Ruined by pandemic, Not worth cost to live here - 10/23/2021

Used to be great before the pandemic. Now people from out of state have ruined it by paying New York prices for real estate site unseen. Why would you live in Maine when it's now much cheaper to live in a real city like Chicago. Portland is the only place in Maine with any culture (all 66,000 residents). The coast is nice for a month or two out of the year when it is warm enough to enjoy. Want nature? Pick any number of other places that are more beautiful and majestic (and more untouched now that Maine has been ruined). Will be cheaper. Almost anywhere with a warm climate (with the exception of LA) is more affordable at this point.

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Tears and Jimmy Johns - 6/23/2021

I have never lived here but the lack of Jimmy John’s is depressing and makes me wish I was deceased.

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bad experience!! - 9/21/2018

I found out I was allergic to corn on the cob here. I would give Portland twelve thumbs downs if I could. My friend told me there was a subway here and I thought he meant an underground one so I sold my car before I moved here but he just meant the restaurants. My girlfriend left me for the man who owns the loudest boat on the wharf near my old condo which is apparently how dating works in Portland. When I tried to sell my condo the homeowners' association hazed me by making me eat corn on the cob which is a thing that I'm allergic to. The staff at Maine Med asked me very intrusive questions about my blood type and my age and whether I was on any medications. I would not come back here unless it was to get back my girlfriend come back Melissa you deserve better than Loud Boat Greg

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Gentrification - 2/26/2017

There is a deliberate gentrification of Portland going on. While that may sound wonderful to the wealthy and well fed, its having profound affects on those who are not. Soon Portland will be in that quandary of all gentrified cities where they can't get cheap labor locally to take out their trash and clean their windows. I find this to be an ethical dilemma on part of those running government, but if that kind of thing doesn't concern you its a very pretty city. If you are concerned about a high cost of living to wages ratio then be prepared to live out in the booneys and commute long distances for wages that barely cover your living expenses, and lots of competition for it.

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Why would someone write a fake review - 8/24/2016

Why do people write fake reviews? Do you somehow have a grudge against a certain city? How odd. Nobody lived in Portland, ME for any length of time wouldn't know the state abbreviation, especially not somebody BORN here. Did you have a mailing address or were you homeless? JC. It is Portland, ME not Portland, MA. MA is for Massachusetts. People here in Portland, ME are very proud of their city. I have never seen such city pride but it must mean people are really happy here. Go ahead. Scour the internet for comment sections and fourms about Portland, ME. I'm sure you will consistently find that people from Portland, ME stand up for their city and are so proud that they actually get offended by negative comments. We love it here despite the winters. What may be the coolest thing about our city is that we don't tolerate bullying of citizens that live here. I see some pretty strange people here but it's their life choice and not mine. It's kind of hippyish here. Very laid back. The population is kinda dense but that's because everyone wants to live here!

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PORTLAND,MAINE - 8/1/2016

YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT PORTLAND ME. AGAIN I WAS THERE IN 2015 .WHILE THE CITY COULD BE CLEANED UP SOME, THE BIGGER PROBLEM IS THE AMOUNT OF DRUG ADDICTS AND THE HOMELESS THAT ARE HANGING ALL OVER THE CITY BEGGING FOR HANDOUTS,I HAVE NO DESIRE TO GO AGAIN. MY UNDERSTSANDING IS THE REASON FOR THIS ,IS THE VERY LIBERAL CITY GOVT.

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Some things to know before moving here - 2/21/2016

I was born and raised here, lived here until the age of thirty, and I have just moved back after living elsewhere for the past decade. What brought me back was my search for a smaller city with a sense of community and a vibrant culture, and the fact that I still have family here. These things being stated, besides from seeing my family, I still haven't found what I am looking for. The food scene is great and there are ample choices, though many restaurants are expensive. The cost of living here is high because there is a lack of housing and a lack of area to build additional housing. There are also regulations in place to preserve historic areas and keep current ocean views for buildings already in existence, which is great but also contributes to a lack of new construction. Unless you have skills that you can take with you such as you're a nurse, lawyer, doctor, accountant, etc., you will find there are low paying jobs here and not that many to choose from. This is not a place where industries are coming to due to the economic environment. Also, I find the people here to be, well, strange. I'm not referring to the large population of mentally-ill homeless people that you will find throughout the city. I find people in general tend to be reserved, passive agressive, and down right unfriendly. There is also something about the people in general that just seems a little off. While Portland is a liberal city, people are not as open-minded as one would expect. There is an art scene here which is quite good. There's a symphony and a ballet company. What I do like about the area is that people tend to live healthy lifestyles. There is a trail system through the city and you will find areas to bike and run. Also, you are more likely to find fine quality, local handmade products instead of massed produced items from a lot of big boxed stores. Overall, I think this is a great place to visit, with all the naturally beautiful scenic areas and the small quaint inns and shops, but I wouldn't recommend moving here to outsiders. Read some of the other reviews on this site. They are a fairly accurate representation of the area.

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mainers - 2/7/2016

Having lived in maine for 50 years in the portland area I must comment on my experiences. for the past three years I have been living on the eastern shore southern most point in delaware. Portland has transitioned from a working water front community quaint and hip to a over run Bayside collection of activities and people. The once safe city has turned to a more of an over run city with bars and hotels scattered with eateries of high quality hosting cruise ships vacationers and heavy tourist. Portland has lost its roots to the demands of the aforementioned creep. I am a true mainer and people who bleed the blood of maine are hard exterior but quality peopl but hard to win over by outsiders. We in maine feel our ethics,hard seasonal changes sets us a part from other regions. Now living on the mason Dixon line I have now learned that maine and Portland are losing focus, crime is up, government lacking leadership, and quantity vs quality is the driver. I love my home town, but with its evolution the hard nosed reality of the deep waters of Portland and maine has given way to a dollar store mentality and forgot about the waterfront. Even 'll beans seems more like a mall then what Leon and originals based the quality. Maine is nice but what was once easy to find in local life you now have to navigate mismanaged entities to return and really see what Portland is all about. Its there,there is just less of it to see. Cobble stones stay, historians no longer fight for the retention of the maine way. Maine is not a sothern state nor should it be. That is its beauty slowly giving way to the harsh reality of a generation of snot nosed jumpers trading a buck for history. I love maine and Portland but it's losing the battle of keeping the maine way real.

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Incorrect data for first freeze at Portland, Maine - 10/31/2014

Hello-- your write-up for Portland says first freeze on average "late September". This is not true, for well over 100 years now. Average date of first freeze at Portland Intl. Jetport (PWM) from 1981-2010 is 10/8. The longer period of record from 1940-2010: 10/5. (Recently? 2013's first freeze was new record-late 10/25. So far, as of today (10/31/14), we've still not had it. Another new record.)

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Blue - 9/13/2012

I have started to return to "Blue" in the arts district to hear music. Everything is just slightly overpriced, but the quality of music, lack of cover charge, and atmosphere make up for it. I have never gone in there and been disappointed with the offerings; I am only surprised so few people show up for the opening act; they are so often better or on the same level with the final band.

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Downtown Has Gone Down - 3/5/2012

During the past five years, the downtown area has become spoiled by the influx of immigrants who basically use the overly generous welfare system and confuse the rest of the populace because they do not speak English. Some have also caused the increasing crime rate in Portland. For me, the city has lost its charm and down home feel that it once possessed in abundance.

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Question for Portland Residents - 3/1/2012

I was surprised to see that Portland, ME was just ranked one of the two best cities in the nation for eligible single women in the March 2012 Men's Health magazine. Is there any truth to that? I am in my late 30's and single and would like to know if there is a decent dating scene in Portland. Thanks.

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If your new/moving to Portland - 8/14/2011

When I decided to move to Portland I was living in Arizona. I searched countless Craigslist ads and found tons of afforable apartments to rent! My question was where in Portland did I want to live? I couldn't find anyone who would describe the neighborhoods to me. So, here is my attempt. The 4 'neighborhoods' - The East end, The West end, Park side, and Bayside. The East and West ends are decidedly nicer than Park side and Bayside. That being said Park side and Bayside are not bad. Portland's population is very 'colorful' which I think lends its self to the charm of the city. Others would disagree. I have lived in both the East and West end and perfer the West end to the East. I can't pin point why, but there is a young hip feeling about the West end that attracts me. These are just opinions, but non the less, I hope they are helpful.

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Don't stay too long-- Can't wait to move! - 12/27/2009

Positives: Really beautiful scenery, great seafood, close to Boston/Montreal. Downtown area is nice with plenty of historic buildings and quaint shops. Negatives: Unless you are 70 years old or more, there are barely any young people! Tons of senior citizens. Also, many of the people in town look homeless and lots of them just stand out on the street staring at you. There are also plenty of gays here, so unless you feel comfortable in that setting, I would suggest living somewhere else. Fairly large African immigrant population mixed with New England whites. Strange feel to town and people don't mix together much. Job market is pretty much non existant so if you are of working age, good luck finding good employment. Winter weather is terrible, VERY cold, lots of wind and snow. Conclusion: Nice vacation spot especially in summer. Lousy place to live year round.

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Charm, quite and safe - 9/19/2009

Although in the last months the incidents of crimes had increased because of the influx of many of the out of state visitors, but still Portalnd, Maine remains one of the most safe small cities (only 65,000 population). Also it is enviromental friendly, and the scenary of the Casco Bay on the North/Eastern Atlantic flank with its many islands which were once refuge to the Pirates are quiet and serene.

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Portland seems to have a lot to offer - I have one - 5/15/2009

Is there a train you can take to Boston and how is it in terms of safety, comfort, time, reliability, expense, etc.

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Portland seems to have a lot to offer - I have que - 5/15/2009

Low crime, close to the ocean, 2 hour drive to Boston for a weekend in the city at Hotwire discounted hotel rates, short drive to NB or Nova Scotia. I could see living there. I currently live in the other Portland, on the left coast. I like it too, but your lower crime rates are enticing. I have a few questions. Do the biting black flies and mosquitos make it unpleasant to be outdoors in the forest? How is traffic safety there? Maine state-wide traffic fatality stats seem not quite up to par. Some complain about the cost of groceries and such, yet you have a walmart supercenter 14 miles away. Do any of you go there weekly to buy your stuff? Most importantly, is it really difficult for 50 somethings to move there from far away and make friends?

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Think twice - 4/23/2009

There are many great things about Maine and the City of Portland; but the local culture is something that makes it very challenging for those of us "from away" as they call us. I came here several times before moving here and thought it was fantastic and people were so friendly and I would have so many friends here. Six years later I still spend 99% of my time alone and have not been able to bond with any of the natives yet work with 300 people. They don't want to know anything about you. Hard to fathom since that is not the facade they put forth sounding so friendly. I am finally giving up trying to make a life here and am leaving with what I came with....friends in other places. I am leaving as soon as I can find a comparable job. Before moving here, make sure you find others "from away" and ask about their experience here. It is great if you have a reclusive personality. If you make a mistake and move here, find others also "from away" because that is the only way to survive the winters here. PS - If you are single, DO NOT move here!

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amazing place, no opportunity - 4/13/2009

Portland, Maine is absolutely gorgeous, safe, a great place to raise kids, although the taxes are extremely high, and there isn't much opportunity.

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City with a small town feel - 11/26/2008

Portland Maine is a great place to live if you can handle the slow pace of change. The city now has a Whole Grocers...which was was the most exciting thing to come to town in a few years. After living in the city for 4 years, I felt I had done and seen everything there is to do. However, the city does have a nice safe feel to it. Even the downtown area, which has its share of late night bars & clubs, is pretty safe to walk at any hour. As a female, I have never felt unsafe in Portland. If you are a dog lover, Portland is a great place to live. There is a great walking path along the harbor as well as a beaches that allows dogs, and many shops in the down town area are dog friendly. Overall the city has a very laid back feel. The people are genuine and its easy to strike up a conversation with strangers. As a 30 something, married with no kids, its a very easy place to live. But young, single or those who bore easily, may enjoy Portland as a weekend trip but not as a final destination.

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