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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Best of all worlds - 2/27/2006
Portland is a great city; big enough to have all the virtues of a city (restaurants, bars, cultural events) but small enough to miss a lot of the vices - crime, traffic
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Great Place to Live if you don't mind Moderate Win - 2/26/2006
Portland is a really great place to raise a family, and is a beautiful outdoor paradise. After living here for 49 years, however, I am ready to give up on winter. Though Portland is far milder than many other places in the US, because it's on the coast which keeps it warmer and moderates the snowfall, sometimes the cold temperatures can be
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