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I have never been to either of these two places but they both seem great. Portland definitely seems bigger than Annapolis. Anyway, I am curious to hear from anyone regarding any thoughts on differences between these two places. I will list some criteria below.
Better waterfront setting and natural setting?
Better cost of living?
Friendlier people?
Better restaurants?
Better location?
Better for a single guy in his mid 30's?
Better weather?
More walkable?
Better bus system?
Better for boating and sailing?
Better for fishing?
Which one is more laid back?
Which city has more character and charm?
Which has the better economy?
Which one is more unique and special in your opinion?
Last edited by 007jamesbond; 04-22-2013 at 10:34 PM..
Better waterfront setting and natural setting? Portland, hands down. It is DAMN cold in the winter though! If you don't like cold weather, or can't get used to it, Annapolis will better suit you.
Better cost of living? Portland
Friendlier people? Portland
Better restaurants? I'd probably say Annapolis but Portland is nice too.
Better location? Depends on what your needs are. If you're looking to make a very high salary (depending on what you do), Annapolis is going to be better. Salaries are quite low in Portland, at least compared with Baltimore/DC, and you'll probably have a harder time finding work depending on what you do.
Better for a single guy in his mid 30's? Probably Annapolis - younger crowd, more bars, more singles, etc. I think most younger people probably leave Portland for bigger cities like Boston, etc.
Better weather? Depends on what your preferences are. Portland is SIGNIFICANTLY colder than Annapolis in the winter - I mean, bone-chillingly cold. It snows a lot more. Summer is nice and cool though, especially compared with Annapolis/Baltimore where it can get very hot and the humidity can be terrible. Most Mainers don't use central air conditioning at all (window units if anything at all). They use oil heat in the winter.
More walkable? Portland
Better bus system? Can't really comment on this as I don't use buses anywhere, but I have a feeling Portland is probably a lot safer.
Better for boating and sailing? Again, can't really comment on this
Better for fishing? don't know
Which one is more laid back? In my opinion - Portland - Maine is more relaxed, laid back in general. Less rat race mentality, fewer people who live in bedroom communities with 2+ hour commutes each day who are in it just for money. People in Maine make less money but in my estimation they seem a lot happier.
Which city has more character and charm? Portland, in my opinion.
Which has the better economy? Probably Annapolis, more money flowing in and out, better access to higher paying jobs.
Which one is more unique and special in your opinion? Personally, I prefer Portland. I'd move back up that way if I could! Lived in Scarborough, nearby there, for about 4 months one winter, and really really enjoyed it. Maine is a beautiful state. It's really all about what your preferences are, though. If you don't mind making less money and don't mind super cold winters with lots of snow, then it might be a better choice for you. Portland does have a nightlife and a singles scene, but decidedly less so than Annapolis. Portland also has significantly less crime. Annapolis has its pockets of very dangerous areas (Clay Street, Eastport, etc.) which you can largely avoid if you have $$$. Really just depends on what your needs/wants are.
have worked in both. portland maine in oct/nov 2009 and oct 2010 (staying in downtown area). annapolis in july 2012 (although was commuting from BWI airport hotels everyday).
Better cost of living? portland is prolly a lot cheaper for living, for travel theyre both around the same IMO
Friendlier people? tricky one. i was doing the same thing in both cities - collecting signatures for ballot measures/candidates, so i had to interact with the locals all day every day. IMO the people were nicer/more receptive in annapolis.
Better restaurants? annapolis wins this one no question
Better location? annapolis, close to DC
Better for a single guy in his mid 30's? annapolis no question
Better weather? annapolis because better winters. neither have particular good weather IMO
More walkable? the downtowns in both are walkable, but once you get out no way
Better bus system? i dunno i had car rental
Better for boating and sailing? annapolis prolly
obviously i prefer annapolis over portland.
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