Sign In Register
Robert living

Day-to-day life in Portland, ME

Curious what people think. Homes are going for about $452,600 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thanks in advance!
1 upvotes

14 Replies

Noah C.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Declan Long
nah I disagree
38 upvotes
Adeline Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.

Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions

Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices

Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.

Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
fresno_kennedy
lol so true
37 upvotes
Willow Miller
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Isla Scott
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Nolan R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
Roman Jones
same here
19 upvotes
Chloe B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Weston Walker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to New York it's better than expected.
9 upvotes
Judy K.
I've lived in East for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is better than expected

The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Jaxon Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Silas Martin
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Landon Ortiz
this is the way
3 upvotes
← Back to Portland Community