What BestPlaces Users Say about Portland
Portland, Maine is a small coastal city known for its picturesque downtown area and thriving arts scene. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its close proximity to various outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. However, for those considering moving to Portland, it is important to get a sense of what it's like to actually live there. In order to do so, we will be summarizing several user reviews from the website BestPlaces.net to gain insights from those who have experience living in Portland.
According to a reviewer named Samantha, "Portland is a lovely city with a strong sense of community. The downtown area is charming and there's always something fun going on. However, the cost of living is quite high, especially when it comes to housing. It can be challenging to find affordable options." Another user, John, echoes this sentiment by stating, "Portland is a great place to live if you can afford it. The views are gorgeous and there's always something to do, but the high cost of living can be a deterrent for some." On the other hand, Sarah shares, "I moved to Portland a few years ago and have loved every moment. The food scene is amazing and the people are friendly. The only downside is the harsh winters, but the beautiful summers make up for it." Lastly, a reviewer named Mark highlights the city's education system and says, "I relocated to Portland for work and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of schools here. It's definitely a family-friendly place to live." In summary, while Portland offers a vibrant community and scenic surroundings, it may come at a higher cost. However, many find the city to be a great place to call home, with thriving cultural and educational opportunities.
based on 35 ReviewsGet to know Portland with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Portland
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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