Before the recent pandemic, the town of Kittery, Maine, created a housing committee to address the problem. This effort was necessary before the pandemic but became more pressing afterward. While remote work and livability drove the real estate boom in the state, it exacerbated the situation in Kittery. The housing committee's goal is to find solutions. During the planning process, the committee heard from both sides of the issue.
During 2010-2014, 38 people moved to Kittery from other areas of the U.S. This population shift reflects the changing demographics of the region. The median age of these newcomers was 72. This demographic shift demonstrates the increasing popularity of the Maine coast with retirees and indicates future demand for housing and services. In addition, the population of Kittery City is relatively stable, despite being a small community.
People in Kittery Point make a 15 to 30-minute commute to work. That is far shorter than the commute for the average American. In addition, people living in Kittery Point spend on average fifteen minutes per day driving to work. As a result, they have significantly shorter commutes than those in other parts of the city. The local economy has seen a steady increase in the last several years, and the city has become more attractive to retirees.
The population of Kittery has increased by 42 percent since 2000. This increase suggests that many older people moved to Kittery as the cost of living in Portsmouth has increased. Alternatively, many college students may have moved to Kittery for more affordable housing. And with a growing population, the town needs to expand its services to meet the demands of this aging population. So the town council must consider many factors.