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Wells, ME

Frequently asked questions

Wells, ME

Wells is a resort town in York County, Maine, United States. Founded in 1643, it is the third-oldest town in Maine. Wells Beach is a popular summer destination.

Edmund Littlefield, an immigrant from the wool regions of Titchfield, England, built the first gristmill and later a woolen mill on the Webhannet River, becoming known as "The Father of Wells," where a monument commemorates his contribution. In 1622, the Plymouth Company in England awarded to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Lord Proprietor of Maine, territory which included the Plantation of Wells. His young cousin, Thomas Gorges, acting as deputy and agent, in 1641 granted to Rev. John Wheelwright and other settlers from Exeter, New Hampshire the right to populate the land from northeast of the Ogunquit River to southwest of the Kennebunk River. 

Following the death of the elder Gorges in 1647, the Massachusetts Bay Colony laid claim to Maine. On July 5, 1653, Wells was incorporated, the third town in Maine to do so, and named after Wells, England, a small cathedral city in the county of Somerset. After the restoration of Charles II and a meeting in Wells of the trustees of the late Ferdinando Gorges, the British authorities gave a general outline for the local civil and military administration on December 7, 1661. Wells included Kennebunk, which was set off the year Maine became a state in 1820, and Ogunquit, designated a village within Wells by the legislature in 1913, then set off in 1980.

Wells is on the southern coast of Maine, surrounded by Kennebunk to the northeast, Sanford to the northwest, North Berwick to the west, South Berwick to the southwest, and Ogunquit to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 73.61 square miles (190.65 km2), of which 57.55 square miles (149.05 km2) is land and 16.06 square miles (41.60 km2) is water.[1] Wells is drained by the Webhannet River. The highest point in town is an unnamed hill located one-half mile south of the intersection of State Route 9 and Bragdon Road, which is 360 feet (110 m) above sea level. The lowest elevation is sea level, along the coastline with the Atlantic Ocean.

Wells prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents and visitors. The Southern Maine Health Care organization plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm, a National Estuarine Research Reserve, provides educational programs and trails for nature enthusiasts. The coastal setting also promotes a healthy lifestyle, encouraging activities like beach walks and water sports.

Top sites in Wells, ME are Wells Reserve at Laudholm, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and Wonder Mountain Fun Park.

Population: 11,314 (2020). ZIP code: 04090. Area code: 207. Elevation: 177 ft (54 m). Area: 73.61 sq mi (190.6 km2).

FAQs

Is Wells, ME a city or town?

In our nation's easternmost Pine Tree State of Maine and its southernmost county of York, is the town of Wells, named for the cathedral city of Wells, in Somerset, England. Wells is a seacoast town. From Drakes Island to Moody, the majestic marine shoreline sweeps in a crescent, bordering the mighty Atlantic Ocean with sandy beaches and rocky promontories. Behind the dunes, a tidal river flows through the green and gold marshes and is met by many smaller streams, which originate inland among the forests and distant hills.

Does Wells, ME have a downtown?

Whether you're visiting for a weekend break, summer vacation, or a new adventure, you'll quickly fall in love with this place. This may even become your new home away from home. First things first, you will need a place to stay. For a memorable stay in downtown Wells, Maine, make sure to choose the right hotel or resort.

Is Wells Maine a nice place to live?

When looking at the bestplaces rankings for Wells, it has an overall ranking of #90 out of all cities in Maine, with an A+ grade for cost of living and a B- grade for crime & safety. The median home value in Wells stands at $339,000 and the median household income is $62,750 which is higher than the state average. Additionally, Wells received an A- rating for housing costs which reflects the relatively high price of living there. Furthermore, the education score is above average with a rating of B+. As such, Wells can be considered an excellent place to live if one seeks access to good schools and a safe environment at a slightly higher cost than other parts of Maine.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Wells, Maine

Southern Maine Health Care

Wells Reserve at Laudholm

National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Wonder Mountain Fun Park

Anchor Inn and Cottages

Best Places

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