Waterboro, Maine

The place of much water.

Overview

Waterboro is a growing lakeside community in York County whose Abenaki name literally means "place of much water" - a perfect description of this town blessed with Little Ossipee Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and numerous ponds. Incorporated in 1787, Waterboro encompasses the villages of North, East, and South Waterboro. This community of 7,936 residents has evolved from rural farming town to popular destination for lakeside living, offering excellent water recreation, the unique Waterboro Barrens Preserve, access to Ossipee Mountain, and convenient proximity to Portland while maintaining its natural beauty and small-town character.

Key Facts

Population 7,936

Region Southern Maine Coast

County York

Founded 1787

Nearest City Portland (35 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Waterboro Is Known For

Waterboro Local Highlights

Little Ossipee Lake

Beautiful 1,400-acre lake offering swimming, boating, fishing, and lakeside living with multiple public access points.

Lake Arrowhead

Private lake community providing additional water recreation and residential lakefront properties.

Waterboro Barrens Preserve

Unique 1,200-acre sandplain grassland preserve with rare ecosystem, hiking trails, and wildlife habitat.

Ossipee Mountain Access

Gateway to hiking and recreation on nearby Ossipee Mountain with scenic views and forest trails.

Things to Do

Swim and Boat Little Ossipee Lake

Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports on this 1,400-acre lake with public beaches and boat launches.

Hike Waterboro Barrens Preserve

Explore this unique 1,200-acre sandplain ecosystem with rare grassland habitat, trails, and diverse wildlife.

Climb Ossipee Mountain

Hike to summit views from nearby Ossipee Mountain's trails offering panoramic vistas of lakes and countryside.

Fish Area Ponds

Cast for bass, pickerel, and perch in Little Ossipee Lake and numerous ponds throughout the town.

Living in Waterboro

Waterboro offers popular lakeside living with growing residential development while maintaining rural character. The town of 7,936 residents provides good schools, abundant water recreation, and reasonable proximity to Portland employment. Housing ranges from lakefront properties to affordable rural homes. The community attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking lake access with small-town atmosphere and easy highway connections.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-85°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 15-30°F

spring

Cool, 42-60°F

fall

Beautiful, 48-68°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

White-tailed Deer Beavers Loons Black Bears

How to Get There

Waterboro is located in York County along Route 5 and Route 202, approximately 35 minutes west of Portland and 20 minutes from Biddeford. From Interstate 95, take Exit 32 and follow Route 111 west, then Route 202 north to Waterboro. The town sits at 43.55°N, 70.72°W among numerous lakes and ponds.

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

Satellite preview

Waterboro outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim in Little Ossipee Lake?

Yes, Little Ossipee Lake offers public swimming beaches and access points for swimming, boating, and fishing. It's a popular summer destination for families and water recreation.

What makes Waterboro Barrens Preserve special?

It's a rare 1,200-acre sandplain grassland ecosystem - one of the few remaining in New England - providing habitat for specialized plants and wildlife while offering hiking trails through this unique landscape.

Is Waterboro good for commuters?

Yes, Waterboro is popular with Portland commuters (35 minutes) seeking lakeside or rural living with good highway access via Routes 202 and 5, plus proximity to I-95.