Falmouth neighborhoods? (Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport: best school, living in, housing)

[cape12]

Hi again,

I had posted asking about Cape Elizabeth neighborhoods in a previous thread, and was wondering if anyone could give me similar help for researching different neighborhoods in Falmouth? We have decided to expand our search and I am having a hard time figuring out what the different neighborhoods of Falmouth are (they don't seem as defined as Cape Elizabeth from looking on the maps). Again, we will be relocating this spring/summer with our 2 young children and our dog, and are looking for that neighborhood feel and to be involved in our community.

Also, since we will be visiting next month but don't know this town well, does anyone have advice as to where we should drive around or go to get a good sense of the "feel" of the town? Is there really a lot of traffic commuting to Portland during rush hour (think compared to New York, Boston, or Wash DC)? I know there is no town center like Cape Elizabeth. Are there a lot more chain stores? Strip malls? Or is it more rural in general?

Any info or advice is appreciated!

[MRVphotog]

Falmouth, like most places encompass a varety of types of areas. It's also a pretty large area.

As you mentioned there really is no village or town center. You have the busy commercial areas along Rt 1 and Washington Ave. Many chain/franchises are in these areas. There is older suburban between Ocean Ave and Riverside and newer suburban in West Falmouth near the new interstate exit. There is the upper crust in Falmouth Foreside along the bay.

Good schools and a nice community hockey rink and outside public skating pond. There are some rural areas to the northwest near the HS and Town Hall as you get closer to Cumberland.

[cape12]

thank you so much for your helpful reply MRVphotog! off to check it out on the map now

are there parks/playgrounds in falmouth? i am thinking of places to take the kids to play...

[dlebron]

Falmouth is an excellent area to live and for kids. Falmouth schools have been rated as the best school system in Maine. I have been living in Maine for 3 years. This is the best place to live in Maine... Housing is expensive but its worth... Falmouth provides easy access to highways, is near Portland, Freeport, Maine Mall, and even Cape Elizabeth (not that far). I hope this information can help.... I have been in your shoes... Your kids will love the school...