For years, Eastport, Maine, was on the brink. This small, coastal town—the easternmost city in the United States—was once a bustling center of fishing, shipping, and sardine canning. But after the last cannery closed in the 1980s, the town’s fortunes plummeted. Residents fled, businesses shut their doors, and vacant storefronts lined Water Street like a ghost town. Fast forward to 2024, and Eastport is back on the map. Thanks to strategic real estate moves, a wave of new businesses, and a committed community, this town has made an incredible comeback in just four years.
From Decline to Revival
Eastport’s decline was no secret. The collapse of the sardine industry hit this town hard. With the fishing industry on the ropes, unemployment soared, young people left in droves, and Eastport’s population dropped to around 1,200 by the mid-2010s. Empty buildings and boarded-up windows became a common sight. For years, Eastport seemed destined for the same fate as so many other small American towns—slowly fading away. But things took a turn in 2018 when local leaders and residents decided enough was enough. They banded together with a plan to revive Eastport by playing to its strengths: its unique coastal character, its historic charm, and its untapped potential.
Fixing Up the Old to Make Way for the New
The revival of Eastport didn’t involve bulldozers and brand-new buildings—it was all about smart, strategic real estate development that made the most of what was already there. The town had the bones: historic buildings with good structure and classic architecture that harkened back to its maritime heyday. What Eastport needed was a facelift, and that’s exactly what it got.
The Tides Institute & Museum of Art was the first big win. This 1887 building on Water Street was falling apart, but locals saw potential. Through a combination of state historic preservation grants and a savvy campaign that drew in private donations, the building was transformed from a forgotten relic into a dynamic cultural center. Now, it’s home to art exhibitions, artist residencies, and community events. It wasn’t just about saving a building—it was about creating a hub of activity that would draw both locals and visitors, proving there was still life in downtown Eastport.
Then came the Eastport Façade Improvement Program. The town offered grants and low-interest loans to property owners who were willing to restore their historic storefronts and improve the look of their buildings. The idea was simple: make downtown look good again. But it was more than just a fresh coat of paint. The program helped breathe new life into Water Street, Eastport’s main drag. Buildings that had been vacant for years suddenly looked inviting. The old Eastport Savings Bank building, for example, was reborn as a mixed-use space featuring a cozy coffee shop, co-working space, and artist studios. The buzz was back, and people started to take notice.
The real estate development wasn’t just about preserving history; it was also about creating opportunity. The Eastport Business Center, which opened in 2021, is a prime example. Located in a renovated warehouse overlooking the harbor, this center wasn’t just another pretty building. It was designed to attract startups, remote workers, and entrepreneurs looking for affordable office space with killer views. The town knew that the future wasn’t in big factories but in small businesses and innovation. The Business Center quickly filled up, turning into a bustling hub of activity that pulled in talent and ideas from beyond Eastport’s borders.
The real estate development wasn’t just about preserving history; it was also about creating opportunity.
But Eastport didn’t stop there. Recognizing that many people would love to live in a historic town with a modern twist, the town facilitated the conversion of old upper-floor spaces—once unused storage or shuttered apartments—into desirable lofts and residential units. These mixed-use buildings became hot properties, providing a much-needed boost to Eastport’s real estate market and giving the town a more vibrant, lived-in feel. Suddenly, young professionals, artists, and even retirees were all interested in calling Eastport home.
Bringing in the Businesses
With the new and improved buildings ready to go, Eastport needed businesses to fill them. Enter the Eastport Economic Development Initiative (EEDI), launched in 2019. This program offered financial incentives, business workshops, and a local mentorship network. Suddenly, Eastport was a hotbed for small business.
One of the first big wins? Downeast Coffee Roasters. The owners moved from Portland, Maine, in search of a more affordable spot and found a perfect home in Eastport. Their waterfront café became a local staple, pulling in tourists and townies with their unique brews and cozy vibes. After Downeast Coffee Roasters hit it big, other businesses followed—like a craft brewery, an artisanal bakery, and even a retro toy store. The ripple effect was real, and Water Street came back to life.
The town didn’t stop there. Eastport went back to its roots—fishing—but in a sustainable, 21st-century way. Eastport Sea Farms expanded its operations in 2020, focusing on sustainable kelp farming. It wasn’t just good for the environment; it brought jobs back to town and put Eastport on the map as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.
And with the rise of remote work, Eastport took advantage of its location and lifestyle appeal. High-speed internet infrastructure got an upgrade, and suddenly, you had digital nomads setting up shop in the Eastport Business Center. Why sit in a cubicle in Boston when you could work from a cozy office overlooking the Bay of Fundy?
Turning Up the Heat on Tourism
Eastport had the charm, but it needed people to come see it. So, the town got creative. It launched new events and revitalized old ones, turning them into major draws. The Eastport Arts Center took the lead, hosting concerts, workshops, and festivals. But it was the Eastport Pirate Festival that took things to the next level. A celebration of the town’s maritime past, this pirate-themed extravaganza has grown into a three-day event that packs the streets with thousands of visitors, bringing a much-needed boost to local businesses.
The town also built up its outdoor game. The Harbor Walk got a facelift, making it a perfect spot for tourists to take in the views. They also rolled out new kayaking and sailing programs, bringing in eco-tourists and adventure seekers. The result? A big uptick in tourism and some serious buzz around Eastport as a must-visit destination in Maine.
The Payoff: Eastport’s Incredible Comeback
The results speak for themselves. In the past four years, Eastport’s population has grown by 15%. Young families, remote workers, retirees—you name it, they’re moving in. Unemployment has plummeted, property values are up, and downtown is buzzing with activity. Real estate that once sat empty is now in demand, and the local economy is on an upswing.
What’s more, Eastport has found its soul again. The community is stronger, more engaged, and ready for whatever comes next. People aren’t just talking about the past anymore—they’re talking about the future. And Eastport is becoming a model for other small towns looking for a way to turn things around.
A Blueprint for Other Towns
Eastport, Maine, didn’t just get lucky—it got smart. By focusing on what made the town unique, supporting local businesses, and creating a place where people wanted to be, Eastport went from nearly forgotten to unforgettable. For any small town struggling to find its footing, Eastport’s story shows what’s possible with the right mix of vision, grit, and community spirit.
