Portland
A little city on the ocean, Portland is beloved by its residents for being beautiful, livable, culturally diverse, offering a plethora of seasonally-changing activities and being "just the right size.” Portland is a great place to work, raise a family or retire (and if you like house guests, you'll have plenty of family and friends lining up to visit!). Portland is historically known for its working waterfront - from shipping, to ferries and recreational boating, marinas, a sailing school, commercial fishing and lobstering - all which continue to thrive alongside cruise ships docking, award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping, universities, tech companies, non-profit institutions and entrepreneurial businesses and engaged citizens. Portland's bounty of resources and amenities (did we mention we have a beach in the city?!) and proximity to incredible wilderness, outdoor recreation, rural communities and transportation centers make it almost too good to be true.
A character-filled, HISTORICAL, but modern city with Breathtaking ocean landscapes
What we love:
Coastal Scenery
Delicious Food
City Living
Small Town Charm
Above Average Schools
Located in Cumberland County, Maine
1.5hr to Boston
2hr to Bangor
50m to Portsmouth
Nearest Cities By Car
First-hand Hay Runner insight
“Portland is where I chose to open a brick and mortar business and raise a family because of the community, opportunity and rich architectural culture.”
-Shannon Richards, Founder
Coastal Scenery
Easy ocean access for walkers, cyclists, swimmers and sight seeing.
An afternoon walk at Eastern Promenade Park will quickly remind any resident why they choose to live in Portland. Places like Fort Allen Park, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse will deliver stop in your tracks ocean views.
Delicious Food
Fresh seafood, quick bites to elegant & creative cuisine.
Named Bon Appetit’s restaurant city of the year, and known for it’s craft beer breweries. Oysters to gelato to pizza to locally sourced ingrediants—there is something for everyone in this foodie city.
CITY LIVING
Find public transportation, robust entertainment and cultural diversity.
No car? Don’t worry you can travel by bus, taxi, train or even the ferry. Portland is a great place to walk to work in the city, where you can find plenty of downtown apartments and condos. Grab a friend and see concert that the State Theater or Thompsons Point. Also find more culturally rich neighborhoods in this city than any other place in the state.
Small town Charm
Cobblestone streets and friendly warm neighborhoods.
Though you can find all the joys of big city living, you will also simultaneously notice the focus on small business, local community events and laid back vibe.
Small town Charm
Cobblestone streets, friendly neighborhoods and small business priority.
Though you can find all the joys of big city living, you will also simultaneously notice the focus on small business, local community events and laid back vibe.
Above average schools
Public + private schools + kid-friendly
Have children or planning on having children? Portland is a wonderful place to raise a family. Be sure to check out Longfellow Elementary, Baxter School, of Technology and Sciences, and Lyself Elementary to name a few.
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As of 2021 the population stands at 68,313 people. This is actually quite small when thinking about neighboring Boston who’s population is 600,000+
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Did you know that Portland won best Bus stop in America in 2022? Start there. You won’t regret seeing this public art installation by local artist Ebanezar Akakpo. Then perhaps head over to the Press Hotel, Eastern Promenade, or the Portland Head Light.
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Move to Maine, and trust us, everyone will want to know. The truth is, yes! However, the ocean at our footsteps keeps it tolerable, and you will adapt. You’ll want a good jacket, and before you know it, at the end of March, Spring will lead us to our ever so loved Summer. If you want more snow, head West.
The other great part of a Maine Winter? Even though there are plenty of attractions in Greater Portland to share with tourists, traffic will be lower in the Winter, so throw on a pair of boots and enjoy! -
We’ve got some stats:
According to the US census, median household income is $66,109. The average home price: $485,000, and the average rental is around $1500.
The cost of living is consistently above the national average.
Portland FAQ’s
