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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.[read more...]
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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. [read more...]
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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. [read more...]
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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.[read more...]
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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.[read more...]
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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.[read more...]
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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?[read more...]
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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![read more...]
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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.[read more...]
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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.[read more...]
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| Re : John's hateful post - 10/25/2008
Re ; John's Post "hating dogs" ...animals appreciate everything you do for them- unlike "people"...and if you hate dogs- it means that you're a horrible person, and don't derserve to have a pet. If I had my choice of saving your life and the life of an animal...I'd pick the animal.
You don't deserve to breathe.[read more...]
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| Taxes - 5/3/2008
While Portland has some positives the negatives far outweigh any positive. Try to find a decent place to live at a reasonable price. You won't. Finding a place at all at any price is challenging. Utility costs are sky high and the people seem eager to vote for every new tax and fee increase possible. You have vehicle inspection fees yearly in addition to your registration renewal and the people there want to add a vehicle emissions inspection fee similar to California's even though air quality is not an issue. The people constantly brag about their "common sense" but picked a police chief who when asked "How would you deal with the problem of people running red lights?" had no answer. In fact out of about 30 people polled only 1 person had an intelligent answer. Some of the other "common sense" answers included taking away their cell phone and doughnut privileges! In short the state is run and supported by people who have no common sense and the state itself has one of the highest rates of taxation in the country.[read more...]
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| Taxes - 5/3/2008
While Portland has some positives the negatives far outweigh any positive. Try to find a decent place to live at a reasonable price. You won't. Finding a place at all at any price is challenging. Utility costs are sky high and the people seem eager to vote for every new tax and fee increase possible. You have vehicle inspection fees yearly in addition to your registration renewal and the people there want to add a vehicle emissions inspection fee similar to California's even though air quality is not an issue. The people constantly brag about their "common sense" but picked a police chief who when asked "How would you deal with the problem of people running red lights?" had no answer. In fact out of about 30 people polled only 1 person had an intelligent answer. Some of the other "common sense" answers included taking away their cell phone and doughnut privileges! In short the state is run and supported by people who have no common sense and the state itself has one of the highest rates of taxation in the country.[read more...]
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| things to love and hate - 3/11/2008
Like many, we came from the Boston area thinking it would be cheaper. It is not. The population is unhealthy and the business climate unfavorable which has driven healthcare costs through the roof (i.e., little to no competition for health insurance). Mainers have slowly driven up their taxes making them obscenely high. Everyone complains about it and yet no one vote anyone out of office for it. In fact, the headlines decry worry and fear if you try to cut programs. We have some of the highest social spending in the nation and terrible govt inefficiency. And there seems to be no economic plan to bring businesses in. We are rolling the dice on the "vacationland" concept. Well, the tourism industry does not require much of an education and it doesn't pay well. It is not an asset to hang your hat on. It's very frustrating because Portland is beautiful. It has a fairly cosmopolitan scene. The architecture and independent shops are great. Lots of good restaurants. There are many outdoor activities. We send our kids to a private school, but that's a personal decision. The public schools seem good. Crime is relatively low. But there are no jobs here, high taxes, and no public will to do anything about it. Oh, and you have to be OK with long winters...[read more...]
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| NYC born and raised - 1/23/2008
... And I just love this place. And, no, I didn't come here with a NY job, nor NY money in my pocket. I did come with a family and got a professional job, however. We're doing all right, and I highly doubt I could say the same if we were back in the suburbs of the big town. You want to talk expensive? Taxes? We have it so good here by comparison.
Which leads me to another point.. Try this: open up Google Maps or some such in another window and drift down the East Coast with your cursor. Type in coastal cities on this site and look at the comments. As you head south of here, the money and population density becomes more and more of an issue with posters. Once you hit the South, crime and heat come into play. Then try the Northwest, like Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Folks were generally upset about money as a rule, but climate and crime are big woes (the lack of sun seemed to really depress a lot of posters there). In affordable regions like Utah, for instance, stranger issues arise like closed communities due to religious practices and such. I read also about the influx of Californians and their arrival driving up real estate, goods & services, etc.
My point in this exercise is to illustrate that it is all rather relative. You have to trade one (or two) inconveniences about a place for the positive benefits. Of course, one has to be realistic. You can't live normally in a high crime area if you have a family. You can't live in an extreme climate if you're elderly or infirm. You can't live in a highbrow city if you have no job or job skills that will afford you the cost of living. But here in Portland, we trade a warmer climate and higher cost of living for good schools, beautiful surroundings, safety, green space, an urban trails system, an amazing array of places to eat (per capita, it's impressive!), the convenience of nearby shopping, very little congestion, a steady economy... I could go on with little details, but you get the idea. I came from, and still visit the NYC area frequently, and, though that city is dear to my heart, I'm glad I live here.
Come visit and take this test: Drive to the east end of the city to the Eastern Promenade park. Get out (doesn't matter what time of year it is, honestly) and look across Casco Bay. Ask yourself, "Is there any city left in this country that has this kind of view right in town?" And, if you can come up with one, I'll bet anything that you can't get a 3 BR cape for under 250K in that city. You can here, there's one that just sold 'round the corner from my house. Honestly, there's no cities like Portland left on the East Coast, or maybe anywhere.
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| Glad to be back in Maine - 10/7/2007
I lived in Portland, ME for 8 years before leaving to get my Master's in NY. I loved it then and I love it again, having recently returned. Portland is a very livable city with good people and vibrant downtown. Maine is a wonderful state whether you are in Portland or a small rural town---but, Portland has jobs, culture, recreation, ocean, and a great climate (providing you can handle the cold in January). It is also a dog friendly town (e.g. dog beach, 7 acre fenced in dog park with trees and hiking trails, etc., great doggie day care).
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| Born and raised - 8/1/2006
The number one thing i love about portland is the water quality. The tap water is like Poland Spring bottled water. Portland is one of those cities where it has a big city feel in that there is lots of stuff to do and visit but there isnt much for crime. I feel completely comfortable leaving a car unlocked etc without anything happening to it, dispite that its a busling city. From portland you can drive 20-30 minutes to a great swimming/beach spot whether its a lake or ocean. It has many museums/historic buildings, camping/ hiking locations malls/shopping plazas and generally has lots to do if your open minded. WIthin a few hours is also some great skiing/snowboarding places also. However i never got into them. The people are great and tend to be friendly overall.[read more...]
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| The usual......... - 7/6/2006
Sounds like most of the rest of the decent places left to live in the U.S., priced out of site by "white flight" to the suburbs from the city by the wealthy, the loss of the middle class, illegals sucking up all the gov't benefits while keeping wages artificially low while they breed like flies, and a loss of the quality of life for the majority of legal, working class Americans. Goodbye beautiful country that I used to know...........[read more...]
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| Working in Portland, living in Scarborough - 5/5/2006
Portland is a wonderful little city. There is a lot of art and culture there. I live in Scarborough, about 15 minutes south, and I am moving away. So, here is my assessment:
Good: good schools, beautiful summers, wonderful architecture, art and culture in Portland, great restaurants, good symphony, fantastic minor league baseball (Red Sox farm team), Acadia National Park is worth weeks of time.
Bad: Living in Scarborough, there are monster mosquitos. Count on winter from November through April. That is 6 months. In January, there is very little light because the days are so short, and I find that hard to live with. I don't mind the cold, but it is the dark that is difficult. We have the highest taxes and the lowest discretionary income in the nation. Housing costs have been very high, and my wife and I have had to buy a house on a busy road just to afford something decent. Property taxes in Portland are a lot higher than they are in Scarborough. There has been a massive influx of Bostonians over the past 10 years that I have lived here. I teach at a private school, and the high-powered population spurs a frenetic pace that is uncharacteristic of the more northern parts of Maine. Portland is no longer Maine, but northern Massachusetts.
This is a great place to live for 5 months out of the year if you are wealthy.[read more...]
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