The neighborhoods in Portland Maine each have their own identity and special characteristics. There are neighborhoods that are on the peninsula and off the peninsula.
0n Peninsula Neighborhoods
East End/Munjoy Hill
West End
Downtown/Old Port/Waterfront/Arts District
West Bayside
East Bayside
India Street
Parkside
Valley Street
Off Peninsula Neighborhoods
Libbytown
Oakdale
Back Cove
East Deering
Deering Center
Rosemont
Nasons Corner
Stroudwater
Riverton
North Deering
Peaks Island
East End Neighborhood
The East End includes Munjoy Hill and the Eastern Promenade. It is located on the far Eastern end of Portland’s peninsula. The Eastern Promenade offers sweeping views of the ocean. The East End used to be a less than desirable neighborhood but over the past two decades has become one of the best places to live in Portland. There are a mix of fancy new homes, luxury townhomes and condominiums. Funky upscale restaurants and shops add to the hipster charm of this area. Most residents of the East End are renters and views from Munjoy Hill are breathtaking.
West End Neighborhood
The West End is the most affluent neighborhood in Portland but to me it is a mixture of two neighborhoods. Along the Western Promenade there are multimillion-dollar mansions and beautiful architecture. It’s one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country. East of the Western Prom are condos, apartments and regular family homes. Great restaurants and coffee shops are everywhere. This is my favorite neighborhood.
Old Port Neighborhood
This neighborhood is filled with boutiques, restaurants and bars making it a popular destination for tourists. The neighborhood charms include cobblestone streets, fishing piers and 19th century brick buildings. Old Port is a working waterfront along with unique shops, award winning dining spots and residential buildings. The area is easily walkable but can be congested during tourist season.
Small City With Cosmopolitan Feel
These are my three favorite neighborhoods in Portland. The city of Portland is a very cosmopolitan small city. If you live in a big city now but want something smaller, Portland is the city for you.