UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 744 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 66 |
| Demographics | 54 |
| Economy | 64 |
| Education | 67 |
| Health | 71 |
| Housing | 56 |
| Infrastructure | 71 |
#4. Portland, ME
The secret’s out — Portland is on the rise, thanks to its supportive business climate, incredible quality of life and creative residents. This city in southern Maine is home to 66,000 residents, so it’s just the right size for finding your tribe. Families love living in Portland, where nature is just out the front door and history abounds. It also has an incredible food scene, plenty of arts and culture opportunities and a true sense of community.
Top Industries: Healthcare, finance and life insurance are some of the largest industries in Maine, which also has a growing creative economy.
Best Coffee Shop: Coffee Me Up, a cozy spot with friendly baristas and delicious breakfast sandwiches.
Best Local Beer/Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company, which makes Belgian-inspired beers.
Must-Have Meal: A lobster roll, with a whoopie pie for dessert
Best Co-Working Space: Portland has several awesome co-working spaces, including Cloudport, Think Tank and PelotonLabs. You really can’t go wrong here.
Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): Catch happy hour at Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar, where you can snack on seafood to your heart’s content.
Creative Hub: Hands down, the Portland Museum of Art, a true local treasure with exhibits, films, hands-on workshops, lectures and other enriching events.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Anything on or near the water — kayaking, fishing, sailing, standup paddleboarding or just gazing out at the view.
Free Way to Have Fun: Pack a picnic lunch and hit the Eastern Promenade Trail, a paved route along the Casco Bay waterfront.
Local Dream Job: Tour guide for Greater Portland Landmarks, which works to preserve and showcase Portland’s many historic structures and areas. As a tour guide, you’ll be educating visitors and locals alike about places like the Portland Observatory.
Read More:
10 Unexpectedly Awesome Coffee Cities
Discover the Best Hidden Bar in Portland
5 Family Vacation Destinations That Make Unplugging Easy
– Sarah Kuta