Find the best moving companies in Portland, ME

Facts about Portland

Portland is the largest city in Maine. It holds a population of approximately 66,000 people, including financial service organizations such as Bank of America and Key Bank. These financial organizations host their home base right in Portland. Nearly, 40 percent of all of Maine’s residents live in the greater Portland Metropolitan Area. Interesting facts: In 1973 Portland began celebrating the beginning of summer with a one-day festival. That festival today is now the largest one-day festival in Maine. In 2013, Portland became the very first East Coast city to legalize recreational marijuana. Doing so allows anyone 21 or older to carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. However, Portland does not allow you to smoke it, sell it, or purchase it in public. The famous “Italian Sandwich” actually started in 1902 right in Portland by Giovanni Amato.

Moving to Portland

Climate

Maine experiences the full range of four seasons. Winter is cold, windy and snowy In Portland, with lows in the teens and 20s December-March. The coastal effect keeps the summer pleasant but humid, with highs in the upper 70s from June-August.

Culture

Portland is known for many things -- for many travelers, it’s the seafood that draws them to the coast. Sample a range of local oysters or a brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co., then enjoy the long evening light by taking a seaside walk along the Eastern Promenade (or “The Prom” to locals). The Portland Museum of Art is known for its works by Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, and is within walking distance of many other smaller galleries as well as Portland’s concert venues: The State Theater, Port City Music Hall and, in the summer, One Longfellow Square hosts outdoor concerts. Also check the schedule at Thompson’s Point, which has become the city’s hub for all sorts of summer events and riverside ice skating in the winter. 

Transportation

Public transit in Portland is pretty minimal. If you live in the downtown area, the city is incredibly walkable and many residents bike; the Greater Portland Metro runs busses throughout the city and to outlying areas, but there is no rail service. A one-way ticket is $1.50 and, if you remember to ask, you can get free transfers.

Cost of Living

Maine is “The Way Life Should Be”, after all -- and it has attracted some attention. The cost of living in Portland is 14% higher than national average, with rent averaging $969 per month and home prices nearly $250,000, 34% higher than the national average. Healthcare costs are also significantly higher in Portland, despite the city being home to Maine’s two largest research hospitals. Maine residents also pay a 5.5% sales tax. The one saving grace? Seafood. You can get it fresh and cheap here.

Unpakt’s Most Recommended

Deerings Oak Park (Park Ave)

A recreational park featuring sports, playgrounds and even a pond that transforms into an ice skating rink during the winter months.

Flatbread Company (72 Commercial St #5)

If you ask any locals about this restaurant they will tell you this is the best pizza in town. It features wood fire pizza with organic ingredients and free-range meats.

Portland Pottery Café (118 Washington Ave)

Enjoy a class or two on pottery while eating a delicious meal. An unconventional café with lots of spunk and spirit. Featuring an even better menu.

The Maine Mall (364 Maine Mall Rd)

A large variety of stores with numerous places to find clothing, accessories and more. It also features an even better food court.

At Unpakt, we know movers, and we can connect you with great moving companies in Portland, ME. Take a moment to browse a few of our featured Portland, ME movers so that you can begin comparing reviews and quotes instantly!