By Jim Damicis

In the Feb/Mar 2026 issue, I wrote about my use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to examine what it tells us about our community. For that article, I prompted ChatGPT with the following: “What concerns should I have about Scarborough, Maine, as a place to live?” The results were impressive, reflecting issues commonly discussed at town meetings, public gatherings, on the sidelines at kids’ activities, and in coffee shops. They included growth, traffic, environmental risks, and affordability. ChatGPT pulled the results from multiple local sources, including town studies and reports, meeting minutes, media stories, and more.

Since that article focused on “concerns,” it addressed the kinds of things that worry us as residents. So, for this issue, and in the spirit of spring, I would like to use the same process and focus on the positives of living in Scarborough. For this, I prompted ChatGPT with: “Why Scarborough is a great place to live.” Here are the results.

Nestled along the southern coast of Maine, Scarborough offers a rare blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and everyday livability. For those seeking a place that balances coastal charm with modern convenience, Scarborough stands out as one of Maine’s most appealing towns to call home.

One of Scarborough’s greatest assets is its landscape. The town is defined by sweeping salt marshes, sandy beaches, and gently wooded neighborhoods that create a sense of openness and calm. The Scarborough Marsh—Maine’s largest contiguous salt marsh—serves not only as a scenic backdrop but also as a living ecosystem rich with birds and wildlife. Residents can kayak through winding tidal channels, walk nearby trails, or simply enjoy the ever-changing light across the grasses. Beaches such as Higgins Beach provide easy access to the Atlantic without the congestion often found in larger resort towns. This daily proximity to nature encourages an outdoor lifestyle that feels restorative rather than rushed.

Despite its natural serenity, Scarborough is far from isolated. Its location just south of Portland places residents minutes from one of New England’s most vibrant small cities. Portland’s restaurants, arts scene, and waterfront are close enough for spontaneous evenings out, yet Scarborough maintains a quieter, more residential feel. Major roadways make commuting straightforward, whether for work, travel, or errands, allowing residents to enjoy both accessibility and peace.

Scarborough is also widely recognized for its quality of life, especially for families. The town has invested heavily in its schools, recreational facilities, and public services, creating an environment where children and adults alike can thrive. Well-maintained parks, athletic fields, and community programs provide opportunities for connection and activity year-round. The sense of safety and stability that comes from strong local governance and engaged citizens adds to the town’s appeal as a place to settle long-term.

Housing in Scarborough reflects its diversity. From classic New England capes and colonials to newer developments and coastal homes, the town offers options that suit a range of lifestyles and stages of life. Neighborhoods tend to be thoughtfully planned, preserving green space while accommodating growth. This balance helps Scarborough avoid the extremes of overdevelopment or stagnation, instead fostering steady, sustainable progress.

Another reason Scarborough is a great place to live is its strong sense of community identity. While it has grown over the years, the town has retained a neighborly atmosphere. Local events, school activities, and volunteer organizations bring residents together and reinforce the feeling that people here care about where they live. Longtime residents and newcomers alike often remark on how welcoming the town feels, a quality that can be hard to quantify but easy to sense.

Ultimately, Scarborough’s appeal lies in how seamlessly it brings together elements that many people search for but rarely find in one place. It offers nature without remoteness, community without insularity, and growth without losing its soul. For families, professionals, retirees, and anyone drawn to coastal living with depth and authenticity, Scarborough is more than just a town—it is a place where daily life feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely satisfying.

It is understandable that, based on the prompt, the AI results read like a marketing brochure. A look at the sources used reveals that, in addition to official reports, ChatGPT drew from real sites and publications. That said, as someone who has lived in Scarborough for more than 25 years, I concur with the findings and messaging. Scarborough is truly a great place to live, for many reasons, and I am glad to both live and work here. I may slightly differ, though, on the finding of “Beaches such as Higgins Beach provide easy access to the Atlantic without the congestion often found in larger resort towns.” Sometimes in July and August, I feel there’s a little too much congestion.

Jim Damicis is a Scarborough resident and Senior Vice President at Camoin Associates.

Photo by Igor Omilaev