Help me plan my "should I move to Portland" weekend (apartment complex)

[greenmountaingirl]

Title says it all! I'm very seriously considering a fall move to Portland, and I plan on taking a drive to check it out more seriously. I've been, of course, but never for long and never with the ability to poke around (timeline was prohibitive).

ME: Early 30s, single, no kids that don't have paws and fur, have lived ALL over the country. I'm familiar with the climate and the tough job market (sheet, like ANYWHERE isn't brutal right now) and neither is phasing me, really if only because I know what I do now (temp work when my business is on sabbatical, basically) I can do anywhere---what I don't know is where I should be looking for apartments. From this forum, I've gleaned the areas NOT to look at. That said, while I have the general idea of West or East End being probably the best for me (USM, Deering, etc too far from town/Old Port for my tastes...I like to walk everywhere if possible)---I have no real idea of the flavor of the neighborhoods.

I truly do NOT want to be surrounded by kids on tricycles or college kids with no respect and mommy & daddy's money. A little of each, fine...but an overwhelming amount of either is a no-no. Apartments are not cheap, but def. better than where I am now---I'd like to stay hovering around no more than $800 (that's with heat included) or $1100 for a two bedroom if I decide to go the roomie route. As I have pets and a lifetime's worth of stuff, I do not want to move IN with someone but instead extend the invitation myself.

Not really big on sterile apartment complex type places, really. Quirky is good, well sized and quirky is better. I'm sort of a brat about my quiet...so buildings with 2-4 units max are preferable.

For this weekend, there's a good chance I'll just find a cheapo motel outside the city, but I WILL be wanting to cruise the nightlife scene. Not a club person at all---love live music and dive bars I'm sick of waiting for friends to be able to come with me, so I'm coming alone---and I do have acquaintances in the area but they've got a new baby and I don't want to impose---nor do I expect them to barhop with me! Suggestions where a girl can be comfortable being alone?

I dunno. I'm sure I have more questions...any answers are much appreciated. Edit to ask: anything I MUST check out while I'm in town? Certain parts of the town I should get to know?

[ME-Evergreen]

We just moved to the Portland area and like it very much. The people here are very nice and most helpful if you ask them. We think Portland and the surrounding area is a great place to live and are happy that we decided to move here.

We are not in your age group and have the two legged children as well as some of the four legged ones so we are not out enjoying the Portland nightlife these days. I cannot help you with ideas about the bars or apartments but I am sure some others will have some great suggestions for you.

Good luck with your decision and I hope you enjoy your weekend in Maine!

[royale75]

Good luck finding a place on the peninsula for under $800. We have a shoe box sized apt on the East. Prom and pay too much. Can't wait to move away from Maine - Thw countdown is on! I've been a New Englander all of my life( MA, RI, NH), and there is something I find weird about this place...not sure what it is, just know ME isn't for me.

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by royale75

Good luck finding a place on the peninsula for under $800. We have a shoe box sized apt on the East. Prom and pay too much. Can't wait to move away from Maine - Thw countdown is on! I've been a New Englander all of my life( MA, RI, NH), and there is something I find weird about this place...not sure what it is, just know ME isn't for me.

East Prom is one of the most expensive areas to live.....lots of other areas that are nice and cheaper. One of the things I like about Portland is that it doesn't have alot of the "sterile type" apartment complexes.

Grab the local paper and check it our for yourself when your there.

Portland has many nice neighborhoods but unfortunatety most will at least have some famillies living there. The area south of State St from Deering Oaks Park up the hill to Congress and then both sides of State St as your headind down the the harbor is an area you should check out. Munjoy Hill is another but when you get to the top your in the East Prom area which, as I mentioned above, can get pricey. If a place has a view it's going to be more expensive.

The State St area has alot of older but very nice small apt buildings, easy walk to downtown or to use public transportation to the fun areas like the Old Port.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by ME-Evergreen

We just moved to the Portland area and like it very much. The people here are very nice and most helpful if you ask them. We think Portland and the surrounding area is a great place to live and are happy that we decided to move here.

We are not in your age group and have the two legged children as well as some of the four legged ones so we are not out enjoying the Portland nightlife these days. I cannot help you with ideas about the bars or apartments but I am sure some others will have some great suggestions for you.

Good luck with your decision and I hope you enjoy your weekend in Maine!

Four legged children??? I hope you mean pets!