Buxton is a picturesque town in southwestern Maine’s York County, just 10 miles northwest of Saco and a short drive from Portland. It sits on the scenic Saco River and covers about 52 square miles. Buxton’s ZIP codes are 04093 (Buxton) and 04004 (Bar Mills). With around 8,400 residents (2020 census) and a rural, small-town vibe, Buxton welcomes families and visitors with its friendly community spirit. The climate brings warm summers (70s–80s °F), colorful autumn foliage, and snowy winters – a classic New England four-season experience.
History of Buxton, Maine
Buxton has a rich colonial history. Originally granted in 1728 to soldiers from King Philip’s War, the area was called “Narragansett Township Number One.” The first permanent European settlers arrived around 1750 near Salmon Falls on the Saco River. Buxton was incorporated as a town in 1772 and named after the town of Buxton in Norfolk, England. In the 1800s Buxton grew into a busy mill village with sawmills and gristmills powered by the Saco River and many family farms. Historic landmarks – like the Buxton Powder House (built 1813) and old stone homes in the Salmon Falls historic district – hint at this rich past. Today Buxton blends its old-world charm with modern life: you’ll still find classic colonial and Cape-style houses, as well as a town that values its history. It’s a safe, close-knit community known for good schools and family-friendly living.
Buxton Demographics & Census Highlights
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Population: ~8,400 people (2020 Census) in 52 sq miles, with a population density around 160 people per square mile. Buxton’s population has steadily grown in recent decades.
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Age & Families: The median age is in the mid-40s, reflecting many families and active adults. About two-thirds of households are family households, many with children.
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Income: Buxton enjoys a relatively high median household income (around $85,000) compared to the state average. Most residents work in nearby cities like Portland, Saco, and Dover-Foxcroft or in local businesses.
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Housing: Most homes are owner-occupied; the median home value is in the mid-$300,000s. Buxton offers a mix of historic houses and newer homes on quiet country roads.
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Education: Buxton is part of Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) 6 – the Bonny Eagle school district. It has its own elementary school (Buxton Center Elementary) and the district’s middle and high schools serve the wider area. The schools are known for strong community support and good academic programs.
Top Things to Do in Buxton, Maine
Buxton and its neighbors offer a wealth of outdoor activities, historic sites, and family fun. Here are some must-see highlights:
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Pleasant Point Park: A 65-acre riverside park on the Saco River (Simpson Road, Buxton). This gem has canoe/kayak launches, a swimming area, picnic spots, and easy nature trails. It’s perfect for a summer picnic, paddle trip, or peaceful walk along the river.
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Salmon Falls Historic District: Explore the old houses along Route 117 near Salmon Falls. These 19th-century Greek Revival and Federal-style homes overlook the scenic falls on the Saco River (which separate Buxton from Hollis). It’s a lovely spot for a historic walking drive and riverside photos.
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Buxton-Hollis Historical Society & Museum: Located in an old white church in Bar Mills, this society preserves local history with exhibits and tours. Families can see antiques, photos, and learn stories about early life in Buxton and Hollis. The museum often hosts special events, such as historic house tours and talks.
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Saco River Theatre: In Bar Mills, a former grange hall turned performing arts center. Check the schedule for live music, theater, and community performances. It’s a unique cultural venue in the heart of rural Maine, offering entertainment for all ages.
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Berry Memorial Library: Also in Bar Mills, this charming town library (dating from 1929) is a community hub. Besides books, it features local artwork and sometimes hosts author talks and children’s story times.
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Bonny Eagle Park: A small but lovely park on Bonny Eagle Pond (off Proprietors Road). It has a sandy swimming area, a boat launch, and picnic tables. In summer it’s a popular spot for families to swim, paddle, or fish. In winter, the frozen pond is used for ice skating.
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Pick-Your-Own Farms: Experience Maine’s rural bounty by visiting local farms. Estes Blueberry Farm (Buxton) offers U-Pick wild blueberries in summer. Snell Family Farm (River Road, Buxton) has U-Pick apples in fall, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. Little River Flower Farm lets you pick seasonal bouquets in summer. These farms are great for kids and anyone who loves fresh produce.
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Bonny Eagle Falls and Salmon Falls Trails: For gentle hiking, try the local trails along the river. The Salmon Falls Reserve (managed by Three Rivers Land Trust) has a loop trail with views of old mill ruins and waterfalls on the Salmon Falls River (border with New Hampshire). (Note: some trails can be slippery, so use caution.)
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Saco River Recreation: The Saco River offers fishing (bass, trout, perch) and slow float trips. You can put in a canoe or kayak at Pleasant Point or Bonny Eagle Pond and enjoy miles of river winding through woods and fields. Nearby area outfitters in Saco or Hollis can rent boats or kayaks.
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Nearby Beaches and Coast: Although Buxton is inland, beautiful southern Maine beaches are within a short drive. Old Orchard Beach is about 15 minutes southeast (with its lively boardwalk and pier). Crescent Beach State Park (Scarborough) and Higgins Beach (Scarborough) are family-friendly sandy spots for a day trip.
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Day Trip to Portland: Greater Portland is only ~20 minutes east. Spend an afternoon exploring the Old Port waterfront, sampling seafood (like lobster rolls), or visiting the Portland Museum of Art. Don’t miss the Portland Head Light (historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth) and scenic ocean views. Portland’s famous eateries – Duckfat, The Holy Donut, and Eventide Oyster Co. – are just a short drive away.
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Seasonal Events: Check the community calendar for Buxton’s seasonal fairs and markets. In spring and fall the town hosts yard sales, craft fairs, and farmers markets. Summer brings outdoor concerts or a Fourth of July parade. In winter, local families enjoy ice skating and holiday craft nights at community centers. These events showcase Buxton’s small-town spirit and give travelers a taste of local life.
Where to Stay Near Buxton, Maine
Buxton itself has a few cozy lodging options, and larger hotels are a short drive away:
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Edgewood Motel (Buxton): A quiet, no-frills motel right off Route 202 in Buxton. It offers simple rooms at budget rates, ideal for road-trippers or families.
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Campgrounds: For outdoor lovers, nearby campgrounds like Family & Friends Campground in Standish (on Sebago Lake) provide RV and tent sites among the pines. These are great for summer fun on Maine’s lakes.
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Bed & Breakfasts: Consider staying at a local B&B for a homey experience. Riverbend Retreat (Buxton) is a quaint country inn offering cozy rooms and home-cooked breakfast. The Jeremiah Mason House Inn in Kennebunkport (a 30-minute drive) is a well-known historic B&B if you want a charming splurge.
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Hotels in Neighboring Towns: In nearby Saco and Old Orchard Beach you’ll find more hotel chains. The Comfort Inn & Suites (Saco/Old Orchard) and Holiday Inn Express (Scarborough) are mid-range options with modern amenities and pools. For upscale lodging, the seaside city of Portland (15 minutes away) has hotels like the Westin Portland Harborview and boutique inns, if you want to treat yourself.
Dining and Best Restaurants Near Buxton
Buxton and the surrounding area offer a variety of eating spots, from casual dives to local brew pubs:
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Tory Hill Cafe (Buxton): A cozy, home-style cafe in West Buxton serving hearty breakfast, sandwiches, and soups. It’s a local favorite for coffee and a relaxed meal.
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Oak & Ember (Buxton): A farm-to-table gastropub with a rotating menu of burgers, flatbreads, and craft beers. The rustic-chic space is great for dinner with friends; check their Facebook page for their weekly specials.
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Low’s Variety (Buxton): A family-run convenience store famous for slices of pizza, subs, and fresh doughnuts. It’s a great spot for a quick, affordable bite or coffee.
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The River Tap & Grill (Hollis): Just across the Saco River in Hollis, this brewery/restaurant offers 16 beers on tap, burgers, pizzas, and a lively deck overlooking the water. Their famous “River Rat Rum Punch” and live music nights make it a fun destination.
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Becky’s Diner (Saco): A short drive into Saco, this classic diner (with bright blue neon sign) serves huge breakfasts and comfort food 24/7. Pancakes, omelets, and milkshakes here feel straight out of a happy diner scene.
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Scarborough’s Chicken Shacks: A local favorite, LaFrog’s Chicken Shack and Shaw’s Chicken Shack (Scarborough) serve Maine-style fried chicken dinners. These are perfect for a casual, hearty meal (just 10–15 min from Buxton).
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Downtown Portland (gourmet option): For a special night out, drive into Portland. Try Duckfat (now with a Portland location) for the best fries and poutine, or The Holy Donut (a local chain) for gourmet donuts and coffee. The Old Port district boasts many farm-to-table and seafood restaurants – perfect for foodies visiting Buxton.
Location, Access, and Basics
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Where is Buxton? Buxton is in York County, bordering the city of Saco to the south, Standish to the north, Scarborough to the east, and Hollis to the west. It’s about 15 miles southwest of Portland, giving residents easy city access. Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike) passes just east of town, making travel straightforward.
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ZIP Codes & Area Code: The main ZIP code is 04093 for Buxton, with 04004 covering the Bar Mills area. The area code is 207.
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Transportation: Having a car is convenient in Buxton since public transit is limited. The Portland International Jetport is the nearest airport (15 miles east). Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops in nearby Saco and Wells for trips to Boston or Brunswick.
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Safety: Buxton is considered a safe and quiet community. Crime rates are low and the town has its own fire and police departments. Visitors and residents comment on the friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is Buxton, Maine known for? Buxton is known for its rural charm, historic mills and villages (especially Salmon Falls), and its outdoor recreation on the Saco River. It’s also close-knit community life with strong schools (part of Bonny Eagle MSAD 6) and easy access to Portland.
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Q: How many people live in Buxton? About 8,400 (2020 census). It’s grown steadily as people move to the Portland area for more space and a small-town feel.
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Q: What are the top things to do in Buxton, Maine? Enjoy nature at Pleasant Point Park or Bonny Eagle Pond; explore local history at the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society; pick berries at Estes Farm; or take a short trip to Old Orchard Beach or Portland’s attractions. Our “Top Things to Do” section above has many ideas!
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Q: Where can I stay when visiting Buxton? Buxton itself has motels like the Edgewood Motel and a few B&Bs. For a wider range, nearby Saco/Old Orchard Beach offers hotels (Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, etc.). Portland’s hotels are just 15 minutes away for luxury options. Camping is popular in summer at local sites.
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Q: What are the best restaurants near Buxton, Maine? Local picks include Pat’s Pizza and Tory Hill Cafe in Buxton for casual meals, River Tap & Grill in Hollis for a brewpub vibe, and Becky's Diner in Saco for classic breakfast. Less than 15 minutes away, Scarborough has great fried chicken shacks. And don’t forget downtown Portland’s famous spots like Duckfat (fries) and The Holy Donut.
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Q: What is the cost of living in Buxton, Maine? Buxton’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to housing costs in the Portland metro area. However, many residents find the town offers good value for the quality of life, with solid local services and schools.
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Q: What is the weather like? Buxton has a humid continental climate. Summers (June–August) are warm but not scorching (daily highs in the 70s–80s °F). Fall brings spectacular foliage colors and cool breezes. Winters (December–February) are cold and snowy (lows often below 20 °F), great for snow sports. Spring is mild but short.
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Q: How are the schools in Buxton? Buxton Center Elementary serves the younger children of town. Older students attend Bonny Eagle Middle and High School in nearby towns. The Bonny Eagle (MSAD 6) district is one of Maine’s largest and is well-regarded for academics and athletics. Parents appreciate the community involvement and school choice programs.
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Q: What ZIP code is Buxton, Maine? Buxton’s main ZIP code is 04093. The Bar Mills area of town has ZIP code 04004.
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Q: Why might someone move to or visit Buxton? For its peaceful, scenic lifestyle with easy city access. Visitors come to enjoy river recreation, fall foliage, and rural New England ambiance. Families love the quiet neighborhoods and good schools. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience Maine’s natural beauty and small-town charm while still being close to beaches, mountains, and urban amenities.
Summary: Why Visit or Move to Buxton
Buxton, Maine, is a hidden gem of southern Maine – offering a friendly, country-town atmosphere with history and outdoor fun at every turn. Visitors love Buxton for riverside parks (perfect for canoeing or fishing), pick-your-own farms (blueberries in summer, apples and pumpkins in fall), and its proximity to both beaches and the city. History buffs will appreciate the old New England architecture and local museum, while families find safe neighborhoods and top-notch schools. For nature lovers, the Saco River and rolling forests are ideal for hikes, wildlife spotting, and seasonal activities.
Despite its quiet charm, Buxton is very accessible: just off I-95, 20 minutes from Portland’s restaurants and arts, and minutes from coastal beach towns. If you’re dreaming of a Maine getaway or a permanent move to a community with small-town warmth, Buxton delivers. Its evergreen beauty – from river vistas to snowy woods – keeps people coming back year after year. Discover Buxton’s unique blend of history, adventure, and hometown charm for yourself!