Washington County, known as “Downeast Maine,” stretches along the rugged Atlantic coastline to the Canadian border. It’s one of the most remote and naturally beautiful regions in the state, famous for its blueberry barrens, rocky shores, and working harbors. The county seat, Machias, is a historic town founded in the 1700s and home to the University of Maine at Machias. Nearby, Eastport — the easternmost city in the United States — and Lubec — known for its iconic lighthouse views — both embody small-town coastal Maine life. The economy here centers on fishing, seafood processing, and tourism during the warmer months. Most homes are coastal cottages, older capes, or simple ranches with generous land plots. Inland areas are sparsely populated, offering affordable land ideal for building, with costs averaging $160–$210 per square foot. Existing homes average $250,000–$325,000, though waterfront properties can exceed $500,000. Washington County is about 3 hours from Bangor and 5 from Portland, making it ideal for those seeking peace, ocean air, and an authentic Down East Maine lifestyle.