Harborside, ME Utility & Living Guide

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Harborside, ME Utility & Living Guide

Living in Harborside, ME offers a unique blend of coastal charm and small-town community, with easy access to outdoor recreation and a growing local economy.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Harborside
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Emera Maine
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Harborside Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Harborside is characterized by a mix of older and newer homes, with a growing demand for waterfront properties and a limited supply of rentals. Home prices have been increasing steadily over the past few years, but remain relatively affordable compared to other coastal towns in Maine. The town has implemented measures to encourage affordable housing development and preserve its rural character.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

95

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 5.5% + no county or city tax</p>

Maine has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 5.2% to 7.95%, and Harborside residents are subject to these rates.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, fishing, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, traffic management, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

The town has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with sidewalks and crosswalks in the downtown area and a few parks with playgrounds.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Blue Hill Fair
  • 🎯
    Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School playground
  • 🎯
    Holbrook Island Sanctuary

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of older and newer homes, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Blue Hill Peninsula is also a popular area for families, with its rural landscape and scenic coastline. However, these areas can be quite rural, and families may need to drive to access amenities and services.

Household Budget Calculator

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Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

The town has regulations in place to protect its natural resources, including a shoreland zoning ordinance and a comprehensive plan to guide development.

Harborside is experiencing a surge in popularity as a tourist destination, driven by its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, which is contributing to a growing local economy. However, this growth also poses challenges for the town, including managing increased traffic and preserving its rural character.

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📊 Harborside — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Harborside can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the winter due to heating and higher water costs in the summer due to tourism and outdoor recreation. However, the town's mild coastal climate means that these fluctuations are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The town of Harborside has a property tax millage rate of 18.5, with no local surtaxes. The surrounding Hancock County has a property tax millage rate of 10.5, and the state of Maine has a property tax millage rate of 4.5.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: while the town has some sidewalks and crosswalks, they can be uneven and limited in some areas, and the rural landscape means that families may need to drive to access amenities and services. However, the town's parks and playgrounds are generally stroller-friendly, and the scenic coastline offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation with kids.

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