Our real estate agents think Bar Harbor is an incredible town to live in, but you don't have to take our word for it. Let us share some facts, figures, and general information showing why Bar Harbor makes a great place to call home for all ages and lifestyles.

Grading Bar Harbor

Niche.com, one of the leaders in reviewing and ranking schools, cities, and neighborhoods, awards Bar Harbor an overall grade of A. Top marks are also given in the categories of "Public Schools," "Good for Families," and "Nightlife," making Bar Harbor a wonderful spot for both families and single adults. 

Not surprisingly, considering Bar Harbor's incredible natural surroundings, the town receives an A in "Outdoor Activities" and A- in "Health & Fitness." Solid B- grades in "Housing," "Jobs," and "Cost of Living" attest to the economic strength and stability of the area.

Bar Harbor by the Numbers

How does life in Bar Harbor compare to the rest of the country? BestPlaces offers some valuable data to show why Bar Harbor is a prime location.

• The average income per capita in Bar Harbor is $30,601 versus the U.S. average of $28,555. With a 5.5% sales tax rate compared to a 7.3% average across the country, you also get to keep more of your money in Bar Harbor.
  
  
• It's easy to get around in Bar Harbor. Transportation costs are only 72.7 on a scale of 100, which is the national average. One-way commutes in Bar Harbor are 23.1 minutes, 11% less than the national average of 26.4 minutes, giving you back an extra 30 minutes per week.
  
  
• Bar Harbor's median home value is $354,800, which reflects an appreciation of 4.8% over the last decade. Renters will be pleased to know that, at median rent of $864, they can expect to pay $200 less than most others in the U.S.

Education in Bar Harbor

If you have a family or plans of starting one, public education in Bar Harbor is a plus. Niche.com ranks the town at #9 out of 100 "Places with the Best Public Schools in Maine." 

Factors that contribute to this ranking include:

• Bar Harbor spends an annual average of $14,726 per student, compared to the national average of $12,383.
  
  
• At 9.3, the student/teacher ratio in Bar Harbor is nearly half the national number of 16.8, allowing for more individual attention per pupil.

Things to See and Do

• Acadia National Park - 25 Visitor Center Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  For many people, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. Billed as the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast," Acadia is one of the top 10 national parks in terms of annual visitors, welcoming on average 3.5 million guests each year. See something new each trip, thanks to 27 miles of historic roads and 158 miles of hiking trails. Other activities include swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter. The entrance fee is $15 per person or $30 per vehicle. Visit the website for a seasonal schedule of hours.
  
  
• Abbe Museum - 26 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  The original Abbe Museum opened in 1928 in Acadia National Park, featuring exhibits and programs dedicated to honoring the culture of the native Wabanaki people. In 2001, as both interest and collections grew, the museum acquired a second location in downtown Bar Harbor, enabling year-round operation. People of the First Light, the core exhibit in the downtown location, is a breathtaking multi-media, interactive exhibit exploring more than 12,000 years of Wabanaki history. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 11-17.
  
  
• ArtWaves - 1345-A State Hwy. 102, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  Nurture your creative spirit at ArtWaves, a community center with a mission to make visual arts accessible to all. In 2015, local artist Liz Cutler graciously opened her studio to this concept. Just four years later, ArtWaves moved to a 1.75-acre campus to accommodate the growing number of participants. ArtWaves incorporates three studios focused on sculpture, painting, and figure drawing, including online classes. Visit the website for class schedules and fees. 
  
  
• Side Street Cafe - 49 Rodick St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  While Side Street Cafe has been open since only 2009, the friendly service and New England-style comfort food give it the feel of a traditional diner. Owners Jena and Jeff Young stay in touch with customer tastes, adapting the building and menu accordingly. Popular dishes include their award-winning mac & cheese and signature lobster rolls. Side Street Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., with takeout available until 5 p.m.

Is a home in Bar Harbor calling your name? Contact us at The Masiello Group to learn more about Bar Harbor living.