The Marginal Way

Views along The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. (Courtesy photo)

Over the years, I’ve met many families thinking of purchasing a second home, and they have a difficult time deciding between the coast of Maine or the Lakes Region. Well, both options have their advantages; they are overall quite different from one another. Growing up, I spent many of my summers at Rye Beach in New Hampshire, and I’ve also enjoyed the Maine coast as a place to get away and enjoy a different pace. One of the greatest advantages of living in New England is the proximity to both of these diverse markets. So, to help families trying to decide between the two, I broke down some comparisons of each region. 

Maine coast

• Driving distance from Boston to Ogunquit: 1 hour 33 minutes.

• Driving distance to Camden: 3 hours 21 minutes.

• Choice of long sandy beaches or craggy rocky coastline.

• Quaint coastal towns with down-east charm, interesting harbors to explore, and surfing at many beaches.

• Extensive traffic up I-95 & Route 1.

•Prime tourist season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

•Businesses have extended their operations to extend the season by two or three months with ‘Off-Season Rates.”

• Smell of salt air, scenic views of the coastline, and fine, fresh-seafood eateries attract a wide audience.

• There are many beach choices…. York, Ogunquit, Old Orchard, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Boothbay, Camden, Bar Harbor, etc.

• Saltwater beaches with surf, strong currents, colder water and tides to navigate.

• Long stretches of beaches for walking and recreation.

• Salt water and barnacles are corrosive to boat engines and outdrives.

• Boating regulations and navigation are much more complicated on the ocean, and finding docking in front of your house is very difficult due to the tides. 

• Ocean fog and cooler summertime temperatures can be a factor.

• Nearby summer attractions include The Marginal Way, Ogunquit Summer Playhouse, York Animal Kingdom, state parks, lighthouse tours, Funtown/Splashtown amusement park, Portland Museum of Art, ferry rides to outlying islands, deep sea fishing excursions and so much more.

• Winter attractions are limited; many businesses and restaurants are closed for the winter — likewise, a number of second home owners close their homes for the season.

Lakes Region

• Driving distance from Boston to the Lakes Region: 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Easy access to I-93; however, traffic does increase during the summer months. 

• There are 273 lakes, ponds, and rivers within the Lakes Region.

• Crystal-clear, fresh water lakes offer great swimming, easy boating, fishing, water skiing and relaxation.

• Boat accessibility is a huge advantage on the lakes. Most towns have public launches, and most homes and communities cater to the avid boater.

• The Lakes Region is a four-season destination. This is really our biggest advantage over coastal living. When the summer season ends, fall breezes in along with its beautiful foliage; perfect for sightseeing, hiking and so much more. Winter offers snowy activities such as skiing and snowboarding while spring brings sweet maple syrup from local trees 

The Lakes Region is surrounded by the Belknap, Ossipee, and White Mountain ranges. Offering amazing hiking trails, scenic drives. The White Mountains alone offer 48 4,000-footers.

Winter season unfolds with numerous sporting activities — alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, winter hiking, ice fishing, pond hockey, sled dog racing, and so much more.

Nearby attractions include The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, The Tanger Outlet Mall, numerous golf courses, The Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Interlake’s Summer Theatre, Lakeport Opera House, the largest arcade in the world Funspot, and Gunstock Recreation Area.

The town of Meredith is known for its Ice Fishing Derby, Pond Hockey Tournament, and scenic lakeside inns. Laconia is home to Laconia Motorcycle Week (the oldest motorcycle rally in the world) and Pumpkin Festival. Wolfeboro is the oldest resort town in America.

There are numerous craft fairs, chowder fests, marathons, fishing derbies, boat and car shows throughout all our towns.

The choice between the two regions is certainly difficult, with so much to do in the great outdoors. Both offer unlimited recreational and cultural opportunities, with lots of crystal clear and salt water thrown in. I really do love our neighboring coast. However, when you purchase a second home, it’s important to get as much use out of it as possible to offset the cost. The Lakes Region is accessible to many year-round activities, and whenever I have the craving for fresh seafood, that salty air and long walks on the beach, I just take a short drive to the ocean.

•••

This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.

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