Portland Maine Overview

Portland, Maine is a city that is bustling with life: no matter the interest, activity, or neighborhood, Portland boasts a vibrancy that surpasses most other cities in Maine. With a population of 64,000, Portland is the largest city in the state and has a wealth of resources to support its inhabitants.  The business, retail, and financial centers are of the highest caliber. Interspersed are many eclectic stores,  fantastic restaurants, beautifully constructed houses and buildings and breathtaking views of the ocean and Casco Bay.  Portland offers what much larger metropolitan areas have in a more manageable way. .  Complete with an international jetport (PWM), Portland is also extremely easy to travel to and from.  Originally developed as a seaport for goods to be imported and exported from the New World, Portland keeps much of its traditional charm through the upkeep of areas such as the Old Port, which still makes one feel as though they're walking through the streets during a much older time.  However, Portland is also constantly developing, adding newer, more advanced buildings and businesses, larger financial and corporate bodies, and constructing new housing developments.  Portland has been recently rated as the top location in the U.S. to raise children and has been chosen as one of the top ten best  places in America to live.  Portland has so much to offer, whether one is seeking beautiful, unspoiled landscapes or a bustling city, Portland strikes the perfect balance for those who want to live in a lively area but not compromise their love for the pristine gifts of the Earth. 

Want to see photos of Portland, check out this great blog that shows daily photos of the city: Portland Maine Daily

Portland Maine Real Estate Overview

An average single family home in Portland Maine can be found for just north or south of 200K and 250K to 300K will buy you a wonderful 3-4 bed, 2 bath home in the most desirable suburban neighborhoods.

Entry level real estate in Portland can still be found for well under 200K and as of this writing (Jaunary 2010) there were 40 SF homes and 48 Condos in this price range. As the city continues to attract more and more parties "from away" the average price or real estate I believe will continue to rise once the economic downturn is reversed, particularly given the limited overall inventory of propery, about 400 plus residential and 100 multi-unit buildings. Click here to get a free Maine real estate packet that can provide you with greater Portland Maine real estate details and housing statistics.
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The city can roughly be divided up into 8 basic areas (see map).  From the center of Portland 4 major roads jut out starting with Congress on the West, filters out to the airport, Brighton that cuts through Deering, Forest that leads to Westbrook, and Washington that winds its way West and North and ultimately ends up in Falmouth and/or Westbrook as well.  All of these roads are for the most part 2 lanes, dotted with traffic lights, stores, homes and businesses. (Click on map to enlarge image)

Portland Area by Area Home Analysis

West End– Established In-town high price, good resale area. A lot of stately brick homes and nice condo’s and condo conversion projects underway.

East End– Up and coming in town location, perhaps the best location for appreciation. Many luxury condo developments underway, traditionally the sketchy area of town, a mixed bag currently. 

The Old Port - area with all the night life, restaurants, shopping is sandwiched between the East and West which both sit up upon hills and have excellent promenades to walk and talk in the views.

Deering Proper - Classic in town suburb, lots of nice Single Family homes.  Close to Deering High School and traditionally the best area for appreciation/resale. 

North Deering – Nice, solid homes in the area, but no real easy way to get into town quickly. The two main arteries from out here are Washington Avenue and Forest Avenue and get very crowed during rush hours if you can say there is traffic at all in Portland given its small size J.  

East Deering – A very nice suburban neighborhood feel close to town and easy access to the highway.  Just like the East vs West end, it is newer and thus values here are lower but I think a good place to invest.

West Deering – Similar in structure to Deering, just farther out Brighton Avenue. A solid neighborhood with quality homes. 

Outer Forest  - Similar to North Deering, a lot of larger apartment and condo developments, and some nice little neighborhoods, but some serious bottlenecks to get back into Portland and probably the least resale value/appreciation bet. 

Thus overall Portland is an easygoing city with friendly, hardworking people living all different walks of life. The housing is affordable the schools and healthcare are solid and the urban center is just minutes from all sort of recrational activities.

Portland Maine is a wonderful place to live, to work and to do business in.

Portland Real Estate Housing Graphs

Below are historical housing charts for Portland Maine homes and condos.
Please click on an image to enlarge.

Single Family Transaction Volume	Single Family Pricing
Condo Transaction Volume	Condo Pricing

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Portland's Maine's History of Early Struggles and Development:

The city of Portland has suffered fires, attacks, embargoes, and local warring that has made its historical record one of strife and struggle to survive.  Despite the countless attempts to wipe out the city, Portland has consistently fought and won over its hardships.  The city's motto, Resurgam, or "I will rise again", is embodied within the city's seal, depicting a phoenix rising out of the ashes.  A major reason as to why Portland has gone through so much to develop in relation to other cities is its role as a major seaport.  Portland's prime location with regard to the ocean has made it integral to the furtherance of life in the area through the access to natural resources and trade.  Originally called "Machigonne" by the Native Americans, Portland was settled by British colonists in 1632 and developed under the name of "Casco".  Utilized as a center for fisheries and overall exportation and importation, Casco was later renamed to "Falmouth" in 1658.  The area has also seen a  number of fires and battles that have ultimately destroyed the majority of the buildings in the town.  In 1675, Falmouth (currently Portland) was burned to the ground by the Wampanoag tribe in the midst of the British King Phillip's War.  Although the Falmouth community was rebuilt, it was later destroyed by the Wampanoag tribe yet again.  It took nearly a century for the city to recover from the constant attacks by natives, and the city only gained adversaries in the following years.  On October 18th, 1775, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the British Navy under the command of Captain Henry Mowat brought the city to its knees once more in its struggle for stability.  Following the Revolutionary War and the recovery period that came along with it, different sections of Falmouth began to develop over others.  One specific area, Falmouth's Neck, declared itself independent in 1786 and renamed itself Portland, beginning the reign of the city as it is known today.  Portland struggled to maintain an economy through the early 1800s, hurt severely by the Embargo Act of 1807 (ceasing of trade with England) and the War of 1812.  However, Portland survived through both to become the capital of the state of Maine in 1820 following the partitioning of the new state from Massachusetts as a result of the Missouri Compromise.  Despite its recovery, Portland lost its status as the capital of Maine in 1832 to the northern city of Augusta.  The city was ravaged by yet another fire that leveled the city completely.  On July 4th, 1866, a fire ignited by a boisterous independence day celebration resulted in the displacement of over 10,000 individuals, making it one of the most devastating incidents in Portland's history.  After the fire, the city was rebuilt with brick in a prevalent Victorian style, which is seen still today in the area's picturesque Western Promenade neighborhood.  Throughout its existence, Portland has shown a sense of tenacity and a determination to thrive despite all of the odds against it.  This rich historical background has made its mark on the city, adding to the wealth of information and traditions available to those who call Portland home.
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Friendly, Unique Neighborhoods, The True Heart of Portland:

Portland is defined by its eclectic neighborhoods that provide a greater sense of community within a larger city.  Each neighborhood retains its own great attributes, making any one perfect to reside in.  The neighborhoods of Portland include: Bayside, Bradley's Corner, Cushing's Island, Deering Center, Downtown, East Deering, East Bayside, East End (Eastern Promenade), Eastern Cemetery, Great Diamond Island, Highlands, Kennedy Park, Libbytown, Lunt's Corner, Morrill's Corner, Munjoy Park, North Deering, Oakdale, Old Port, Parkside, Peaks Island, Riverton, Rosemont, Stroudwater, West End (Western Promenade), and Woodford's Corner.  Several neighborhoods are known for their traditional architecture, such as the West End (Western Promenade), whose homes reflect the early 19th century development of the city in the Victorian style.  Many of these Victorian mansions are now split into 2 or 3 units, reflecting not only the stature of these majestic homes but also the availability of several differing sizes of living space.
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Portland Maine Outdoor Attractions: Endless Opportunities for Adventure:

Portland's proximity to the ocean, mountains, and forest provide the perfect setting for any outdoor excursion.  Portland has several beautiful parks in the urban area that are a great place to spend an afternoon reading a book or taking a stroll.  Deering Oaks Park (between Deering Ave. and Forest Ave, State St. runs directly through it) is the largest park in the Portland area, complete with trails, a large pond where ducks and birds congregate, and large beautiful green spots to spend time in.  The Eastern Promenade Park (directly off of Casco Bay) provides gorgeous vistas of the Bay and a 1.5 mile walking path for ocean lovers to enjoy.  Portland is also only a half an hour drive from the mid-coast area, known for its breathtaking views of the wide expanse of the ocean and towering forests.  A short drive from Portland will take you to the Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary (ME Hwy 127 (207) 781-2330, www.maineaudubon.org ), Robert P. T. Coffin Wildflower Reservation (Rte 128, Woolwich, (207) 442-0982, www.newfs.org/sanctuary.pdf), and the Bradley Pond Farm Preserve (Rte 201 and 196, Topsham, (207) 729-7694, www.btlt.org/preserves/bradley.shtml), all provide spectacular views of the beautiful Maine landscape.  All are no more than 40 minutes away from the Portland area, making them perfect for a weekend hike or a special trip with loved ones.  If you're looking for Maine's world famous ocean views, a 50 minute drive to Phippsburg via Bath will take you to the beautiful areas of Sebasco Harbor Resort (Rte 217, Phippsburg, (207) 389-1161, www.sebasco.com) Popham State Beach Park (Rte 217, Phippsburg (207) 389-9125, www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=22), and Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area (207)786-6255, www.bates.edu/morse-mountain.xml), where the wonders of the Maine coastline can be taken in. 

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Shopping: From the Old Port to the Mall, Portland Provides the Tools to 'Shop Till' you Drop':

Shopping while in Portland allows the buyer to have access to hundreds of major retail locations in addition to small, quaint boutiques that provide one-of-a-kind gifting and other items.  Two major points of interest when examining the wide array of shopping venues available in Portland include the Old Port area and the Maine Mall.  The Old Port area, whose streets are lined with traditional cobblestones, allows the shopper to travel to a more sentimental time where simplistic, beautiful store fronts are lined with interesting items and unique gifts.  A walk down any street in the Old Port can make one truly appreciate not only the goods they buy, but also the incredible shopping experience itself through the picturesque environment.  The Old Port provides stores of every kind, no matter what one may feel in the mood to buy, taste, or experience.  If clothing is your passion, the Old Port retains boutiques of every style to meet the needs of a diverse population.  Bertini (455 Fore St., (207)828-5373), sells high-end Italian clothing and accessories, while Betsy's (7 & 9 Exchange St., (207)772-0027, www.betsys.com ), supplies all of the trendy clothing any girl "in the know" would need.  Another very popular store for young women is Bliss (58 Exchange St., (207) 879-7125, www.blissboutiques.com), which carries everything from 7 for All Mankind to Joe's Jeans to BCBG and Velvet.  If a green planet is your idea of the perfect world, Awear (19 Exchange St., (207) 253-1655, www.johnnyhempseed.org) is perfect for all-natural clothing derived from hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and other natural fabrics.  If home and garden decor is on your shopping list, the Old Port has an endless amount of stores to meet all of your interior and exterior needs.  Asia West (219 Commercial St., (207) 775-4244, www.asiawest.net) supplies exotic Asian-inspired home and garden accessories.  If your home styling is modern and clean, Addo Novo (490 Congress St., (207) 221-2780, www.addonovo.com) specializes in cool, current fashions for homes.  If you're looking to revamp your kitchen, LeRoux Kitchen (161 Commercial St., (207) 553-7665, www.lerouxkitchen.com) supplies the best kitchenware, wines, chocolates, and gadgets for the perfect eating space.  The Old Port also has several excellent book stores, where one can find anything from an antique classic to a current bestseller.  Books, Etc. (38 Exchange St., (207) 774-0626, www.mainebooksetc.com), has been the foundation for Portland book buyers for over 30 years, specializing in independent authors and topics.  The Old Port also has a number of specialty gift stores for every occasion, from baby showers to weddings to birthdays and more.  If one is looking for a specialized Maine gift that is edible, K Horton Specialty Foods (542 Monument Sq., (207) 228-2059, www.khortonfoods.com) specializes in local and international fare, specifically cheeses, meats, and Maine seafood and produce.   The Mind Gift Shop (37 Wharf St., (207) 253-5050, www.themindgiftshop.com) provides an eclectic gathering of handmade jewelry and glass items.  In addition to the countless shopping opportunities in the downtown Old Port area of Portland, the Maine Mall (364 Maine Mall Rd., (207) 774-0303, www.mainemall.com) in South Portland is an exceptional spot for shopping major retail locations.   The mall has several major chain stores to provide you with the necessary goods.  Shopping venues in the mall include: Abercrombie and Fitch (207)773-3287, www.abercrombie.com), Best Buy (207) 791-8806, www.bestbuy.com), Coach (207)771-7990, www.coach.com), Macy's (207)761-7304, www.macys.com), and The Sports Authority (207)773-7400, www.sportsauthority.com).  No matter what you may be looking for, the Old Port and the Maine Mall in Portland will provide you with all of the necessary stores for your purchasing needs.  

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Dining: Lobster and Seafood Galore, Plus a Multitude of Other Exceptional Cuisine:
 

Portland is widely acclaimed as having some of the best seafood in the United States, specifically referring to Maine lobster, shellfish, and cod.  However, although this reputation is absolutely true, Portland has a much wider array of exceptional cuisines that tempt the palate and soothe the stomach.  Portland's downtown and Old Port areas in particular harbor many of these unique and top-quality restaurants which incorporate all differing genres of food.   Portland has so many restaurants to choose from, it can be difficult even deciding on a place to eat when you know the type of food you'd like to consume.  If you're in the mood for excellent American cuisine, Five Fifty-Five(555 Congress St., (207)761-0555, www.fivefifty-five.com) makes great dishes using seasonal ingredients and mostly local produce.  The Dogfish Bar and Grille (128 Free St., (207)772-5483, www.thedogfishbarandgirlle.com) also serves great grille food in a relaxing environment where patrons can choose to eat inside or out on a beautiful deck.  If you're up for a hardy plate of linguine with clam sauce and an entertaining evening, Anthony's Italian Kitchen (151 Middle St., (207)774-8668, www.anthonysitaliankitchen.com) serves big portions combined with live performances of Broadway show tunes.  If wraps and burritos are more your style, Granny's Burritos (420 Fore St., (207)761-0751, www.grannysburritos.com) has excellent, healthy fare for those who love everything wrapped in a tortilla.  Another popular wrap joint is Federal Spice (225 Federal St., (207) 774-6404), which describes its fare as "good and groovy".  If environment and ambiance is your main point of interest when deciding where to eat, The Top of the East (157 High St., (207)775-5144, www.eastlandparkhotel.com) is only rooftop restaurant in Portland.  Located in the historic Eastland Park hotel, this cool spot is a perfect first date eatery.  Portland also has a number of good Chinese food locations, with the most noted being Panda Garden (1041 Brighton St., (207)874-6935).  Indian food lovers can rejoice in knowing that Portland has extremely tasty and traditional Indian fare.  Hi Bombay (1 Pleasant St., (207)772-8767, www.hibombay.com) will provide you with all of the samosa, naan, and curries you can eat.  If you're looking for Portland's world renowned seafood, there are countless sushi bars that have the freshest and most select fish choices in the New England area.  Fuji Sushi Bar (29 Exchange St., (207)773-2900, www.fujimaine.com) serves excellent sushi at a reasonable price, combined with a private party and bar area in the basement.  Yosaku Sushi Restaurant (1 Danforth St., (207)780-0880)
has been voted "Portland's Best Sushi" several years in a row, but you may pay more because of this.  Benkay Japanese Restaurant (2 India St., (207)773-5555, www.sushiman.com) offers sushi at a low price, especially with their "Flying Tuna Sushi Mile"  deal where patrons earn 1 sushi mile for every $10 they spend at Benkay.  Patrons can then use their sushi miles for free sushi in the future.  Another great sushi bar is Sapporo Restaurant (230 Commercial St., (207)772-1233), whose location adjacent to the docks in the Old Port gives it a great sense of ambiance and overall appeal.  If succulent, Maine lobster is what you're hungering for, the best place to enjoy this delicacy is The Portland Lobster Company (180 Commercial St., (207)775-2112, www.portlandlobsterco.com).  At the Portland Lobster Company, patrons can "go where the locals" go to eat great seafood, choosing from lobster dinners, lobster rolls, steamers, and other amazing seafood.   Patrons serve themselves their own food, making their marginally inflated prices offset by cutting down on cost through no tipping.  Portland also has several bakeries and coffee shops that serve comforting pastries and brew up hot cups of espresso to enjoy on colder days.  The Big Sky Bread Company (28 Monument Sq., (207) 228-2040, www.mainebread.com) serves home-made whole wheat breads, pastries, cookies, as well as salads and great sandwiches.   Another coffee venue that is unique to the Portland area is Breaking New Grounds (13 Exchange St., (207)761-5637), which has a huge selection of decadent desserts and pastries, exotic coffee blends, and an atmosphere that is perfect to either catch up with old friends in or browse the daily newspaper.  Portland's wealth of restaurants makes it a perfect place for anyone with a love for food. 

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The Old Port Bar Scene: Drink with Old Friends, Meet New Ones!

Many people come to Portland simply because of its great bar scene, which is dominated by the Old Port area and its one-of-a-kind bars that embody the epitome of New England pride and creativity.  There is a bar for every type of individual, as well as a location suitable for every price range.  Some highlights of the Old Port bar scene include Bull Feeny's(375 Fore St., (207) 773-7210, www.bullfeenys.com), a lively Irish pub that prides itself on great drink specials and live entertainment.  Another Irish pub favorite is Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub (396 Fore St., (207)772-2739, www.grittys.com), where many of the local youth go to relax and treat themselves to Maine-made micro-brews and a casual environment.  Continuing with the Irish pub theme, prevalent in the Old Port area is Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant (72 Commercial St., (207)761-4446, www.rira.com), where patrons can enjoy great Irish pub food along with the Guinness on the pub's waterfront deck.  Sebago Brewing Company (164 Middle St., (207)775-2337, www.sebagobrewing.com) offers great Maine-made brews along with a wide selection of steaks and other assorted American cuisine.  If you're looking for a more modern and dressed up scene, The White Heart (551 Congress St., (207)828-1900, www.thewhiteheart.com) prides itself on superior cocktails and wine selection, combined with great bistro food and an overall art-deco ambiance.  If you're in the mood for some oysters along with your drink, Jay's Oyster Bar (5 Portland Pier, (207)772-4828) is the perfect spot on the waterfront to enjoy your seafood with a beer.  A major Portland institution in terms of bars is The Great Lost Bear (540 Forest Ave., (207)772-0300, www.greatlostbear.com), which open in 1979 and has been an attraction for locals and tourists alike ever since.  No matter what kind of nightlife you fancy, the Old Port area in Portland has a bar to suit all tastes. 

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Education: Portland's Role as a Facilitator of Excellency:

Portland's public and private school systems are know to be the most diverse and resource-laden of any in the entire state of Maine.  The city's public school system is also the largest in the state, making it a great place for children to meet other from all differing backgrounds.  The public school system in Portland (www.portlandschools.org) is equipped with 11 elementary schools: Marada Adams Community Elementary School (48 Moody St., (207)874-8228), Cliff Island Elementary School (P.O. Box 7, (207) 766-2885), Nathan Clifford Elementary School (180 Falmouth St., (207)874-8180), Fred P. Hall Elementary School (23 Orono Rd., (207)874-8205), East End Community School (195 North St., (207) 874-8228, Longfellow Elementary School(432 Stevens Ave., (207)874-8195), Harrison Lyseth Elementary School (175 Auburn St., (207)874-8215), Peak's Island Elementary School (4 Church St., (207)766-2528), Presumpscot Elementary (69 Presumpscot Rd., (207)874-8220), Howard C. Reiche Elementary School (166 Brackett St., (207)874-8175), and Riverton Elementary School (1600 Forest Ave., (207)874-8210).  In addition to elementary schools, Portland's public school system has three middle schools, including: King Middle School (92 Deering Ave., (207)874-8140), Lincoln Middle School (522 Stevens Ave., (207)874-8145), and Lyman Moore Middle School (171 Auburn St., (207)874-8150).  Portland's public education system is topped off by four high schools, including: Deering High School (370 Stevens Ave., (207)874-8260), Portland High School (284 Cumberland Ave., (207)874-8250), Casco Bay High School (196 Allen Ave., (207)874-8160), and Portland Arts and Technology High School (196 Allen Ave., (207)874-8165).  With so many public schools to choose from, Portland is ideal for public education.  In addition to public, there are several private schools that are highly acclaimed that call Portland home.  Waynflete School (360 Spring St., (207)774-5271, www.waynflete.org) is specifically designed for children to be brought up knowing their own ideas, being able to eloquently express them, and in an accepting, loving environment. With grades running from pre-kindergarten to 12th, Waynflete, which is non-religious, strikes a perfect balance between quality, standardized education, and a love for one's personal ideals.  Another private school is Cheverus High School (267 Ocean Ave., (207)774-6238, www.cheverus.org), which is a Catholic, prep high school for grades 9 through 12.  Known for their sports teams, Cheverus is a perfect place for religious parents who would like their children to be brought up with a balanced education and a religious backing.  No matter what type of schooling your child may need, Portland has an endless array of schools to choose from.  
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Portland Maine Arts: Galleries, Theaters, and Much More:

Portland is a town filled with creativity.  This creative nature flows into many different realms of the city, creating beautiful works of art, song, and entertainment.  There are plenty of forms of artistic expression in Portland that one can view, enjoy, and even participate in.  In terms of art galleries, the downtown and Old Port areas of Portland are flush with exquisite galleries of Maine and other New England artists. The Abacus American Craft Gallery (44 Exchange St., (207)772-4880, www.abacusgallery.com) has been producing Maine-made abacuses since 1971, along with other finely made wooden crafts.  Aucocisco Galleries (613 Congress St., (207)775-2222, www.aucocisco.com) specializes in modern art displays for sale.  The Du'e Gallery (81 Market St., (207)879-1869, www.duegallery.com) serves to provide critically acclaimed abstract artwork done by New England artists.  If one is looking to view art more than purchase it, the Maine College of Art (97 Spring St., (207)775-5098, www.meca.edu) has two galleries, the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA and the Joanne Waxman Library which are open for public viewing.  The Portland Museum of Art (7 Congress Sq., (207)775-6148, www.portlandmuseum.org) offers works done by Winslow Homer, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet.  In addition to art galleries, there are several museums open to the public that are the perfect activity for families and couples alike to participate in.  The Children's Museum of Maine (142 Free St., (207)828-1234, www.kitetails.com) offers a place for children to interact with the exhibits, all the while learning important information about our world.  If entertainment on the stage is more of your idea of a great afternoon, the Portland Stage Company (25 Forest Ave., (207)774-0465, www.portlandstage.com) performs professional renditions of classic and contemporary works alike.   If comedy is something that puts you in the mood, the Comedy Connection (16 Custom House Wharf, (207)774-5554, www.mainecomedy.com) offers live-stand comedy shows as well as great food to go along with it.  Portland also has an abundance of movie theaters, including Nickelodeon Cinema (1 Temple St., (207)772-9751), which offers movies at a discount price.  A great place to see large scale concerts and shows is the Cumberland County Civic Center (1 Civic Center Sq., (207)775-3481, www.theciviccenter.com ), which hosts headlining tours and Broadway shows.  Portland is ideal for all things artistic and entertaining, based upon the huge selection of things to do and see. 

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Please request a Maine buyers agent packet containing more real estate and overview information on Portland in PDF format or simply give me a call at 207-650-5383 or email at jherrigel@greentreemaine.com