Portland, Maine

Portland is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine. In 2020, it had a population of 68,408 people. The Greater Portland metropolitan area has about 550,000 people, making it the biggest area in Maine. It is also the county seat of Cumberland County.

The city began in the early 1600s as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Over time, it became an important port in New England. Portland was officially founded in 1786 and was named after the English Isle of Portland. Another city, Portland, Oregon, was later named after this place.

Portland has many interesting places to visit, like the historic Old Port district with its old cobblestone streets and warehouses. There is also the Victoria Mansion, a beautiful large home from a time long ago, and the Portland Museum of Art, the biggest and oldest art museum in the state. Today, the area is growing as a hub for creative work.

History

Main article: History of Portland, Maine

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Portland, Maine.

The original Algonquin-speaking Eastern Abenaki residents called the Portland peninsula Machigonne ("great neck"). It is also called Məkíhkanək ("at the fish hook") in Penobscot.

The first European settler was Christopher Levett, an English naval captain granted land in 1623 to start a settlement in Casco Bay. He built a stone house and left ten men, but the settlement did not succeed. The explorer returned to England and never came back. Fort Levett in the harbor is named for him.

The peninsula was settled in 1632 as a fishing and trading village named Casco. When the Massachusetts Bay Colony took over in 1658, the town's name changed to Falmouth. In 1676, the village was destroyed by the Abenaki during King Philip's War but was rebuilt. During King William's War, it was attacked and destroyed again in the Battle of Fort Loyal in 1690.

On October 18, 1775, Falmouth was burned by the Royal Navy. After the war, a part of Falmouth called The Neck grew as a busy port. In 1786, people there formed a new town and named it Portland, after the Isle of Portland in England.

Portland faced hard times during the Embargo Act of 1807 and the War of 1812. In 1820, Maine became a state with Portland as its capital, but the capital moved to Augusta in 1832. In 1851, Maine passed a law limiting the sale of alcohol, which many other states followed.

In 1853, Portland became an important port for Canadian exports after a railway was completed. The Portland Company made many steam locomotives in the 1800s. Portland was a center for railroads in the early 1900s. After changes in Canada, Portland’s role as a winter port lessened.

On June 26, 1863, a Confederate raiding party entered Portland harbor during the Civil War. The 1866 Great Fire of Portland, Maine on July 4, 1866, destroyed many buildings and left over 10,000 people without homes.

Portland annexed the city of Deering in 1899, growing larger. In the 1960s, parts of the city were changed to build roads, moving many families. A big shopping center, The Maine Mall, opened in nearby South Portland in 1971, affecting downtown. Later, tourists and new businesses helped revive the old seaport area known as the Old Port.

Since the 1990s, the Bayside neighborhood has grown quickly, with new shops and schools. Other areas like India Street and Munjoy Hill are also developing. Universities are expanding, bringing more students to the city. Portland is known for being easy to walk around, with many tours about its history.

Geography

Portland is a city located on a peninsula in Casco Bay, part of the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. It borders South Portland, Westbrook, and Falmouth.

The city has a humid continental climate, meaning it experiences cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer temperatures can reach around 80°F. Portland sometimes faces strong winter storms called nor'easters, which bring heavy snow and wind. The city also experiences rising sea levels due to global warming, which poses a threat to the area.

Portland is divided into many neighborhoods, each with its own local associations that work with the city government. Some well-known neighborhoods include the Arts District, Bayside, Downtown, the Old Port, and the West End. Over recent years, some areas have seen increases in rent, affecting many residents.

Demographics

Portland is the largest city in the state of Maine. In 2020, the city had a population of 68,408 people. The area around Portland is home to about 550,000 people, making it the biggest group of people living together in Maine.

In 2010, most people in Portland were White, with smaller groups of African American, Native American, Asian, and people from other backgrounds. By 2020, the city stayed mostly non-Hispanic white. Many people in Portland have finished college, with about 40.7% having a bachelor's degree or more.

In 2020, the average age in Portland was 37.6 years. About 15.4% of people were younger than 18, and 16.4% were 65 or older. There were slightly fewer males than females in the city.

Portland has faced challenges with housing costs. Since the early 2000s, rising prices have made it hard for many people to afford to live in their neighborhoods. In recent years, the city has taken steps to help with housing, such as requiring new buildings to include some affordable homes and putting limits on how much rent can go up each year.

Racial and ethnic composition

Race and ethnicity composition of Portland, Maine

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Portland had a population of 68,408. The median age was 37.6 years. 15.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 16.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 94.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.1 males age 18 and over.

98.4% of residents lived in urban areas, while 1.6% lived in rural areas.

There were 32,400 households in Portland, of which 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 31.5% were married-couple households, 24.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 33.5% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 35,747 housing units, of which 9.4% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 66,194 people, 30,725 households, and 13,324 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,106.2/sq mi (1,199.3/km²). There were 33,836 housing units at an average density of 1,587.8/sq mi (613.1/km²), with homeownership rates at approximately 45%.

In 2010, there were 30,725 households, of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.7% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 56.6% were non-families. 40.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 36.7 years. 17.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 33.1% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census

In 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Portland's immediate metropolitan area ranked 147th in the nation with a population of 243,537, while the Portland/South Portland/Biddeford metropolitan area included 487,568 total inhabitants. This increased to an estimated 513,102 inhabitants as of 2007^[update]. Much of this increase in population has been due to growth in the city's southern and western suburbs.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $35,650, and the median income for a family was $48,763. Males had a median income of $31,828 versus $27,173 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,698. About 9.7% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Households and income

Portland has experienced significant housing affordability challenges since the early 2000s. From the early 2000s onward, many of Portland's neighborhoods have faced gentrification, causing many local residents to be "priced out" of their neighborhoods. In 2015, city landlords raised rents by an average of 17.4%, which was the second-largest jump in the country.

In November 2020, Portland voters approved the "Green New Deal" referendum, which included inclusionary zoning requirements mandating that developments of 10 or more units include 25% affordable housing units. Voters also approved a rent control ordinance that initially froze rents and subsequently limited annual rent increases. In 2022, voters further strengthened tenant protections by reducing allowable rent increases to 70% of the Consumer Price Index and limiting security deposits.

Portland has also responded to Maine's 2022 statewide housing law LD 2003, which requires municipalities to allow increased housing density. In December 2023, the city council voted to allow up to four units on residential lots and eliminated parking requirements for these uses. The city has set a goal to build 256 new housing units per year from 2017 through 2027 and is currently on track to exceed this target. Since 2010, the city has approved approximately 6,400 housing units, though completion of approved projects has lagged.

According to the 2023 American Community Survey's one-year estimates, its per capita income increased to $55,571. The median household income was $83,399 and roughly 8.7% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Economy

Portland is the economic center of Maine because it has the state's largest port and population, and it is close to Boston, which is about 105 miles away. Over time, the city's economy has changed from fishing, manufacturing, and farming to more services. Many big banks and financial companies, like Bank of America and Key Bank, have their Maine offices in Portland. Companies such as Unum, Covetrus, TruChoice Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, and Pioneer Telephone are based there. Nearby cities like South Portland, Westbrook, and Scarborough are home to other businesses, including IDEXX and WEX Inc.

The city's port is growing again, and in early 2016, the first container train left the new International Marine Terminal with fifteen containers of locally made bottled water. In January 2020, Portland was chosen to host a new research institute focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, led by Northeastern University. Portland also has many companies that provide subsidized housing.

Arts and culture

Portland has a rich history in the arts, especially in the early 1800s when it was a major cultural center, rivaling bigger cities like Boston and New York. Famous people like poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow began their careers here. Today, Portland hosts a monthly First Friday Art Walk, which draws thousands of visitors.

Sites of interest

The Arts District, located on Congress Street, includes important places such as the Portland Museum of Art, Portland Stage Company, and the Portland Public Library. The area also features many parks like Baxter Boulevard, Deering Oaks Park, and the Eastern Promenade.

Notable buildings

Portland has many historic buildings, including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, known for its tall spire. The Time and Temperature Building on Congress Street is famous for its large electronic sign that shows the time and temperature. The Westin Portland Harborview is a well-known hotel in the downtown area.

Media

Portland is home to one daily newspaper, The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, and many radio and television stations. The city’s media market is the largest in Maine, serving both radio and television audiences.

Historical newspapers

Portland once had many newspapers, including The Pleasure Boat, Eastern Argus, and The Portland Daily Sun.

Traditions

Valentine's Day Phantom

Since 1976, the Valentine's Day Phantom has brought hearts around the city each February. In 1986, the U.S. Coast Guard almost caught a boat carrying the Phantom, but it reached Fort Gorges to unfurl a heart banner. The tradition continues today, with a charitable foundation helping to keep it alive.

First Friday Art Walk

The First Friday Art Walk began in 2000 when gallery owners opened their doors from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. It grew so popular that it almost became a festival with street performers and vendors.

Food and beverage

Downtown Portland has many places to eat and drink, with even more options spread across the city. You can find food trucks and carts on streets, at festivals, and near breweries, mostly in the summer but some open all year.

Portland is famous for its tasty food and has been featured on TV shows like Rachael Ray's $40 a Day and the Travel Channel's Man v. Food. In 2018, Bon Appetit named Portland the Restaurant City of the Year.

The city has many places to enjoy drinks, including juice bars, coffee shops, tea houses, and places that make their own beer and spirits. Portland is also proud of its clean tap water, which comes from Sebago Lake and doesn’t need extra cleaning.

Portland has many farmers' markets and over 200 restaurants that offer vegetarian meals. The city hosts many food festivals throughout the year, celebrating different cuisines and local products.

Since 1768, the Portland Farmers Market has been a tradition. Portland played a role in the history of national alcohol laws, and the city has a rich history of food businesses, like the development of canned corn and the creation of the Maine Italian sandwich. Over the years, Portland has seen the opening of many well-known restaurants and bakeries, contributing to its lively food scene.

Sports

Portland is home to several minor league sports teams. The Portland Sea Dogs, a team linked with the Boston Red Sox, play baseball at Hadlock Field. The Maine Celtics, connected to the Boston Celtics, play basketball at the Portland Exposition Building. The Maine Mariners play hockey at Cross Insurance Arena. In 2023, Portland was granted a soccer team called the Portland Hearts of Pine, which will start playing in 2025.

Portland also has other sports teams, like the Portland Rugby Football Club, which is the city's oldest active team, started in 1969. There are teams for bowling, Australian rules football, and women's ultimate frisbee, too. In 2024, Portland was named the best minor league sports city in America.

Portland has many places to watch and play sports. The Portland Sports Complex includes Hadlock Field for baseball, Fitzpatrick Stadium for many outdoor sports, the Portland Exposition Building for basketball and other indoor events, and the Portland Ice Arena for hockey. Cross Insurance Arena has seating for over 6,700 people. The city also has many golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and miles of trails for walking and running. Each October, Portland hosts the Maine Marathon.

Parks and recreation

Portland has lots of green spaces and parks covering more than 700 acres. Some popular ones are the Eastern Promenade, Western Promenade, and Deering Oaks. There are also 70 miles of trails connecting the city and nearby areas, kept up by a group called Portland Trails.

The city uses natural ways to care for its parks and gardens, avoiding certain chemicals since 2018. In 2020, it got help to start using organic methods at Fox Field in Kennedy Park.

Government

The city of Portland uses a council-manager style of government, as described in its city charter. The people of Portland elect a nine-member city council. This council makes rules, approves spending, hires the city manager, and watches over the city’s government.

Five areas of the city each elect one council member to represent their neighborhood for three years. Four other council members are elected by all of Portland. From 1923 to 2011, the council chose one of its members to be mayor each year. In 2011, the people of Portland began electing the mayor directly. The mayor serves a four-year term. A city manager, chosen by the council, runs the city’s day-to-day work and prepares budgets.

There is also a school board for the Portland Public School system, chosen in a similar way to the city council. There are many other smaller groups that help with special topics, chosen by city council members.

Voter registration

Education

See also: Portland Public Schools and List of Portland, Maine schools

Portland has a rich history of schools, both public and private. The private Portland Academy started in 1794, and Portland High School, a public school, began in 1821. Over the years, many more schools opened, including the Maine College of Art in 1882 and Waynflete in 1898.

Portland is home to several high schools and colleges. Some of the high schools include Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, Cheverus High School, Deering High School, Portland High School, and Waynflete School. Colleges and universities in the area include the Maine College of Art, Roux Institute, University of New England, and the University of Southern Maine.

Infrastructure

Fire department

The Portland Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city. It was established on March 29, 1768, and has over 230 professional firefighters. They work out of seven fire stations across the city and also have stations on Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, Cushing Island, and Cliff Island. There is also a station at the Portland International Jetport and another at 54 Commercial St. for marine services.

Police

The Portland Police Department is the largest police force in the state of Maine.

Hospitals

Maine Medical Center is the largest hospital in Maine and the state’s only Level I trauma center.

Mercy Hospital is the fourth largest hospital in Maine. It finished building a new campus along the Fore River in 2008.

Wastewater management

One wastewater project, called the Bedford Street Sewer Separation, aims to improve water quality in Back Cove by reducing overflows during heavy rain through sewer separation and water treatment devices.

The East End Treatment Plant was established in 1979 and is located near Tukey's Bridge.

Transportation

Roads

See also: Portland Transportation Center and Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal

Portland can be reached from I-95 (the Maine Turnpike), I-295, and US 1. U.S. Route 302 ends in Portland and connects to Vermont. State routes in the area include SR 9, SR 22, SR 25, SR 26, SR 77, and SR 100. SR 25 Business runs through southwestern Portland.

Intercity buses and trains

Amtrak’s Downeaster service runs five daily trains from the city’s station to eight towns and cities south, ending in Boston’s North Station. The trains also go to Freeport and Brunswick to the north.

Concord Coach Lines buses connect Portland to 14 communities in Maine, as well as to Boston’s South Station and Logan Airport. Both the Downeaster and Concord Coach Lines leave from the Portland Transportation Center on Thompsons Point Road, in the Libbytown neighborhood.

Local bus service

See also: METRO Pulse (bus station)

Local bus service is provided by Greater Portland Metro, with connections to Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit.

Airports

Commercial flights are available at the Portland International Jetport (PWM), located west of downtown. Airlines serving the airport include American, Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze Airways, Sun Country, Delta, and United. Direct flights go to many cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Minneapolis, Orlando, Philadelphia, New York, Newark, Raleigh-Durham, Sarasota, and Washington, D.C.

Water transportation

The Port of Portland is the second-largest cruise and passenger destination in Maine, after Bar Harbor. It has the Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal. Ferries run year-round to many places in Casco Bay.

The Casco Bay Lines run several passenger ferries daily to the main islands in Casco Bay. The service to Peaks Island also includes an auto ferry on most of its schedule.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, has been home to many famous people throughout history. Some of these individuals have made important contributions in fields like arts, science, and public service. The city continues to be a place where interesting and accomplished people live and work.

Sister cities

Portland has special friends called sister cities around the world. These cities work together to share ideas and help each other. Portland's sister cities are Arkhangelsk in Russia, Cap-Haïtien in Haiti, Garissa Township in Kenya, Mytilene in Greece, and Shinagawa (Tokyo) in Japan.