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Scarborough, ME

Frequently asked questions

Scarborough, ME

Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of the U.S. state of Maine. Located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Portland, Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

In about 1630, John V. Stratton opened a trading post on Stratton Island in Saco Bay off Scarborough's shore. In 1631, the Plymouth Council for New England granted the "Black Point Patent" to Captain Thomas Cammock, nephew of the Earl of Warwick. Cammock built a house and began residence in 1635 on the 1,500-acre (6.1 km2) tract of land, which extended from the Spurwink River to Black Point—today this area is known as Prouts Neck. While on a voyage to the West Indies, in 1643, Thomas Cammock died at Barbados. Having no heirs, his patent was conveyed to his wife, Margaret Cammock. Settlements developed at Black Point, Blue Point (i.e., Pine Point), Dunstan (i.e., West Scarborough), and Stratton Island. By 1650, there were fifty homes. The town offered excellent fishing and farming. On July 14, 1658, the Massachusetts General Court incorporated all of those settlements as Scarborough, named for Scarborough in Yorkshire, England.

The major industries in Scarborough are diverse, reflecting its unique location and community needs. Tourism plays a significant role, with visitors drawn to the town's sandy beaches, such as Higgins Beach and Scarborough Beach State Park. The fishing industry also contributes to the local economy, emphasizing the town's connection to the sea. Additionally, healthcare services, retail, and education are vital components of Scarborough's economic landscape.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 70.63 square miles (182.93 km2), of which 47.61 square miles (123.31 km2) is land and 23.02 square miles (59.62 km2) is water. Drained by the Scarborough River, Nonesuch River, Libby River and Spurwink River, the town is situated beside the Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is Beech Ridge, elevation 215 feet (66 m). In early years of Scarborough's settlement bonfires were set on Scottow Hill, elevation 144 feet (44 m), as warnings to the surrounding countryside of approaching danger.

Scarborough is crossed by Interstate 95, Interstate 295, U.S. Route 1, and State Routes 9, 77, 114, and 207. It is bordered by the town of Cape Elizabeth to the northeast, South Portland and Westbrook to the north and northwest, Gorham and Buxton to the west, and Saco and Old Orchard Beach to the south and southwest.

Scarborough places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with institutions like the MaineHealth Scarborough Surgery Center providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. The town's coastal location and access to outdoor spaces contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks, promoting well-being through outdoor activities.

Top sites in Scarborough, ME are Eastern Trail, Salt Pump Climbing Company, and Big 20 Bowling Center.

Population: 22,747 (2023). ZIP codes: 04070, 04074. Area code: 207. Elevation: 16 ft (5 m). Area: 70.63 sq mi (182.93 km2).

FAQs

Is Scarborough, ME a town or city?

Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of the U.S. state of Maine. Located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Portland, Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 22,135 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous town (not city) in Maine.

How big is Scarborough, ME?

At 50 square miles, Scarborough is a big town. It's one of the largest towns in southern Maine. With 20,000 residents, Scarborough is also a large community. It ranks in the top 10 in Maine and has been one of the fastest-growing towns in the state. The proximity to Portland, the Maine Turnpike, I-295 and the Maine Mall makes us very attractive for residential and commercial development.

Is Scarborough Maine a nice place to live?

With a livability score of 81 out of 100, Scarborough is ranked #1,139 in the United States and #9 in Maine. Based on this score, Scarborough would be considered a very livable city! Scarborough is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Scarborough ranks well for crime (A+), education (B+) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Scarborough. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Scarborough

MaineHealth Scarborough Surgery Center

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

Maine Outdoors

Eastern Trail

Salt Pump Climbing Company

Big 20 Bowling Center

Scarborough Land Trust

Area Vibes

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