South Berwick has achieved notable recognition, being ranked number 13 among the top 25 best small towns in New England by Yankee Magazine.
This honor, designated for towns with populations under 10,000, emphasizes South Berwick’s unique charm and appeal within the region, as well as the quality of the Marshwood School District and outdoor spaces.
“A classic mill town that’s reinvented itself into a lively bedroom community, South Berwick perches on the Maine-New Hampshire border with a family-friendly downtown of brick buildings and wooded conservation areas,” the magazine said. “Many of its solid storefronts have been transformed into artisanal restaurants and independent shops, while the local school district is one of the best in the state.”
At number 13, South Berwick outranks Cape Elizabeth, which holds the 16th position. Other Maine towns featured in the article include Camden at number 5 and Stonington at number 10. Essex, Conn., earned the top spot on the list.
To be considered for the ranking, towns had to have a population of less than 10,000 and be located within a reasonable distance from major amenities.
Specifically, towns could not be so remote that they are more than a couple of hours from a major airport or more than 30 minutes from grocery and hardware stores.
Yankee Magazine evaluated towns based on several other factors, including the quality of local schools, population diversity, crime rates, property taxes and real estate prices.
The magazine also considered community elements such as churches, festivals, outdoor activities and locally owned bars and restaurants, along with the unique characteristics that make each town stand out.
Founded in 1935, Yankee Magazine is now an employee-owned publication that in 2024 had a paid circulation of 330,000 and a total readership of nearly 1.9 million, according to its website.
