Best Neighborhoods in Portland, Maine

In Portland, the Pearl District offers the walk-to-coffee, walk-to-dinner version of city life, with converted industrial buildings and newer housing in the mix. Across the river, the Hawthorne area has its own rhythm of shops, cafes, and neighborhood streets. Northwest’s historic homes appeal to people who want architecture and access to city amenities, while Hillsdale offers a more settled residential feel.

Portland’s leafy streets can make a neighborhood feel pleasantly removed from the city, even when downtown isn’t far away. But the experience changes quickly between a Pearl apartment and a house in the hills. Decide whether you want the easiest walk to a restaurant, a yard, or a quieter evening; getting all three in one address is the harder part.

Old Port

Young Professionals

Old Port is the heart of Portland, and where all the great eating and drinking happens here. The streets are cobblestone and filled with brick bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries. If you’re young and want to play a walk from home, then this is your neighborhood. Munjoy Hill is the growth spot for those who want a more “artistic” experience in their neighborhood, galleries and cafes give it a chill vibe. This is the spot for the rising creative class although the actual struggling artists might struggle to find a place they can afford.

  • Old Port
  • Downtown
  • Munjoy Hill

Downtown

LGBTQ+

Portland is generally LGBTQ+ friendly, so you could choose any neighborhood to live in. Downtown, however, is the most celebrated LGBTQ+ area with a revitalized warehouse district dominating both the living and social experiences. Plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shopping are available, as well as galleries and theaters, all a short walk from home.

  • Downtown
  • Old Port
  • West End

West End

Families

West End is a historic neighborhood of Portland, filled with Gothic and Victorian homes, ideal for families. The neighborhood has some of the best parks in the city and great public schools for the kiddos. West End has its own restaurant and bar scene but it’s also just a short walk from Downtown and Old Port so you can chill at the local spot or walk over to the more jumping areas of the city. Deering Center is another interesting option if you favor a more rural, small-town feel from within the city proper. The area has tons of open spaces including Baxter Woods, 32 acres of trails and trees for keeping your head on straight.

  • West End
  • Deering Center
  • Oakdale