With a picturesque waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and historic architecture, Portland, ME, is one of the many stellar cities to move to in the region. Portland draws residents with its charming cobblestone streets, bustling food scene, and community feeling. Whether it’s the lively Old Port district, the serene Deering Center, or the other unique neighborhoods, there are apartments for rent and homes for sale in Portland to suit every lifestyle.
The average rent in Portland is $2,418, while the median sale price is $540,000. If you’re considering moving to the area, Redfin has gathered a list of 11 popular Portland neighborhoods to explore. From the bustling Downtown area to the picturesque East Bayside, Portland offers unique neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. So, if you’re looking for a home full of character and charm or an apartment for rent in Portland, this city has much to offer.
1. Deering Center
Deering Center is a charming residential neighborhood. It’s known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and green outdoor spaces. The area is home to several parks, including Mayor Baxter Woods, which has walking trails. Deering Center features a mix of architectural styles, including Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman single-family homes to multi-family properties.
Median Sale Price: $544,500
Homes for Sale in Deering Center | Apartments for Rent in Deering Center
2. Downtown
Downtown is the bustling heart of Portland, showcasing a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks such as the Portland Museum of Art, Merrill Auditorium, Congress Street, and the historic Old Port district. Downtown features a mix of housing options, including modern high-rise condos and historic brownstones. The area offers a variety of architectural styles, from sleek contemporary designs to classic brick buildings.
Median Sale Price: $550,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,450
Homes for Sale in Downtown | Apartments for Rent in Downtown
3. East Bayside
East Bayside is a vibrant neighborhood known for its thriving arts scene and eclectic dining options. The area is home to plenty of breweries like Rising Tide Brewing Company and Shipyard Brewing Company. You can also find waterfront parks like Back Cove Park and Bayside Trail. East Bayside has many housing options, including historic Victorian homes and modern loft-style apartments, from classic New England designs to contemporary urban features.
Median Sale Price: $559,000
Homes for Sale in East Bayside | Apartments for Rent in East Bayside
4. East Deering
East Deering is a picturesque neighborhood located along the Presumpscot River. The area is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to the Portland Trails network. East Deering has plenty of housing options, including single-family homes and waterfront properties. The neighborhood offers a variety of architectural styles, from traditional Cape Cod homes to contemporary custom builds.
Median Sale Price: $405,000
Homes for Sale in East Deering | Apartments for Rent in East Deering
5. Libbytown
Libbytown is a historic neighborhood located just west of downtown Portland. The area is home to iconic landmarks such as the Thompson’s Point entertainment complex, which has a concert venue, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, and the International Cryptozoology Museum. You can also catch the Fore River Trail in the Libbytown neighborhood. Libbytown features a mix of housing options, including historic single-family homes and modern condos.
Median Sale Price: $510,000
Homes for Sale in Libbytown | Apartments for Rent in Libbytown
6. Oakdale
Oakdale is a charming neighborhood outside of downtown. Known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes, Oakdale is home to popular attractions such as the Back Cove Trail and the University of Southern Maine. Oakdale features a mix of housing options, including historic single-family homes and modern waterfront properties.
Median Sale Price: $618,750
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,450
Homes for Sale in Oakdale | Apartments for Rent in Oakdale
7. Old Port
Old Port is a historic waterfront neighborhood south of downtown. The area is known for its cobblestone streets and historic brick buildings. It’s home to plenty of restaurants showcasing fresh fish, small plates, regional desserts, and classic fare. Old Port features a mix of housing options, including historic brick townhouses and modern waterfront condos. The neighborhood offers a variety of architectural styles, from classic Federal-style designs to Contemporary buildings.
Median Sale Price: $375,000
Homes for Sale in Old Port | Apartments for Rent in Old Port
8. Parkside
Parkside is a beautiful neighborhood known for the iconic Deering Oaks Park that hosts concerts, farmers’ markets, and ice skating. The area has historic architecture seen in the Deering Street Historic District. It’s also near downtown, where you can find attractions like the Portland Museum of Art and One Longfellow Square. Parkside has historic Victorian single-family homes and modern condos.
Median Sale Price: $310,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,750 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,900
Homes for Sale in Parkside | Apartments for Rent in Parkside
9. Stroudwater
Stroudwater is known for its historic homes and scenic river views. The area is home to popular attractions such as the Fore River Sanctuary, featuring hiking trails, and the Tate House Museum, a home dating back to 1755. Stroudwater has various housing options, including classic colonial homes and contemporary custom builds.
Median Sale Price: $705,000
Homes for Sale in Stroudwater | Apartments for Rent in Stroudwater
10. West Bayside
West Bayside is a vibrant neighborhood located north of Downtown Portland, known for its thriving arts scene and extensive dining options. You can find local spots like the Bayside Trail, cafes, and diners throughout the neighborhood. West Bayside has historic Victorian homes and modern loft-style apartments.
Median Sale Price: $375,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $3,392 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,412
Homes for Sale in West Bayside | Apartments for Rent in West Bayside
11. West End
West End is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian-era architecture, tree-lined streets, and stunning water views. The area is home to popular attractions such as the Western Promenade and the historic Victoria Mansion. In West End, you’ll find historic Victorian single-family homes and modern condos.
Median Sale Price: $625,500
Homes for Sale in West End | Apartments for Rent in West End
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com during February 2024.
Portland, Maine is quickly becoming home for many Mainers and out-of-staters alike. “The Forest City” is home to 68,300 people and is recognized by its picturesque waterfront, a thriving culinary scene showcasing fresh seafood, and the vibrant arts community exemplified by the Portland Museum of Art. If you’re looking to buy a home in Portland, expect to see the median home sale price coming in at $559,000. And if you’re looking to rent an apartment, the average rent in Portland is $2,358.
Don’t worry if those prices don’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable Portland, Maine suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 27 mile drive from the city. That way you can live close to Portland and all its cool activities without the price tag of owning a home there.
#1: Old Orchard Beach
Median home price: $346,500
Average sale price per square foot: $352
Average rent for an apartment: $2,394
Distance from Portland: 20 miles
Old Orchard Beach, ME homes for sale
Old Orchard Beach, ME apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $346,500, Old Orchard Beach comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Portland, Maine suburbs. About a 20 mile drive away from downtown Portland, Old Orchard Beach is home to roughly 8,900 people. Living in Old Orchard Beach, you can have a beach day at Old Orchard Beach and see the iconic Old Orchard Beach Pier, known for its entertainment, shops, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, take a historic walking tour, which highlights Old Orchard Beach’s notable landmarks, or go camping at one of the campgrounds in town.
#2: Standish
Median home price: $347,500
Average sale price per square foot: $234
Distance from Portland: 21 miles
Standish, ME homes for sale
Standish, ME apartments for rent
Coming in as the second most affordable suburb in Portland is Standish. About a 21 mile drive away from downtown Portland, you can explore the Old Port District and the Eastern Promenade in no time. Some popular things to check out in Standish include spending the day at Sebago Lake, from visiting the Sebago Lake Scenic Overlook, checking out Harmon’s Beach, to hiking along the trails, and exploring the nearby Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area.
#3: Westbrook
Median home price: $373,000
Average sale price per square foot: $265
Average rent for an apartment: $2,481
Distance from Portland: 7 miles
Westbrook, ME homes for sale
Westbrook, ME apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $373,000, Westbrook takes the third spot on our list. There are plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Westbrook. Make sure to check out the shops, cafes, and riverfront restaurants in downtown Westbrook, take in the views at Riverbank Park, and explore the trails at Mill Brook Preserve if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: North Windham
Median home price: $393,000
Average sale price per square foot: $242
Distance from Portland: 16 miles
North Windham, ME homes for sale
North Windham, ME apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Westbrook is none other than North Windham. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Portland suburb. So make sure to explore parks like Donnabeth Lippman Park.
#5: Gorham
Median home price: $447,500
Average sale price per square foot: $313
Distance from Portland: 11 miles
Gorham, ME homes for sale
Gorham, ME apartments for rent
About an 11 mile drive into the city, consider adding Gorham to your list of Portland, Maine suburbs to consider moving to. With 18,300 people living in this affordable town, Gorham is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Portland without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Gorham, you can check out the University of Southern Maine campus and downtown area or explore the picturesque Shaw Park.
#6: Saco
Median home price: $475,000
Average sale price per square foot: $285
Average rent for an apartment: $2,433
Distance from Portland: 17 miles
Saco, ME homes for sale
Saco, ME apartments for rent
A recognizable Portland suburb is Saco, where you’ll find the home prices are about $85K less than in Portland. With just about 20,400 people living in Saco, it’s a great suburb to consider moving to. Whether you explore one of the many nature areas like Ferry Beach State Park or Saco Heath Preserve, have a beach day at Camp Ellis Beach or Ferry Beach, or grab a coffee at a local café, there’s many cool things to do and see in this suburb.
#7: Biddeford
Median home price: $500,000
Average sale price per square foot: $285
Average rent for an apartment: $1,882
Distance from Portland: 18 miles
Biddeford, ME homes for sale
Biddeford, ME apartments for rent
Claiming the seventh spot on our list of affordable Portland suburbs is Biddeford, which is roughly an 18 mile drive into downtown. With a population of nearly 22,500, living in Biddeford is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Portland. Don’t miss out on hiking Timber Point Trail out to the picturesque Timber Point, checking out Fortune Rocks Beach, and exploring the quaint downtown area where there are lots of cafes and shops.
#8: Kennebunk
Median home price: $512,750
Average sale price per square foot: $311
Distance from Portland: 27 miles
Kennebunk, ME homes for sale
Kennebunk, ME apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Portland for a while, chances are you know of Kennebunk. About 11,500 people reside in Kennebunk, so you’ll have a fraction of Portland’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Be sure to check out the Kennebunk Plains Preserve, visit the downtown area with quaint shops, museums like the Brick Store Museum, and local restaurants, and spend the afternoon at the beach once you move to Kennebunk.
#9: Scarborough
Median home price: $530,000
Average sale price per square foot: $323
Distance from Portland: 8 miles
Scarborough, ME homes for sale
Scarborough, ME apartments for rent
Without traffic, you’ll be in downtown Portland in about 10 minutes, making Scarborough a great place to live in. About 5,800 people live in this suburb, but there’s always something new to explore in Scarborough. Popular things to do in Scarborough include exploring Scarborough Beach State Park, checking out the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, and hiking one of the many trails throughout the area.
#10: South Portland
Median home price: $540,000
Average sale price per square foot: $360
Average rent for an apartment: $1,935
Distance from Portland: 3 miles
South Portland, ME homes for sale
South Portland, ME apartments for rent
Claiming the 10th spot on our list of affordable suburbs of Portland, Maine is South Portland. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Portland in under 10 minutes. This suburb has a population of 26,500 and you can check out Willard Beach and the nearby Fort Preble, or take in the views from Bug Light Park. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in this charming town.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Portland and under a 27-mile drive from downtown Portland. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
Living in Maine offers a unique lifestyle that just might make you want to move there. With its stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean perfect for beachcombing, lobster feasts, and seeing the picturesque lighthouses, delightful small towns, and rugged landscapes of the Acadia National Park, there’s much more to do and see in Maine.
If you’re considering living somewhere in Maine then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under. When it comes to buying a home in Maine the median home sale price is $388,000.
Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 7 of the most affordable places to live in Maine – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Waterville to Bangor, find out which cities made the list.
#1: Waterville
Median home price: $204,250
Average sale price per square foot: $134
Median household income: $39,722
Nearest major metro: Bangor (55 miles)
Waterville, ME homes for sale
Waterville, ME apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $204,250, Waterville takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Maine. There are about 15,800 residents living in this mid-sized city. Living in Waterville, you can hike along the Quarry Road Trails and check out the Colby College Museum of Art. Make sure to explore downtown where you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants, and the Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market on Thursdays.
#2: Augusta
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $196
Median household income: $38,842
Nearest major metro: Portland (60 miles)
Augusta, ME homes for sale
Augusta, ME apartments for rent
Coming in as the second most affordable city to live in Maine is Augusta. When living in this city of 18,900 people, you can stop by Capitol Park where you’ll find views of the Kennebec River and the Maine State House. Make sure to hike the Kennebec River Trail, explore downtown, and check out Old Fort Western, the oldest standing wood fort in New England.
#3: Bangor
Median home price: $292,000
Average sale price per square foot: $165
Median household income: $47,538
Bangor, ME homes for sale
Bangor, ME apartments for rent
About 31,700 people reside in Bangor. The median home sale price is $292,000 which is about $75K less than the median home sale price in Maine. Make sure to discover museums like the Zillman Art Museum, Maine Discovery Museum, or Cole Land Transportation Museum. You can also explore downtown and the Bangor Waterfront, and hike or cross country ski at Bangor City Forest if you move to the third most affordable city.
#4: Auburn
Median home price: $320,000
Average sale price per square foot: $217
Median household income: $38,842
Nearest major metro: Portland (35 miles)
Auburn, ME homes for sale
Auburn, ME apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Bangor is Auburn, the next city on our list. With a population close to 24,100, there’s still plenty to do in this city. Plan to hike along Auburn Lake Nature Trail where you’ll find picturesque views of Lake Auburn, explore the riverfront areas, and take the Longley Bridge over to explore nearby Lewiston.
#5: Lewiston
Median home price: $341,670
Average sale price per square foot: $176
Median household income: $38,842
Nearest major metro: Portland (37 miles)
Lewiston, ME homes for sale
Lewiston, ME apartments for rent
Consider adding Lewiston to your list of cities to consider moving to if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in Maine. Home to 37,100 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Lewiston, you can hike the trails at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, check out the scenic Heritage Park, see the local vendors at Lewiston Farmers’ Market, and stop by historic sites like Continental Mill.
#6: Orono
Median home price: $350,000
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Median household income: $43,102
Nearest major metro: Bangor (10 miles)
Orono, ME homes for sale
Orono, ME apartments for rent
Another noteworthy city is Orono, where you’ll find the home prices are about $38K less than the state’s average. Orono has about 11,200 residents and is a great city to consider renting or buying a house in this year. There’s lots of activities to do in this city. You can spend the afternoon at Pushaw Lake, hike along the Stillwater Trail or the trails at Jeremiah Colburn Natural Area, and check out downtown Orono, among many other local favorites.
#7: Sanford
Median home price: $350,000
Average sale price per square foot: $231
Median household income: $58,294
Nearest major metro: Portland (35 miles)
Sanford, ME homes for sale
Sanford, ME apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable places to live in Maine is none other than Sanford. With a population of close to 21,900, you’ll be living in a mid-sized city, but there is no shortage of things to do in Sanford. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to hike along the Mousam Way Trails, camp at one of the campgrounds, and check out the downtown area.
Methodology: All cities must have over 10,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Maine. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.