Rockland

In Rockland, you don’t have to travel to do or see something extraordinary because Rockland is something special. This is a thriving community that has the amenities of a larger city yet a rural feel, and the beauty of a world class summer retreat. The region encompassing Rockland is home to mountains you can ski or hike in a day, lakes you can bike around or swim across, and protected harbors of an ocean popular for sailing. Similar to the environment, the community is on a very personal scale. The vibrant community is home to more than 7000 year round residents and soars in the summer months due to a heavy influx of tourists and summer residents making it a place that is small enough to not get lost but big enough to not feel limited.

 

Rockland lies in the heart of Midcoast Maine and borders the Penobscot Bay, and the town’s relationship with the ocean is evident by their recognition as a “Coast Guard City” for the residents long-lasting and tight bond with the United States Coast Guard. Bordered to the south by Owls Head and to the north by the town’s nearly mile long breakwater and lighthouse, these geographic features create Rockland Harbor which has been dubbed one of the most prolific, large, and beautiful harbors in the northeastern United States. Penobscot Bay is internationally renowned as one of the most premier recreational sailing territories in the world. If you want to explore the Gulf of Maine outside of Rockland, depart from the downtown district using the Maine State Ferry Service to visit the picturesque and renowned island communities of North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Matinicus that lie east of Rockland Harbor. Rockland is home to both freshwater and saltwater beaches, a wide variety of scenic places, and an abundance of fun.

 

As the commercial center for the county, Rockland's downtown district is a recognized vibrant community. Far from any mall, downtown Rockland is similar in size yet much nicer. Take in the small town charm and browse the storefronts, galleries, and outdoor vendors selling both local and fine art, antiques, handmade products of craftsmen, books, clothing, and much more. In addition to the quaint shops that line the streets of Rockland are both restaurants and museums. Dine at the wide variety of restaurants and local eateries or check out one of the area's most popular attractions, the Farnsworth Museum, that exhibits artwork that honors Maine’s role in American art. A large section of the downtown district is designated as a National Historic District and Rockland was also selected as the runner-up in rankings for the “Coolest Small Town in America” in 2009.

 

Not all of the buzz with the Rockland is tangible like most of it’s downtown district. To truly understand the town, sometimes you have to physically be there. A number of unique festivals praise and honor the shipbuilding and fishing industries that have made Rockland the truly one of a kind town that it is today. Known as the “Lobster Capital of the World”, Rockland is the epicenter for the fishing industry led by lobstering as it is part of one of the state’s smallest counties yet produces a third of all of Maine’s lobster as well as shellfish and finfish, and a great deal of sea urchins for the overseas market. It’s only fair that the town is home to the Maine Lobster Festival in early August. Early Rockland developed rapidly due to the shipbuilding industry, and remains the leading Windjammer port in the country. Rockland’s economy has shifted to a service center city as it is an industry leader in the fields of maintenance and construction of both commercial and private vessels. In early July, Rockland holds its annual Schooner days packed full of boat tours, races, and fun. Held in conjunction to the Schooner days, the North Atlantic Blues Festival is gaining notoriety as it honors Rockland as a great place for live blues music performances all year long.

 

Homes in Rockland range from affordable summer cottages to multi-million dollar waterfront estates, and it has developed into a growing favorite Midcoast Maine investment destination. What residents enjoy most about Rockland is the great lifestyle that is offered by the oceanfront community built along the pristine and sizeable working harbor.

 

If Rockland sounds like home to you, let us help guide you through your Maine Real Estate search. Browse Rockland, ME homes for sale.