanks in advance for any info!

[OutdoorLover]

I visit York now and then. The beach gets kind of overrun with tourists during the season. East of Rte 1, I like the neighborhoods that are on the south side of the York River (off Southside Rd). It's quieter there and pretty, and they have some good residential streets for kids to play on there too - no through traffic, big yards open to the neighborhood street, not just homes hidden in the trees with people living like hermits. It's also quite nice just west of I-95, off Scotland Bridge Rd and Cider Hill Rd.

I also visit seacoast NH - Rye is gorgeous, whether it's Ocean Blvd or some of the country roads just behind, but it's pretty darned pricey. The Oyster River School District has a good reputation, and includes Durham, Madbury and Lee. Durham has the state University's flagship campus (for better and for worse ;-)), and Madbury and Lee are quieter and more country-like. That area is a lot more affordable than Rye anyway, and it's awfully nice. It was 30+ years ago, but I spent 4 years studying at UNH and if they had any jobs for me there in that area, I'd have stayed there, really nice. You've got these quirky, interesting old mill towns on the rivers, lots of pretty country roads, a few farms here and there, water is everywhere, there's a slower, less stressful vibe, but if you want hustle and bustle, you just drive 15 minutes to Portsmouth, Kittery and Rye.

[mainebrokerman]

One of my favorite places as a kid was york’s Animal park

Also loved old orchard beach … both places have a carnival
Atmosphere