POPULATION: 66,194
MEDIAN AGE: 36
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $37,438
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $249,700
TOTAL VOTES: 704 (3.2%)
In a centuries-old fishing town two hours north of Boston, gentrification was bound to happen. But on the way to the refurbished warehouses and arty boutiques, Portland managed to preserve its locavore ethos, which is rooted in a 243-year-old farmers’ market. Now the gastronome scene is as good as the saltwater access. Urban farmers set up shop in East Bayside, growing organic produce and fermenting mead year-round, and lobstermen and fishermen keep the harbor in the Old Port’s waterfront district bustling. But there’s more than just food here: there are paddle-friendly shores on Casco Bay and hurricane-induced surf on the Atlantic beaches, while two hours away lie the long trails of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Real estate is affordable, and there are jobs to be had: Portland is the state’s commerce capital, and L.L.Bean’s corporate headquarters are 20 minutes up the road.
Staying Power: In 2006, Portland launched a robust sustainability plan that included a 30-mile expansion of its waterfront trails, a buy-local campaign that helped stabilize the economy, and a tax-funded program to expand and restore public art. Downtown there are half a dozen microbreweries, including Allagash and Shipyard, and 38 restaurants that keep the brick warehouses filled with energy.
Playgrounds: There are nearly as many kayakers as lobstermen plying the waters of Casco Bay, and whitewater paddlers can journey north to the Class IV–V Penobscot and Kennebec rivers. Cape Elizabeth is only a 30-mile road ride from Portland, and in winter, two of the East Coast’s best ski resorts are within a three-hour drive—Sunday River and Sugarloaf.
The Voters Speak: “One of the only places on earth where you can ski at 8 a.m., surf at 1 p.m., and eat a five-star dinner at 7 p.m.” “Small-city charm—no traffic or trouble getting to the woods or the ocean—but with the culture of a big city.” “Lobster!”
Comments
Cape Elizabeth is not a 30-mile road ride from Portland, it's more like 3-miles. You can see it from Portland. And both ski mountains are 2 1/2 hours away at most. Poor editing.
Flag ThisCape Elizabeth is not a 30-mile road ride from Portland, it's more like 3-miles. You can see it from Portland. And both ski mountains are 2 1/2 hours away at most. Poor editing.
Flag Thisand we have style too. bean boots!
Flag ThisAfter a 25 yr. absence I have returned to my city by the Bay.Bicycle trails now coexist w/traffic.Bike racks aplenty throughout the city,its many parks and the local Metro bus has 'em.
Flag ThisAfter a 25 yr. absence I have returned to my city by the Bay.Bicycle trails now coexist w/traffic.Bike racks aplenty throughout the city,its many parks and the local Metro bus has 'em.
Flag ThisIt is Sundae River! Not Sunday River. How can you ski and surf at the same day? Someone please explain it to me.
Flag ThisIt is Sundae River! Not Sunday River. How can you ski and surf at the same day? Someone please explain it to me.
Flag ThisRepeatedly, I see Portland, ME on both the best place to retire and great place to live list. I visited Portland on a beautiful day this August. We ate at some great restaurants. It also has a true commercial waterfront with modest housing. My wife and I (and some friends) could not figure how it consistently makes it on the top lists. I welcome comments on what we were missing?
Flag ThisRepeatedly, I see Portland, ME on both the best place to retire and great place to live list. I visited Portland on a beautiful day this August. We ate at some great restaurants. It also has a true commercial waterfront with modest housing. My wife and I (and some friends) could not figure how it consistently makes it on the top lists. I welcome comments on what we were missing?
Flag ThisThe food scene here is off the charts! Every bit as good as anything I have had in world class dining cities including; San Francisco, New York City, London, Paris, and Rome. People who are in the "know" about food know Portland, Maine has a thriving culinary scene that is creative, inventive and FRESH, FRESH, FRESH! Bon Appetite at a fraction of those "big city" prices. The food is what drew me in, the people and beauty of living the "simple life" in Maine is why I stay.
Flag ThisTo Bob: In 2009, Forbes selected PORTLAND, MAINE as "THE MOST LIVABLE CITY IN THE US". Kiplinger selected Portlad, Maine as 'BEST CITY FOR MID-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS and summed it up the best: "Its' spectacular location, near both the sea and the mountains is a big draw for mid-level professionals who love the outdoors. Residents love the high quaulity of life and great networking opportunities for professionals. With a strong arts scene, good restaurants and pleasant neighborhoods, it's easy to se why many professsionals have left Boston and New York to re-locate here." When you live in Portland, Maine, you never have to go away on vacation because living in Porltand is like being on vacation ever day!
Flag ThisTo Bob: In 2009, Forbes selected PORTLAND, MAINE as 'THE MOST LIVABLE CITY IN THE US." Kipplinger selected Portland, Maine as 'THE BEST CITY FOR MID-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS" and summed it up best....."Its' spectacular location, near both the sea and the mountains is a big draw for mid-level professionals who love the outdoors. Residents love the high quality of life and great networking opportunities for professionals. With a strong arts scene, good restaurants and pleasant neighborhoods, it's easy to see why professionals have left Boston and New York to re-locate here." I thoroughly enjoy living here because when you live in Portland, Maine, you never have to go away on vacation. Living in Portland is like being on vacation every day.
Flag ThisI wish Portland wouldn't make these "places to be" lists, just to keep people like Bob out. So, spread the word that Maine and Portland both suck, hard. That's what the locals want you to think.
Flag Thisto DLED : it's Sunday River try using Google. Sunday river is 1.5 hour drive from Portland and Higgins beach is with in a 30 min drive from Portland so you could ski and surf in the same day if the surf is up. I don't like to wear super thick wet suits so I only surf in the summers and to Outside: cape is not 30 miles, it's 8.7 . Please revise and check you facts before publishing. also please fix your spelling mistakes.
Flag ThisWhy is everyone so angry? Just post your ideas. It's nothing personal.
Flag ThisWhy is everyone so angry? Just post your ideas. It's nothing personal.
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