Cresswind Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Portland, Maine
What It Is Like to Retire in Portland
Portland, Maine (population 68,000) has had a dramatic resurgence over the last 20 years. Always an important port and manufacturing center, Maine’s largest city is an ideal retirement community – in fact it is often mentioned as one of America’s most livable small cities. It combines New England history (founded in 1632), a vital downtown centered on the Old Port District, pristine beaches, and a friendly, small town feel. Having many successful years of redevelopment under its belt, this vital city also has many desirable suburbs that attract active adults 55 plus. Cape Elizabeth, for example, features the Portland Head Light and has many great neighborhoods along the ocean. There is an interesting variety of neighborhoods within Portland. The University of Southern Maine and several other colleges make this a college town. Portland has many attractions for active adults. The downtown is bustling with good restaurants and interesting stores. The Maine Mall is the largest enclosed mall in Maine. There is an ample stock of Victorian buildings. There is so much to see and do, including a 30 mile network of bike and walking trails, some of it along the water. For a list of profiles of over 1200 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, or for more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Maine.
Where to Retire in Portland and Home Prices
The retirement community housing choices are very good, ranging from private homes to condos. Some retirees live here for the summer, and then migrate to a warmer climate. Cape Elizabeth is one of the nicest suburbs. Prices are a relative bargain compared to other parts of New England. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price in the 1st quarter of 2023 was $462,800, in the Portland-South Portland area.
What Is Special about Portland
• Lively downtown with broad streets and excellent shopping • The Old Port • Livable small city • The 1873 Italianate Portland Custom House • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception • Portland Head Light and Museum • Maine College of Art • Fabulous coast of Maine • Back Cove designed by Frederick Law Olmstead • America's "Foodiest" Small Town by Bon Appetite Magazine, numerous other "Best Places"
What Is Not Special about Portland
Winters are long, cold, and dark.
Who Will Like Retirement in Portland
Portland attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small city in the un-crowded and beautiful state of Maine.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by services (financial, healthcare, and social services).
Climate and Physical Environment
Portland is located on a peninsula beside Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to the moderating presence of the water, Portland winters are several degrees warmer and summers cooler than just a few miles inland. The average July high is 79 and the January average low is 12. November is the wettest month with almost 5" of precip.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There is plenty to do thanks to the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Museum of Art, Children’s Museum of Maine, and the Center for Cultural Exchange. Portland has a lively restaurant scene. Home of several colleges including the University of New England, Maine College of Art, and University of Southern Maine.
Crime
The crime rate is slightly above the national average.
Medical facilities
Maine Medical Center Mercy Hospital
Transportation
Portland International Jetport is located here. There is intercity bus service and Amtrak service to Boston, MA with several trains per day. There is a local public bus system. Portland is also a great walking city . The State Ferry Terminal has many daily ferries to Casco Bay Islands, many of which are inhabited year-round.
Comments on "Portland"
RAF says:
We lived in South Portland for 3.5 years and agree with the not special comment from the editor that winters are long, cold and dark. However, there is also a lack of sunshine the remainder of the year. Rainfall and snowfall are plentiful and evenly distributed through the course of the seasons. There is a lack of independent housing for 55+ seniors. Ticks and mosquitoes can be a problem during the non-freezing months. Health care is generally good. If you are a liberal politically, you will love the government that is in power throughout the city, county and state. Finally, food choices are excellent, with, obviously, great seafood being the draw.