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12 Pros and Cons of Living in Portland, ME
Nov
Interested in the ups and downs of life in Portland, Maine? What’s it really like living there?
Portland, Maine, is probably not as large as its namesake in Oregon, nevertheless it packs its own charming punch. It’s scenic and laid-back, with a quaint city feel and a status for incredible seafood.
Portland offers a wealthy cultural scene, a close-knit community feel, and the natural great thing about the Maine coast, nevertheless it’s not without its drawbacks. Living costs can surprise you, the winters are harsh, and it’s quieter than some metropolises.
Fascinated about making the move to Portland, Maine? Ensure to think about all the professionals and cons of settling on this Latest England city.
Pros of Living in Portland
A City for Outdoor Enthusiasts
With quite a few parks, trails, and water bodies, you won’t be in need of open spaces to explore. The Eastern Promenade shows off its panoramic views of Casco Bay, while Deering Oaks Park dots the town with an aura of history.
There’s even a touch of the wild right in the town – Evergreen Cemetery Woodlands, which, despite its somewhat ominous name, is a 50-acre woodland perfect for bird watching. And don’t even get us began on the monthly ‘First Friday Art Walks’ where the town streets turn right into a living, respiration gallery.
Inexpensive Cost of Living
Despite being a coastal city, Portland, Maine doesn’t have the identical sticker shock as lots of its East Coast siblings. In comparison with living in cities akin to Boston or Latest York, you will see that that every day expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are easy in your pocket in Portland.
Plus, with Portland’s public schools having an excellent status, you may save on private education costs for the kiddos.
Access to Beautiful Coastal Landscapes
If you happen to love the ocean or simply benefit from the calming effects of oceanfront views, Portland has got you covered. Situated on Maine’s southernmost coast, the town has miles and miles of coastline, dotted with beaches, beautiful islands, and harbors.
It’s almost unattainable to avoid a walk by the ocean irrespective of where you might be in the town. Seriously, the coast is all the time only a stone’s throw away. You’ll be able to enjoy activities like sailing, fishing, or ferry rides to the many islands within the Casco Bay. And if you happen to’re not into all that tough work, just loosen up and watch the lobster boats come and go.
There’s something about Portland that seems to bring people together. Perhaps it’s the small city atmosphere, or perhaps it’s the salty sea air. Regardless of the secret ingredient, Portland is a spot where deep and meaningful friendships appear to be the norm.
On this city, neighborhood potlucks, local festivals, and community events aren’t something of the past, they’re clear evidence that a way of community stays necessary here. Strong social ties contribute to the general well-being of its residents, making Portland, not only a spot on the map, but a house.
Relatively Low Crime Rates
You’ll be pleased to know that Portland, Maine carries lower than average crime rates. Isn’t it a relief once you don’t should look over your shoulder with every step you’re taking outside at night? The town claims against the law rate that’s not only lower than the US average but additionally lower than 75% of the country’s communities. Speak about some peace of mind!
In relation to violent crimes, the speed is about half that of the nationwide average for cities of comparable size.
Charming Neighborhoods
Whether it’s Munjoy Hill, Stroudwater, or Deering, each neighborhood has a definite personality. This adds a novel charm to the town and offers quite a lot of options to decide on essentially the most suitable living environment for you. Don’t be surprised if you happen to see more folks strolling around, soaking within the local sights or chilling on their porch. It’s form of a thing here. .
Cons of Living in Portland
Limited Job Opportunities
In case your chosen industry thrives higher in larger metropolises, you could face a tougher time here. Occupations in areas like tech, finance, or high-level corporate have a little bit of a squeeze here. The town leans more towards sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality jobs.
With that said Portland is somewhat of an entrepreneurial playground. If you’ve gotten a novel business idea and a fierce determination besides, you may just end up succeeding here.
But if you happen to’re more of a vintage corporate office dweller, well, it is likely to be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Either way, it’s price considering how your profession path may unfold on this city before packing your bags.
High Cost of Housing
As of 2023, the median home price in Portland is well above the national average.
Renting isn’t necessarily an escape route either. The rental market in Portland may be tricky to navigate with relatively steep prices for even small apartments. It is best to brace yourself for potential bidding wars.
The high cost of housing is a serious drawback if you happen to plan to maneuver to Portland. Whether you’re planning to purchase or rent, it’s necessary to do your research and set realistic expectations. The stats don’t lie, so prepare for some budget-stretching.
Challenges of Winter Months
Winter in Portland will not be a joke. The typical annual snowfall in Portland is a hearty 62 inches, loads higher than the US average. If you happen to’re not a fan of great snow shoveling, ice scraping off your automobile, or driving on slippery roads, you may just need to think twice before settling here in the course of the winter.
Also, in the course of the coldest months, temperatures can fall below freezing. This will result in increased heating costs.
Traffic and Parking Difficulties
If you happen to’re used to cruising on open highways with not a automobile in sight, Portland might just throw you for a loop. Traffic could be a pain, particularly during peak hours. You would possibly should exercise the virtue of patience during your morning commute or evening drive home.
What’s more, it’s as if the parking gods skipped Portland while dealing out parking lots. For a city of its size, parking spots can sometimes feel like rare gems, and unsurprisingly, they don’t come low-cost. If you happen to’re not fascinated with bringing out your inner bargaining genius or dropping coins in meters, this may appear lower than ideal.
Limited Public Transportation Options
While the town does offer some public transportation options, they’re, doubtless, limited.
The Metro bus system covers Portland and its nearby areas. But in comparison with the most important cities, the frequency of buses is definitely less than par. What’s worse? If you happen to live in a suburban region, you may have a good thinner slice of the bus pie.
What if you happen to, like countless others, must commute at odd hours? Brace yourself. The bus service will not be 24/7 and the operations wrap up pretty early within the night.
Lack of Diversity
Portlanders are warm and friendly, but the town lacks racial and ethnic diversity. Based on 2022 Census data, about 83% of the town’s population identifies as White.
It’s probably not a mix of races and cultures. So if you happen to’re someone who loves a multicultural environment, you may find Portland a bit bland.
Is Portland, Maine a Good Place to Live?
Portland, Maine is a top selection for people trying to calm down, with its strong sense of community and natural surroundings. It’s got every part from full of life local shops to quiet beaches, making it good for families and retirees alike. But it surely’s not all easy living; the price may be high, and winters bring loads of snow.
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