Portland : Maine

What Portland is like for active adults

Portland, Maine (population 62,000) 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, many of which are named.

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 just-completed 30 mile network of bike and walking trails, some of it along the water.

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 late 2009 was $202,800 in the Portland metro, off 13% from the year earlier period.

For a list of profiles of over 450 cities and towns go to retirement community reviews, or for more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Maine.

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What is special about this retirement community

• 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 Appetit Magazine, numerous other "Best Places"

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What is not special about this retirement community

Winters are long, cold, and dark

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Portland attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small city in the un-crowded and beautiful state of Maine

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is driven by services (financial and healthcare)

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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.

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Cultural environment

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

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Medical facilities

Maine Medical Center Mercy Hospital

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Transportation

Portland International Jetport. There is intercity bus service but no rail connections. There is a local public bus system.

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Facts about PORTLAND

State: ME
Environment: Urban,Suburban,Coastal,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: Jack

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