Bangor vs. Portland (Bar Harbor: transplants, apartments, house)

[Misty108]

Other than size, what are the major differences between these two cities? Is there anything major, culturally or in any other sense?

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Misty108

Other than size, what are the major differences between these two cities? Is there anything major, culturally or in any other sense?

Portland is bigger, but Bangor feels bigger to me because Portland is all crammed together whereas Bangor is more spread out. But by "bigger" I mean literal size. Bangor feels like it is larger in terms of space, though Portland has a much larger population.

Portland is surrounded by other cities. Once you get north of Bangor, you are well and truly in the country.

Portland is on the ocean. Bangor is on the river.

People seem more laid back in Bangor. Portland is very much a city. Bangor seems more like a big town.

Both get some pretty good concerts. Portland probably has consistently more, but the Bangor waterfront concerts tend to bring in the bigger acts.

There are good parts and bad parts in both towns.

It depends on what you want in life, but all in all, if I had to pick one to live in, I'd pick Bangor.

[massnative71]

Very different cities with very different feels. Portland is way more touristy, for instance. I agree with the above, that Bangor feels more "large town" while Portland is a real urban city. They are also both representative of the regions they are in, where Southern Maine (Portland) is culturally quite different from Central Maine (Bangor).

[mainebrokerman]

I’d much prefer Bangor area than Portland

The housing costs are ridiculous anywhere near Portland

My son went to college in Portland and lived there I’ve done much business
With some businesses in old port

I much prefer Bangor area

[BaltimoreBruiser]

To mirror a lot of what is said here: Bangor is a city only in demographic and legal terms. Depending on where you're coming from, it won't feel like a city to you. Really just a town, with a small "downtown" area. Once out of there, it's just a suburban settlement. Portland, however, while very small for a city, feels like a city when you get into the peninsula. The crowds, the tourists, the buses, the buildings, the weird city streets. But it is the nicest city I've ever been to. Culturally it also felt very different. Portland leans very liberal politically, and that's reflected in the culture with a pretty neat blend of artsy and maritime... complete with exorbitant prices lol. Tons of eclectic shops and such that you won't find in Bangor. Tons of city attractions and things to do. Great history.

But the Bangor area always feels like a better place to set down roots if you're in that stage of your life. I only see Portland getting more expensive and harder on families in the coming years. Bangor gives you easier access to some great areas also - Bar Harbor, Baxter State Park, downeast/midcoast areas.

[complexity0]

Bangor is getting more expensive as well. A lot of apartments right now, from what I gather are going for the same rates as ones in Portland!

[EH466]

I'd pick Bangor any day of the week. Better access to the outdoors, housing costs and a more traditional Maine culture. Of course if you want to comingle with throngs of ultra liberal coffee house hipster types, homeless people or MA transplants then Portland may be a good fit. Be ready to pay a pretty penny to exist in such an atmosphere too.

[Kracer]

Portland is a city, Bangor is a town.

Both have their charms.