Located on the coast of Maine, Portland is Maine’s business, financial and retail center and the largest city in the State (62,875). The city blends small town intimacy and metropolitan culture. Portland’s waterfront is still very much a working port. Amid the galleries, cafes and boutiques in the Old Port, lobstermen still ply their trade on the wharves. Historic architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along the working waterfront or cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section of the city. Surrounded by water, the Portland peninsula offers easy access to island, historic forts and lighthouse in Casco Bay.

Greater Portland is nestled between Maine’s forested mountains and a spectacular rugged coastline. The communities that comprise Greater Portland all lie within a 15 mile radius of the city and with a metro population of 230,000 it is home to almost one quarter of the Maine’s total population. Portland and surrounding communities have higher median income than most other Maine Communities. The local economy has shifted over the years from relying primarily on fishing, manufacturing and agriculture towards a much more service-based economy.

More and more visitors are coming to Maine for the great food and fantastic restaurant scene as much as for the unspoiled landscape and beautiful scenery. Recently, Portland was ranked Bon Appetit magazine as “American’s Foodiest Small Town”. Local fore holds that Portland ranks among the top US cities in restaurants and bars per capita. According to the Maine Restaurant Association, Greater Portland is currently home to about 230 restaurants.

The downtown Arts District is home to the Portland Museum of art, Maine College of Art and Merrill Auditorium, home of the Portland Symphony, chamber music quartet, dance troupes and repertory opera company. Fridays bring art walks through galleries, studios and Museums.

There are many opportunities for higher education in Portland through the University of Southern Maine, University of Maine School of Law, Maine College of Art and University of New England. The Greater Portland area offers private day schools as well as vocational secondary and post graduate schools.

Outdoor recreation is available in all four season, skiing, hiking both trails and mountains, boating and skating. Numerous parks throughout the city offer recreation and open space. Portland residents enjoy their professional teams: Portland Sea Dogs, baseball; Portland Phoenix, Soccer; Portland Pirates Hockey and Maine Red Claws, Basketball.