Living in Bar Harbor, Maine, means having the ocean breeze in your lungs and Acadia National Park at your doorstep — but for those in the know, Hulls Cove offers a neighborhood experience distinct from the bustle of downtown. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about local life, here’s what it’s really like to call Hulls Cove home.
Community Vibe: Welcoming and Down-to-Earth
Hulls Cove is one of those gems where neighbors wave from their front porches and there’s a genuine sense of being “part of something.” Residents have deep roots; many families have lived here for generations, but newcomers are welcomed at community gatherings and the annual Hulls Cove Schoolhouse events. The pace is slow and friendly, with plenty of retiree energy, family playdates, and outdoor enthusiasts striding by in hiking boots.
A casual afternoon might start with coffee from The Cove — a beloved local store and café right on Route 3 — and end with a sunset stroll along the cove itself, chatting with the same faces you saw at the playground earlier. There’s a feeling here that folks look out for each other.
Types of Housing: Classic Maine Variety
You’ll find a range of homes in Hulls Cove, reflecting its unique place in Bar Harbor’s history. There are:
- Classic coastal cottages, many dating back to the early 1900s, lovingly maintained and often with commanding views over Frenchman Bay.
- Newer single-family homes and Cape-style houses tucked in among tall spruces on peaceful side streets like Crooked Road, Bay View Drive, and State Highway 3.
- A handful of seasonal rentals and cottages, which fill up with vacationers in the summer, but the core population stays year-round.
Lot sizes are typically larger than in downtown Bar Harbor, and many homes have big yards or gardens — perfect for those who like a little elbow room.
Walkability: Quiet Streets and Scenic Rambles
While Hulls Cove isn’t as walkable as downtown Bar Harbor, it’s easy to get around on foot, especially along the main artery of State Highway 3 (also known as Bar Harbor Road), and the quieter residential lanes branching off it:
- Families can walk to Hulls Cove Beach, a small pocket of shore that’s a local secret for skipping stones or launching kayaks.
- Sidewalks are limited on Route 3 itself, so many residents walk or bike on Bay View Drive and Crooked Road, where there’s less traffic.
- The Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the main gateway to Acadia National Park, is within walking or biking distance for most residents, opening up trailheads and carriage roads.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: A Community for All Ages
The Hulls Cove neighborhood falls within the Mount Desert Island Regional School System, serving students from Bar Harbor and nearby towns. The local K-8 school, Conners Emerson School, is about a ten-minute drive or quick bus ride away in downtown Bar Harbor, while Mount Desert Island High School is also a short commute. Parents praise the small class sizes and supportive teaching staff.
Hulls Cove is family-friendly, with kids playing in front yards and visiting friends easily by bike. The Hulls Cove Schoolhouse, a historic building on Schoolhouse Lane, hosts seasonal events, workshops, and the occasional community supper — it’s a gathering place for young families and retirees alike.
Parks and Green Spaces: Nature Everywhere
If you love the outdoors, Hulls Cove is paradise:
- Acadia National Park’s Hulls Cove Visitor Center is a neighborhood landmark and the main entrance to the park’s 45 miles of carriage roads and countless hiking trails. Locals often bike or walk in from their doorstep.
- Hulls Cove Beach, though small, is a peaceful spot with views of the Porcupine Islands — perfect for a quick dip or just soaking in the scenery.
- The area has several quiet, forested spaces just off residential roads, where locals walk their dogs or enjoy winter snowshoeing.
- The neighborhood is also close to Paradise Hill Road and the Eagle Lake Carriage Road entrance for longer adventures.
Safety: Peaceful Living by the Bay
Residents describe Hulls Cove as very safe. The quiet, low-traffic roads mean parents feel comfortable letting kids ride bikes or walk to a friend’s house. The Bar Harbor Police Department occasionally patrols the area, but there’s little need — crime is almost unheard of, and neighbors keep an eye out for each other.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Hulls Cove strikes a rare balance: it’s close to everything, yet feels a world away from the swells of tourist traffic downtown. It’s:
- Only about 3 miles from the heart of Bar Harbor (a 7-10 minute drive or a quick bus ride on the Island Explorer transit).
- Close to Jackson Laboratory — one of the region’s biggest employers — and Mount Desert Island Hospital, making commuting a breeze for staff.
- The easy access to Route 3 means you can quickly pop into town for errands or dinner, but retreat to tranquility at home.
What Residents Love Most
Ask a longtime local what they cherish about Hulls Cove, and you might hear:
- The community — how everyone pitches in, shares surplus garden veggies, and shows up for local events.
- The location — being nestled between forest and ocean, a walk away from Acadia, with water views and cool bay breezes.
- The peace and quiet — unlike busier Bar Harbor neighborhoods, Hulls Cove stays calm even in high season.
- Access to adventure — from easy hiking to paddling or cross-country skiing, the best of MDI is right out the front door.
In short, Hulls Cove offers the coastal charm, community, and natural beauty that make Bar Harbor special — in a neighborhood where you really can put down roots and belong.