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Market Snapshot
You won't recognize the names of most restaurants in Portland, but that's a good thing. Bon Appetit named Portland as the "Foodiest Small Town" in the nation, meaning that whatever you do in Portland, you're guaranteed to eat well--and differently than you're used to. Chain restaurants are almost nonexistent within city limits. Instead you'll find seasonal produce from local farmers on almost every table.
Portland attracts its fair share of creative types who come and visit for the "foody," artsy vibe. But the historic city of Portland is so much more than that. You probably have seen America's first lighthouse, the Portland Head Light, even if you've never been to Portland. It is an icon of New England lighthouses and has made its way into illustrations and photographs ever since it was built in 1791. The Portland Observatory, a signal tower that survived the Fire of 1866 that claimed so many other buildings in the area, is another sea-side structure worth your time. Of course, simply walking on the beach is a rich visual pleasure. This part of New England is synonymous with rocky beaches, lonely coastlines, and dark seas. It may not be the Caribbean, but for many people, Maine in its natural state is infinitely more satisfying.
The discoveries don't end once you move inland, either. Historic homes such as the Victoria Mansion and Tate House shed light on the development of the area. Take a walking tour of the Stroudwater District and see over two centuries of architecture in only several blocks.
Art and history go hand-in-hand in this old city. Portland gave the world writers and artists as diverse as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Stephen King, Liv Tyler and Anna Kendrick. The Portland Museum of Art and the Maine College of Art (which is behind the Institute of Contemporary Art) ground Portland in artistic tradition and innovation alike.
As exciting as moving can be, it can be more challenging to move with a family. If you have kids, you may be looking at Portland wondering what's in it for them. Although Portland does love its art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants, there's plenty to do for the under-10 set. As we've mentioned, the beach is always a popular choice. Try the Old Orchard Beach, and make sure to go on a Thursday night--that's when the shore lights up with its weekly fireworks display. Parkland and farmland are also abundant in the area, opening up opportunities for hiking, apple picking, ice skating, and other outdoors pursuits, year-round.
Portland has inspired many visitors over the years, but it particularly works its magic on residents. The only way to experience Portland at its best in in one of our new homes. At New Home Source, we understand that making any move is a huge decision. But with our expertise on your side, you can't go wrong.