Belfast, Maine

Belfast, Maine, on the western shore of Penobscot Bay, was originally known as the Settlement of Passagasswakeag, but was renamed on the flip of a coin in 1770 by Scottish-Irish settlers. Sheltered from the ocean in the heart of Maine's Midcoast region but near enough to sail easily to Bangor or Boston, during the late 18th and 19th century, Belfast was an important ship building center. Local shipyards christened hundreds of tall-masted masted schooners and made many New England families wealthy. When wooden ships fell out of favor, lobsters became one of the area's main exports, along with scallops, herring, mackerel, sardines, to the major cities of the East Coast and even farther away.

Belfast and its environs draws many summer visitors, including young artists and other educated people, from around the country. Sometimes called "the funkiest little town in Maine," almost every art form can be found here (and often the artist who created it): photos, jewelry, paintings. The Belfast Co-op is the largest natural food store in Maine, and has become a social center for the young idealists that have settled there.

Traditional shopkeepers, restauranteurs, craftspeople and artists, as well as MBNA (now merged with Bank of America), have kept the local economy active. During the 1940's the area embraced the shoe business and nearby poultry farms provided a daily supply of up to 200,000 chickens to local processing plants. The chickens are just about gone today, but lobstermen still work the waters of Penobscot Bay as did their ancestors.

Homes in Belfast, or nearby Northport and Bayside, provide easy coastal access to Penobscot Bay. Centuries after this area of Maine was settled, visitors and homeowners marvel at its unspoiled natural setting. Coasts, woods, mountains, and history all merge in the Belfast area. Overlooking the harbor, hundred-year-old brick storefronts house quaint boutiques, friendly taverns, and exceptional restaurants. Down the hill, on the waterfront, the Belfast Maskers perform year round at their theater in the old railroad terminal. Further inland, the smaller historical villages and rolling country farmland offers life at an easy pace.

The Belfast area is a wonderful place to relocate. Others have already found a warm, secure place to raise their children, a creative environment to inspire them, trustworthy workers for their small business, or a active, friendly community where they can retire. As a hardworking buyer's broker, I can help you find the real estate you need: country farmhouses or rural land; classic homes in town, or old-fashioned Maine homes built centuries ago.

Belfast Real Estate

I have provided a great photo directory of my real estate listings for Belfast, Maine and nearby communities. Or sign up for all the Maine multiple listings and let me know if you would like a free local newspaper subscription. If you find a property that interests you, then give me a call at (800) 577-1473 with the name and number of the listing. Thank you.

Charles Hunter Realty of Maine   107 Main Street Belfast, ME 04915 (800) 577-1473     Toll Free Direct Call: 1 800 577-1473

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