East End / Munjoy Hill
Eclectic, independent, and vibrant are the words most often used to describe this part of Portland. “Eclectic,” as it is home to a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. Also eclectic is the neighborhood’s architecture; a harmonious mix of historic, wood‑framed homes and more recent, very modern construction. Single family, triple‑decker, multi‑family ‑ all the options are here. “Independent” both for the spirit of the residents and the many locally‑owned businesses - no chain stores here! “Vibrant” as this is a neighborhood where artists perform and create, and residents walk about mingling with one another.
The East End is home to St. Lawrence Arts, a performing arts center and community space showcasing theater, dance, music, and film. Also nearby, Mayo Street Arts’ diverse offerings include live music, artistic puppetry, and dance both for watching and participating. A myriad of local galleries offers still more to enjoy and absorb.
Residents on the East End can easily walk to popular neighborhood restaurants including the Front Room for upscale American comfort food, and Otto Pizza and Belleville for more casual eating. A little further, but still walkable, are nationally‑known restaurants such as Duck Fat and Fore Street. Neighborhood favorites Rosemont Market and Katie Made Bakery offer groceries and freshly baked bread, while at the bottom of the hill you'll also find Portland Food Co‑Op, Micucci's Grocery, and Coffee By Design.
Enjoy the very best a small urban coastal community has to offer!
Independent ‑ authentic – vibrant ‑ eclectic
A real community with a genuine sense of being and belonging
Variety of incomes, backgrounds live here – a true mix of real people
Pet‑friendly, people‑friendly, Buy‑Local friendly
Livable with restaurants, coffee shops, grocers, bakeries, boutiques…
Artists, theaters, galleries, craftspeople
Mix of architecture: some historic, wood‑framed buildings, and some new, very modern
Very Walkable – 83 walk score; most errands can be accomplished on foot (walkscore.com)
Very Bikeable – 78 bike score; mostly flat, good bike lanes (walkscore.com)
Ever‑present, awe‑inspiring water views
Portland, Maine
It shows up on many lists, confirming what we locals already know: Portland is a great city where people of all ages can afford an active, healthy lifestyle, and enjoy a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities in a scenic environment.
Portland is a beautiful city situated on Casco Bay. Its many distinct neighborhoods have unique personalities. Commercial Street and the Old Port are the historic waterfront and commercial heart of the city. Their many warehouses attest to a trading past. The West End is full of large, historic brick and stone homes on quiet, tree‑lined streets. Congress Street and the arts districts were once the retail downtown and today offer a mix of shopping, art, and cultural destinations; professional space, and many restaurants. In Portland, beautiful outdoor spaces and parks are never far.
Portland’s high‑quality dining destinations have been featured in many publications including the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Boston Globe. From the gourmet offerings of our numerous James Beard Award nominees and winners to fresh lobsters and clams at an ocean front shack, you’ll love discovering the full range of local dining opportunities. For those who prefer to do their own cooking, twice‑weekly farmers' markets and a wide range of ethnic food stores provide both the supplies and the inspiration.
Regional Attractions:
Sebago Lake, Maine: 30 minutes
Kennebunk, Maine: 40 minutes
Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 50 minutes
Newburyport, Massachusetts: 1 hour 10 minutes
North Conway, New Hampshire: 1 hour 30 minutes
Sunday River, Maine: 1 hour 40 minutes
Camden, Maine: 1 hour 40 minutes
Boston, Massachusetts: 1 hour 50 minutes
Sugarloaf, Maine: 2 hours 30 minutes
Burlington, Vermont: 4 hours
Montreal, Quebec: 5 hours
New York City: 5 hours 20 minutes