Portland, MEBest Places to Live in the US in 2022

Health care, finance and life insurance are some of the largest industries, while the creative economy is on the rise. Top employers include TD Banknorth Inc, Maine Medical Center, Unum Life Insurance Company of America, City of Portland and Portland Public School District.

University of Southern Maine & Southern Maine Community College  

Portland has cold, snowy winters and warm, relatively short summers that are dreamy and full of Instagram-worthy sunsets.

One of the best ways to soak up the natural beauty of Portland is taking a sunset kayak tour of the beautiful Casco Bay at the north end of the Portland peninsula.

Portland residents can receive aid through the Opportunity Maine Tax Credit to help pay off student loan debt. Workers who have both been Maine residents for at least one year and graduated after 2008 can apply for the credit on their tax returns and receive money back towards their loan payments. Special considerations go to workers with Bachelor’s degrees in a STEM-related field or with a master’s degree.

In addition to housing 30,000 new and used titles, local favorite Longfellow Books regularly hosts poetry readings, book launches, author nights and book clubs.

Spend an afternoon exploring the Old Port District for a quintessential Portland experience. When you need a break from all the walking, take a seat on a bench to watch fishing and lobster boats dock at the busy historic port. 

Visit the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse built in 1897 to warn ships away from a dangerous ledge in Portland Harbor’s main shipping channel. During the summer, volunteers offer free tours, allowing visitors to see parts of Portland’s history up close. 

This coastal town is known for its seafood, and there is no better place for a seafood dinner than Street and Co. The widely popular restaurant has been a local staple of the dining scene for decades.

Portland is Maine’s largest city, with roughly 40% of all Maine residents living in the greater Portland metropolitan area.

Historical charm, easy access to outdoor recreation, excellent schools and a fantastic foodie scene make Portland a best place to live in Maine.

As the epitome of a New England coastal city, Portland real estate offers a variety of homes right near the water. The most sought after homes for sale in Portland are located on the Peninsula and are split up into several neighborhoods. The East End, or Munjoy, has massive, multi-million dollar homes right by the water, which have been transformed into condos. Other nearby areas include Bayside, a neighborhood on the cusps of revitalization, and Old Port, a working waterfront area primarily stocked with condos above local businesses. The Parkside neighborhood is one of the most affordable areas with several home types, while the West End has historic old regal single-family homes near parks and is a close-knit community. We barely touched the surface of what you can find in the city, but there are several Portland real estate agents that can help you find what you want.