Mainepedia
Hope, Maine

Hope, Maine

Hope General Store and rural tranquility

Overview

Hope is one of Maine's smallest towns, known for its picture-perfect general store and quintessential rural New England character. Rolling hills, working farms, and Alford Lake define this peaceful community.

Key Facts

Population 1,600
Region Midcoast
County Knox
Founded 1804
Nearest City Camden (12 miles), Rockland (18 miles)

What Hope Is Known For

Hope Local Highlights

Hope General Store
Classic New England general store, community gathering place.
Alford Lake
Pristine lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Rural Character
Preserved farmland, dirt roads, and countryside.
Small Town Life
One of Maine's tiniest towns with authentic character.

Things to Do

1
Visit Hope General Store
Experience classic general store, local goods, community bulletin board.
2
Swim at Alford Lake
Town beach on clear lake.
3
Drive scenic backroads
Explore dirt roads and countryside.
4
Visit nearby Camden
12 miles to mountains-meet-sea scenery.
5
Attend town meetings
Traditional New England direct democracy.

Living in Hope

Hope offers ultimate rural Maine living—small population, large lots, preserved countryside. Very affordable housing, volunteer services, regional schools. Appeals to those seeking peace, privacy, and authentic small-town life near Camden's amenities.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-85°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 12-30°F

spring

Muddy, 35-55°F

fall

Beautiful foliage, 38-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

White-tailed deer Moose Bears Loons on lake

How to Get There

Routes 105 and 235 connect Hope to Camden and Route 3. Many dirt roads. 18 miles from Rockland, 12 from Camden.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Hope outline