portland neighborhoods (Rumford: apartments, crime, home)

[buddy1]

I am planning to move to Portland. Can anyone tell me about the different neighborhoods. I am a single mother with a 14 year old daughter and am looking for an apartment. I have sectioin 8, but would like to find an apartment in a good area. How is the Munjoy Hill neighborhood?

[AlisonL]

Not an area I would live in. But that is just my opinion. I don't know enough about Portland to recommend an area, just that Munjoy Hill occasionaly makes the news for one crime or another.

[bella22]

Munjoy Hill used to be considered a sketchier neighborhood, but it is now one of the most popular areas to live on the peninsula. It is only blocks from the Eastern Promenade (big grassy park overlooking the ocean), is within easy walking distance of downtown, walking distance of high school, and is home to ever increasing numbers of restaurants and coffee/tea shops (yup, slow gentrification). Definitely my preferred side of town.

[buddy1]

thanks bella22,
All I have is a map and googleearth to look at apartment addresses. I am currently living in Rumford and can't wait to get out of here. I am not from Maine, but I have been to Portland and I like it. But I don't know the neighborhoods very well, having mostly gone to the Old Port, downtown and the Maine mall. One thing is for sure , the job situation has got to be better than in Rumford- No jobs! I am trying to find a neighborhood my daughter will feel safe in. After reading your post i am going to look at a couple of apartments i have found. Any more info on neighborhoods is appreciated.