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We may be looking at a job in Portland, Maine, and have only spent a few days in the northeast. Have lived most of our adult lives in the south, with college in north-central Ohio, Minnesota and DC. The city's website wasn't terribly informative, so I'd appreciate any info a native or current resident could share about size of the community, schools, driving time to other cities, quality of life (culture, restaurants, shopping), severity of winter weather, etc. Many thanks!

Jack

We think Portland is a well-kept secret; it's a small city on the ocean, with a lot to offer. The Old Port is full of interesting shops and good restaurants; the Portland Museum of Art is quite good; Cape Elizabeth's beaches and real estate are wonderful; go to Portland Head Light, LL Bean's in Freeport (about 20 minutes further north). Street & Company, Walter's Cafe, Perfetto's are restaurants we've enjoyed in the past; there's a great breakfast place that begins with U, I think. And Portland is a jumping off point to other great Maine destinations (Kennebunkport, Ogunquit to the south; Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Bar Harbor to the north). It has a good airport too.
I find that winters are milder the closer you are to the water.

Debbie

My job has taken me to Portland several times a year for the past 25 years. The only thing that I would add is:I am so envious of you and your family! Portland is a wonderful town that has really become very cosmopolitan through the years yet keeps its historical past well.The seafood is wonderful,people are friendly and it seems like a great place to live for a variety of reasons.My husband and I have often talked about retiring(when the time comes) for half the year up there. Have a lobster roll for us! Debbie

myquestion

Thanks for the comments . . . could anyone give me more specific info about winter weather, specifically if there are large amounts of snow . . . or point me to a better website with info on Portland? Thanks for the comments posted here -- sounds good!

Michelle

I spent all of high school in Maine. The winter's are cold (usually mid 20s), but not nearly as bad as places like MN or SD! The average snowfall is probably 6 inches to 1 foot, but it defintiely depends on the year. Some are mild some are worse. It is cold usually mid-november to April. think of it like boston weather, but 5 degrees colder. If you are looking for a small town feel with safer schools, streets, and low crime, Maine is great. Portland is 2 hrs from Boston and I know many people live in places like Boothbay Harbor, brunswick and commute the 1 and 15 min to Portland each day. Best of luck.