Living in Portland, Maine: 16 Things You Should Know

If you’re considering moving to Portland, Maine (not to be confused with the city in Oregon), then you probably already have an inkling that it’s a special place. And you’re right! A community filled with artists and foodies, beachcombers and winter lovers, Portland’s a city where nightlife, shopping, and tourism abound. But it’s also a city that easily keeps its small-town feel. That duality is what living in Portland, Maine, is all about.

Portland residents can see the area blossom with tourism in the summer as the waterfront comes to life with sailing, outdoor events, and lobster roll munching. And in the winter, as the snow settles on the cobblestone streets of Old Port, you can relish in the beauty of the area that typically only year-round Mainers get the chance to experience. 

What else makes Portland stand out from other cities? Let’s take a deeper dive into what it’s like living in Portland, Maine.

Portland, ME – At a Glance

• Though Maine is the northernmost New England state, Portland hugs the southern portion of the state’s coastline — only a quick two-hour drive down to Boston.
• It may have a neighborly, down-home feel, thanks to its friendly folk, but Portland is actually the largest city in Maine by population. Approximately 69,100 people call Portland home.
• At a little more than 21 square miles, Portland is large enough to provide ample space but small enough that commutes aren’t too bad.
• The median age is just under 38, with about 15 percent of the Portland, Maine, population under 18 years old and about 17 percent 65 or older.

The cost of living in Portland, Maine, is above the national average, but it’s much more affordable than many other major metro areas.

1. The Cost of Living in Portland, Maine, Is Close to the National Average. 

Is it expensive to live in Portland, Maine? Well, that depends on where you’re coming from and what you’re used to paying. The good news? The Portland, Maine, cost of living is only 11 percent above the national average. For comparison, the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, is a whopping 51 percent above the national average! 

2. Renting an Apartment in Portland Is More Affordable Than in Larger Cities. 

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portland, Maine? The median household income in Portland is about $71,500. How far does that take you in terms of living there? Well, if you’re renting, the average rate is around $1,850 per month for 670 square feet of space — a breath of fresh air for big-city dwellers used to living in a shoebox for the same price. There are even better deals to be had when it comes to Portland, Maine, real estate, though: Nearly 20 percent of apartments for rent fall into the $1,001-$1,500 monthly range. 

3. The Portland Housing Market Is Competitive — But Worth It. 

As for investing in property (the owner-occupied housing rate in Portland is nearly 46 percent, after all), the average home value in Portland is around $567,000. As more and more people migrate to the coastal city and homes fill up, however, Portland, Maine, real estate prices tend to climb. Case in point: From July 2023 to July 2024, the average home value went up 7 percent, according to Zillow estimates. Not to mention, houses rarely linger on the market for long — as of July 2024, the median number of days before going under contract was a mere 9 days. 

With so many sandy shores to choose from, beach bums will love living in Portland. Head to Old Orchard Beach for a bustling boardwalk, and be sure to check out the amusement park. 

4. There Are a Myriad of Great Beaches in Portland, Maine.

Eastern Promenade

Yes, its vistas are as grand as the name suggests. The two-mile amble along this stretch of coastline consists of two parallel paved and stone dust paths, so you can tailor your stroll according to your footwear.

East End Beach

Follow the Promenade long enough and you’ll wind up at East End Beach, Portland’s sole public beach. Slip into a swimsuit and take to the water for a swim or kayak excursion, or stick to the shore for some sandcastle construction or a stroll along the pebble-dotted beach.  

Higgins Beach

A 20-minute drive south of the city, this Scarborough gem boasts a soft sweep of sand for stretching out — as long as you time the tide right. In the water, expect to see wetsuit-clad surfers making the most of the waves.

Old Orchard Beach

Join the masses at Old Orchard, a town whose modest population grows exponentially in the summer months when out-of-towners flock to the beach. Take to the pier for a range of restaurants and bars or Palace Playland, the beachside amusement park, for a spin on the ferris wheel. Or head to the northern part of the seven-mile shoreline for fewer crowds and softer sand. 

Willard Beach

Small but lovely, this South Portland beach offers free parking, outdoor showers, and a snack shack to make the most of a sunny afternoon.

Scarborough Beach

Ten miles outside of Portland, this state park fills up quickly in the summer, so make sure to arrive bright and early. (Or take advantage of free street parking and an uncrowded beach during the off-season.) Big waves are ideal for body surfing, and nearby eateries are perfect for picnicking.

5. There Are All Kinds of Ways to Spend Time Outdoors. 

Living in Portland, Maine, means ample access to a range of outdoor activities. There are the beaches, sure, but there’s also a slew of active entertainment on the Portland waterfront, from sailing and whale watching to paddleboarding and kayaking. And when it gets too icy to be on the water? Find a good spot to go sledding or ice skating, or venture a little further to a ski lodge. Of course, you’d be remiss not to take full advantage of living in New England by reveling in the gorgeous fall foliage that turns the city’s trees into an autumnal kaleidoscope each year. The Casco Bay Islands make for a great day trip and the perfect place to do some prime leaf peeping.

If you think of lighthouses when you think of living in Portland, Maine, head to Munjoy Hill in the East End, where you’ll find the Portland Observatory — a maritime signal station and a National Historic Landmark.

6. From East End to West End, Living in Portland, Maine, Means Exploring Its Rich Range of Neighborhoods.

As Maine’s most populous city, Portland is composed of 21 rich and distinct neighborhoods — all of which merit exploring. To kick off your discovery, though, here’s a brief snapshot of a few of its most popular communities. (To get a sense of how they all come together, take a peek at this handy map of Portland, Maine, neighborhoods.)

West End

Those partial to Victorian architecture will swoon over this enclave. Brick homes laced with green ivy and gorgeous private gardens make for a scenic stroll around the neighborhood. 

Downtown

If you want to be in the heart of the activity, head downtown. Walk down Congress Street to enjoy brunch at a posh hotel, delicious vegetarian cuisine, art galleries filled with local talent, and much more.

East End

This area occupies the northeastern section of the peninsula. Home to Munjoy Hill, East End Beach, The Portland Observatory (a National Historic Landmark), and plenty of coffee shops and cafes.

7. The Portland Public School System Is Solid. 

Portland is beautiful in the winter, but cold. The snowfall averages 61 inches per year, making iconic features like the Portland Head Light look even more majestic.

8. Portland, Maine, Weather Is Typical of New England.  

Let’s be clear: You’ll need your warmest coat to weather the winter in Portland. Snowfall averages about 61 inches per year — more than twice the U.S. average of 28 inches. Likewise, December through February temperatures easily dip below 20°F, but no worries! Just slip into a pair of waterproof Bean Boots (the L.L. Bean flagship store isn’t far away in Freeport, Maine) and relish the beauty of frosty cobblestone streets and wreath-dotted doorways as you walk through the city, enjoying the beauty of the Portland, Maine, weather. 

During the June to August warm season — which doubles as the high tourism season — temperatures climb into the 70s, making for optimal conditions for chowing down on lobster rolls by the waterfront or packing a bag for a Portland, Maine, beach day. 

Q: Are winters harsh in Portland, Maine? A: Yes, living in Portland, Maine, means experiencing a true New England winter. Snowfall averages about 61 inches per year, and temperatures often dip below 20°F from December through February. While you’ll want to bundle up, you can also take advantage of the beautiful, snowy surroundings by ice skating or snowshoeing — or simply finding a cozy restaurant (there are many) and enjoying the view from inside.

9. The Portland Job Market Is in Good Health. 

Even those moving to Portland, Maine, without a job will likely find one without too much trouble upon arrival. The unemployment rate in July 2024 was a low 2.3 percent, compared to the national 4.3 percent in the same month. Portland’s 2022 median household income was slightly less than the national median: around $71,500 compared to around $74,580 nationally. But as of late, the job market is more open than ever. U.S. News & World Report dubbed Portland one of the best places for young professionals to live, and WalletHub concurs, naming it one of the best cities for jobs, period. 

Q: How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portland, Maine? A: The Portland, Maine, cost of living is about 11 percent above the national average. So what salary do you need to live in Portland, Maine? For a single adult with no children, the MIT Living Wage Calculator recommends an annual income before taxes of just over $49,000, while for two working adults with two children, that number goes up to about $126,000.

Foodies will feel completely at home in Portland, which is well known for its high rate of restaurants per capita and delicious eats on nearly every main street. 

10. You Can Eat Your Heart Out in This Restaurant City. 

If the first thing you associate with Portland is the waterfront, then the close second is the food scene. It was previously named “Restaurant City of the Year” by Bon Appétit for a reason. Where else in New England can you score a bagel smeared with cream cheese and smoked salmon (Rose Foods), hand-cut Belgian fries fried in duck fat (Duckfat), Colombiano hot dogs topped with queso fresco (Quiero Cafe), and potato donuts in flavors like coffee brandy and pomegranate (The Holy Donut) — all within walking distance?

11. Fill Your Bags With Clothes, Gifts, and Unique Gems When Shopping in Portland.

12. Portland, Maine, Living Is Relatively Safe.

Portland’s crime index, according to Neighborhood Scout, is 25, meaning it’s safer than 25 percent of other cities in the U.S. The violent crime rate is under 2 percent, while the property crime rate hovers just below 17 percent. And while the Portland crime rate is higher than the average rate in Maine, it is significantly lower than other major East Coast cities, such as New York and Boston. 

13. From Planes to Trains to Automobiles, Portland Has Plenty of Ways To Get Around.

Amtrak

The Downeaster train line will take you up to Brunswick in 45 minutes or down to Boston in about 3.5 hours. And free Wi-Fi on board means the ride flies by while you knock out some work.

Portland International Jetport

A 15-minute drive from downtown, this airport offers nonstop flights to sites such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Concord Coach Lines

This bus line can shuttle you to Boston (including directly to Logan Airport, where you can catch an international flight), New Hampshire, or New York. 

14. You Can Visit a Historic Lighthouse.

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Portland Head lighthouse in Maine” and oohing and aahing at the photos of crashing waves around a classic lighthouse, you’ll be glad to know you can easily pay a visit to the Portland Head Light. Just five miles from Portland, you can make the 20-minute drive south for a picturesque afternoon taking photos of the lighthouse and strolling around the 90-acre Fort Williams Park it’s situated in.  

Walk around the cobblestone streets of Old Port to window shop at independently owned stores, grab a lobster roll, or simply take in the water views.  

15. Arts, Brews, and Island-Hopping Are the Top Things To Do in Portland, Maine.

Beyond visiting the Portland Head lighthouse in Maine, there are so many ways to stay busy when living in Portland, Maine. Whether partaking in some local shopping in Old Port, sunbathing on the shore, or indulging in one of the amazing Portland, Maine, restaurants, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Portland, Maine. 

Stuck on how to spend a lazy weekend day? Try one of these local treasures: 

Explore the Arts District

Portland is home to reams of talented artists, which is abundantly clear when you take to the Arts District. This section of the city center is composed of the Maine College of Art & Design as well as the Portland Museum of Art. 

Wander Around the Old Port

Cobblestone alleyways dotted with independently owned shops, portside lobster roll shacks, and glistening views of the waterfront all around? It simply doesn’t get more idyllic.

Sip a Craft Brew

Take a hoppy tasting tour of the city by visiting its various breweries, such as Allagash, where you can imbibe some Belgian-style witbier right where it’s made. 

Take an Island Trip

When it comes to things to do in Portland, Maine, this is one of the quirkiest. Board the Casco Bay Ferry to float over to Peaks Island. Once there, you can bike, kayak, and check out the Umbrella Cover Museum — a unique attraction that pays homage to the little sleeves that keep umbrellas neat and tidy.  

16. Life’s Good In Portland, Maine.

Want a one sentence answer to the question, “Is Portland, Maine, a good place to live?” Look no further than the city’s slogan: “Yes. Life’s good here." Need more numerical evidence? Niche ranks Portland as the 14th best place to live in Maine, as well as the sixth best for young professionals and the sixth most diverse places in the state. Plus, reviews from locals consistently rate it as a wonderful small city that packs a punch. “Beautiful and interesting little city with a gorgeous downtown, easy access to nature, amazing food options, and wonderful art museum and cultural opportunities,” reads one Niche review from a resident. That’s what living in Portland, Maine, is all about. 

Moving to Portland, Maine, With PODS

Already picturing yourself in Portland, strolling down the cobblestone streets, lobster roll in hand, looking for the perfect bench to admire the Atlantic’s crashing waves? Whether it’s a post-retirement move, you’re relocating for a new job, or you’re just ready for a change in scenery, moving to Portland just may prove to be the perfect move.  

For specific tips on packing your bags (and getting settled in as quickly as possible), peruse the PODS Blog, where you’ll find professional advice on decluttering and packing hacks from seasoned movers. 

Sofia Rivera is a Brooklyn-based lifestyle editor and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. Her work has appeared in Boston magazine, Apartment Therapy, and more. You can most often find her redecorating her apartment, trying out a new recipe, or trekking all over the city.