Towns of Greater Portland

Scarborough is well known for its salty marshes and miles of sandy beaches. Higgins Beach is a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers alike. Locals also love to visit Pine Point, Ferry Beach, and Scarborough Beaches. Residents and some non-residents enjoy getting a beach pass so they are sure to be able to get to their favorite beach all summer long. Scarborough is known for fantastic residential neighborhoods that meander throughout the town with connected streets and cul-de-sacs, creating neighborhoods ideal for everyone. While most of the shopping, restaurants, and other amenities are located on Route One, soon there will be a new downtown village area in the Scarborough Downs neighborhood. 

South Portland is most well-known for being home to the largest shopping hub in the state, with the Maine Mall and surrounding shopping centers. There is much more to South Portland than just shopping. The charming Knightville village offers one of the best views of the Portland skyline and is just a short ride over the bridge to downtown Portland, but offers its own small downtown with shops, restaurants, and more. The Williard Beach area is home to Southern Maine Community College and is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in South Portland. Meeting House Hill is another neighborhood that many seek for its great residential neighborhoods.

The Town of Yarmouth has a little bit of everything – a charming Main Street Village, green space along the Royal River, a sheltered port in Yarmouth Harbor, and great local shops and restaurants for residents to enjoy when they don’t want to make the short jaunt to Portland. Famous for its annual Clam Festival, which brings in thousands of visitors each year. Including Cousin’s Island, a quaint island community with trails and beaches for locals to enjoy. Yarmouth is a desirable town for its historic charm and quintessential Maine village vibes, and natural resources for residents to enjoy make it an ideal town for many.

Falmouth, nestled just north of Portland, offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty and serene wooded landscapes. At its heart lies the iconic Route 88, affectionately known as Falmouth Foreside, a picturesque neighborhood that gracefully meanders along the stunning Maine coastline. This scenic route is famed for its breathtaking ocean vistas and is home to an array of large, stately residences. Falmouth extends inland, revealing a more rural, wooded landscape. Falmouth is a highly desirable community for those looking to live just outside of Portland.

Home to the most photographed lighthouse in the country, Portland Headlight, Cape Elizabeth offers some breathtaking views of the ocean. This highly desirable town offers quaint neighborhoods and a small-town feel while being just a short drive to downtown Portland. Residents and visitors alike enjoy beaches such as Kettle Cove and Crescent Beach in addition to the rocky views at Two Lights State Park. Residents love the connection between the community and the beauty of coastal Maine.

Just 20 minutes from Portland, in the multi-faceted town of Freeport, people flock from all over to experience the shopping and outdoor activities. Located on the shores of Casco Bay, Freeport is world-famous for its mix of brand-name outlets and local boutiques housed in quaint and cozy brick buildings dating back to the 18th century. With history, art, and activities abound, you may come to shop, but will surely stay to explore. Best known for being home to the flagship LL Bean Store, this town offers other gems such as Wolfe Neck State Park, a beautiful place to explore the rocky coast of Maine.

Gorham is located just outside of Portland to the West. It is a small college town as it’s home to the University of Southern Maine, where thousands of students pursue their education each year. Gorham’s South Street Historic District boasts a wide collection of restaurants, shops, and historic houses that make this gateway town feel like a trip through history. Residents enjoy a variety of neighborhoods, including large interconnected neighborhoods and properties with plenty of land and trees, and even some farmland. Gorham is also well-known for its large trail network, making it a popular location for mountain bikers.

Known for being the beginning of the Lakes Region, Windham is a hub of fun and convenience. Many people who live in this area may travel into Portland for work, but are able to enjoy the natural amenities of their area. Windham offers large connected neighborhoods, lakeside retreats and communities, sprawling lots with woods and fields. Sebago Lake in Windham is the deepest and second-largest lake in the state of Maine. It’s also a huge recreational hub of the region. Located about 40 minutes from Portland, Windham is a great option for those looking for that lake lifestyle while being close to the city.

Conveniently located six miles outside of Portland, is the festive and unique city of Westbrook. Westbrook has gone through a revitalization of their downtown in recent years by giving rise to a new and upcoming creative community with plenty of art and cultural opportunities including a performing arts center and a thriving Main Street, where visitors can enjoy a top-shelf selection of pubs, specialty shops, and international cuisine. Westbrook is set against the backdrop of the Presumpscot River, which flows through the center of the city.

Cumberland, just north of Falmouth, offers a more rural lifestyle while still being close to all that Portland has to offer. It has more spacious lots and homes with desirable neighborhoods, amongst the coast and the woods. With large spacious green spaces and trails for locals to enjoy, getting into the forest makes Cumberland a friendly place to live. Cumberland might be best known for hosting the Cumberland Fair every September since 1868.

North Yarmouth is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle, offering spacious lots and a quiet connection to nature. Conveniently located, it provides easy access to the nearby towns of Freeport, known for its famous shopping, Yarmouth, with its charming village amenities, and Cumberland, offering a strong community feel.