Key Area Information

The Kennebunks and Arundel are located in York Country, the southernmost county in the state of Maine. York County encompasses 1023.4 square miles in an area bordered on the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by New Hampshire, on the northeast by Cumberland County, Maine, and on the north by Oxford County.

Kennebunk was settled about 1650. The shipbuilding industry was established by 1730 and the town took a lively part in the West Indian trade until the Revolutionary War. Later, small mills were established along the Mousam River. Kennebunk is characterized by magnificent coastal and inland features and offers the best of both worlds, featuring some of Maine's prettiest beaches, as well as scenic rural countryside. There is a strong sense of community pride amongst the residents, who enjoy a highly regarded and nationally acclaimed school system. A number of churches represent a variety of faiths and there are several civic and fraternal groups that support the community.

Kennebunkport is a community rich in history. Founded in 1653, it was the ship building center of York County in the 1800's. It is known for its scenery, lovely oceanfront homes and picturesque harbor – a focal point for the quaint shops, inns and restaurants that attract vacationers, retirees, and families who seek a small close-knit community. As the summer home of George Herbert Walker Bush, Kennebunkport still commands national recognition. Cape Porpoise is a small, unspoiled seaside-fishing village located between the village and Goose Rocks Beach. Arundel, originally incorporated as North Kennebunkport in 1915, became a town in its own right in 1957. Arundel is becoming well known for its antique malls and shops.

TRANSPORTATION
The Kennebunks have easy access to major highways, rail lines, and airports. Nearby I-95 (the Maine Turnpike) links the area to Portland, Boston and New York City. Amtrak provides passenger rail service to Boston – 5 trips daily. There are several small municipal airports nearby, and Portland International Jetport lies about 25 miles to the north of the Kennebunks.

RECREATION & CULTURE
The Kennebunks are fortunate to have fine sandy beaches. Kennebunk residents need beach permits to park along Kennebunk beaches during the summer. Visitor passes are available at the town offices and the Chamber of Commerce during business hours. Permits are also required at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport and may be obtained at the Kennebunkport Police Station.

POPULATION
Based on 2000 U.S. Census

Kennebunk Kennebunkport Arundel
Land area, sq. mi. 35 21 24
Persons per sq. mi. 228 163 112
Population 11,000 3720 3700
Median age 37.5 41.0 35.1

CLIMATE

The Average…

Annual Temperature…45 F

Summer Temperature …70 F

Winter Temperature…22 F

Rainfall…43"

Snowfall…91"

HEALTH CARE
Residents of the Kennebunks have a wide variety of health care services available to them including health care professionals, home health services, and a nursing home.

Southern Maine Medical Center is a modern 150-bed acute care hospital providing a full range of inpatient and outpatient services (medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and mental health) to residents and seasonal visitors. The emergency Department is open 24 hours a day. The hospital is located off Route 111, Alfred Road, in Biddeford, about 10 minutes from the Kennebunks.

Wells Urgent Care is located on Route 109 in Wells, Maine.

EDUCATION
The towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport together comprise Maine School Administrative District six schools with a student population of about 2,000.

Other Schools:
- The New School (High School)
- Landing School of Boat Building & Design
- The School Around Us
- The Children's House (Infant/Kinder)

Higher Education:
- University of Southern Maine
- University of New England
- York County Community College
- Heartwood College of Art

RELIGION
The Kennebunks offer 21 places to worship at Protestant, Catholic, and Unitarian Universalist churches