Saco Characteristics

 

With miles of sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the Saco River, the City of Saco is blessed with a beautiful location.   It has good access to transportation with Interstate 95 and Route 1 through the City.  It has a stable local government and a stable tax rate.  It is within reach of a sizable educated workforce.  The City’s population has been growing commensurate with that of York County for 30 years, and is considered one of the fastest growing areas in the state.  Its primary and middle schools are excellent. High school students are served by the private Thornton Academy.

 

The City has an excellent housing stock, with no concentrated areas of blight.  The housing includes nearly one-third rental units, thereby providing housing for a variety of income groups.  Single-family housing also spans all income ranges, although starter homes are beginning to be harder to find.  Considered to be major community assets are Ferry Beach State Park, other parks and recreation system and an emerging walking trails system.

 

Downtown Saco is most noted for its beautiful Main Street.  Its Nineteenth Century architecture and tree-lined nature are the locus of great community pride.  A 1998 business survey identified the downtowns’ attractiveness and architectural character. The survey maintained it is fairly well maintained as a major community asset. 

 

Other assets include the potential for great growth if a Historic Preservation Ordinance renovates mill space on Saco Island, the coming arrival of Amtrak passenger train service and the protection of downtown’s character.