Maine has a deeply romantic hold on the American imagination — lobster shacks, rocky coastlines, lighthouses, fall foliage, and the unhurried pace of New England life. Bar Harbor and Acadia anchor the strongest vacation rental market in the state. Portland has emerged as one of the best food cities in the United States, generating strong year-round urban vacation rental demand. Explore Awning's Maine property management services to see where we operate.
Use the Airbnb estimator to model revenue for Maine markets, and check Airbnb market data to understand Maine's seasonal demand patterns.
Maine's Major Vacation Rental Markets
Bar Harbor and Acadia: Acadia National Park receives 3–4 million visitors annually, and Bar Harbor is the primary lodging hub. Properties on or near Mount Desert Island within easy access of park entrances and carriage roads are exceptionally well-positioned. July and August properties are often booked months in advance at premium rates.
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Portland: Maine's largest city with a nationally recognized food and arts scene. The Old Port neighborhood and the East End are the most sought-after vacation rental locations. Portland generates year-round demand from food tourism, weekend escapes from Boston, and business travel — making it one of Maine's more seasonally balanced markets.
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Kennebunkport: One of New England's most iconic coastal towns, associated with presidential history (the Bush family compound), classic Maine architecture, and an upscale visitor demographic. Properties in the Village and Dock Square area command premium rates.
Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, and the Southern Maine Coast: A connected stretch of beach communities that serve Boston and greater New England's beach vacation demand. Maine's most accessible markets from major Northeast population centers.
Maine Lakes Region (Sebago Lake, Belgrade Lakes, Rangeley): The classic Maine lake vacation experience. Waterfront properties with docks and quintessential New England architecture perform extremely well for family-week rentals during summer.
Best Property Management Companies in Maine
Awning
Awning provides full-service vacation rental management in Maine's key markets, including the coastal corridor and Acadia gateway communities. The extreme seasonality of Maine markets — where the majority of annual revenue is generated in 8–10 weeks — demands pricing sophistication to capture maximum summer rates without leaving shoulder season occupancy on the table.
Vacasa
National operator with Maine presence, particularly in coastal markets. Strong channel distribution and 24/7 guest support.
Local boutique operators in Bar Harbor and Acadia have strong direct booking relationships, particularly with the repeat family visitors who return to the same Maine properties year after year. Local knowledge of the specific community dynamics and seasonal operational challenges of island and coastal Maine is a genuine advantage.
Maine STR Tools and Resources
• Airbnb estimator — Estimate Maine property revenue
• STR ROI calculator — Full investment return modeling
• Guidebook builder — Create a digital guidebook for Maine guests
• Best landlord insurance — Coverage for Maine vacation rentals
• Airbnb management fees: what to expect — Understand Maine management costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine a good state for vacation rental investment?
Yes, particularly for coastal properties near Acadia National Park and for Portland urban properties. Maine's extremely strong summer demand, limited short-term rental supply in the most desirable areas, and premium visitor demographic support strong revenue potential.
What is the best area in Maine for vacation rental investment?
Bar Harbor and the Mount Desert Island area near Acadia, Portland's Old Port neighborhood, and the southern Maine coast near Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are Maine's strongest vacation rental markets.
What are the best months for vacation rentals in Maine?
July and August are peak season for coastal and Acadia-area properties. Late June and September are strong shoulder months. October generates strong fall foliage demand in inland areas. Portland is the most year-round market in the state.


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