Portland Maine Real Estate Local Neighborhoods Portland is a city of neighborhoods diverse in character and design, offering a broad spectrum of housing choices for residents from dense urban neighborhoods to island communities. The city works hard to preserve and enhance the livability of its neighborhoods. As the city grows and evolves, close attention is paid to careful land use regulation, design and public participation that maintains and respects our neighborhood integrity. Portland Neighborhoods Use this map as a preliminary guide to Portland neighborhoods Local Portland Maine Neighborhoods Baxter Boulevard: Circling the Back Bay, this area of older homes offers many views of the Back Bay (also known as Back Cove) and the downtown area. There is easy access to parks, walking trails and city services. There are many older homes in this area that have water and city views. Woodfords: This in-town enclave is dominated by small streets and local neighborhoods. Rosemont, Highlands and Oakdale are all included in this vibrant and growing area. Here you will find many older homes and properties that have been renovated in the last several years. There are many corner shops and restaurants that are frequented by local residents. East Deering: Has a very nice suburban neighborhood feel close to town and easy access to the highway. Just like the East vs West end, it is newer and thus values here are lower but would be a good investment over times. East End: This up and coming in town location, perhaps the best location for appreciation. Many luxury condo developments underway, traditionally the sketchy area of town, a mixed bag currently. In Town: Also known as the Old Port, this area of town includes most of the city's night life, restaurants, and boutique shopping. It is located between the East and West ends along the waterfront. The Eastern Promenade and the West End offer incredible views of the harbor and ocean. North Deering: Many nice homes and tee-lined streets can be found in this area. Driving into downtown can be a little problematic, and take about 10 to 12 minutes. The two main arteries from out here are Washington Avenue and Forest Avenue which get fairly crowded during rush hours, if you can say there is traffic at all in Portland, given its small size. This classic in town suburb consists primarily of single family homes and is close to Deering High School and traditionally has been the best area for appreciation and resale. Outer Forest: Similar to North Deering, there is a lot of larger apartment and condo developments, and some quaint little neighborhoods, but some serious bottlenecks to get back into Portland and probably the least resale value/appreciation proposition. USM Area: Located around the University of Southern Maine, this area includes campus housing, older Victorian homes and multi-family properties. West End: Established In-town high price, good resale area. A lot of stately brick homes and nice condos and condo conversion projects underway.