Gorham vs Back Cove Neighborhood (Portland, Saco: for sale, real estate, houses)

[FamilyMan1234]

I recently came out to Portland on a scouting trip on neighborhoods we are thinking of moving to. Two of the main candidates was Gorham and small neighborhood north of Back Cove. This post may sound like a competition but that is not the goal. The goal is to understand the neighborhood and area differences.

Gorham seems like the ideal spot to raise my family but there is only a small quantity of homes for sale at the moment. Gorham is like a small neighborhood where everyone knows everyone to some degree. On the other hand how would northern Back Cove neighborhood compare in this perspective?

Another question I have is the Back Cove neighborhood near Sherwood, Oakley, & Providence St is there many families there, retirement community, or single individuals? We have a baby so we are looking for a family oriented neighborhood.

Is the Back Cove neighborhood more lower income, middle income, and/or higher income area? If you have any other perspective on both areas it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[WhoFanMe]

Interesting questions. I have two houses listed in that area of Portland, that I would call East Deering and live in Gorham, where I have another single family home listed. Inventory is tight in all areas of Greater Portland and it is helping to push prices up a bit. Buyer traffic has also slowed considerably from this spring as 4.5% or higher interest rates seem to be here to stay. The 100 basis point increase has dramatically affected affordability for many Mainers or prospective Mainers.

Because of Fair Housing, as a licensed real estate agent, I can't answer the questions you have. I will watch with interest to see what the other posters say.

[elston]

I cant compare as I am unfamiliar with the Portland neighborhood. I lived in a very nice development off Fort Hill in Gorham. I loved Gorham....both my neighborhood and neighbors but also the down town and the residential neighborhoods over near the school. Gorham is nice and the people of Gorham are very nice. It has a small town feeling that was a joy to experience. For me it was a perfect size and location made it very convenient.....to just about everything. My life was quite contained in Gorham with Portland and Saco being the other axis.

[Giantrobot]

I would prefer Gorham to that area of Portland you mentioned. It's not a bad neighborhood or anything, but it kinda has a haphazard feel and level of upkeep. There are some unattractive lower class areas nearby, and the heavily industrial Presumpscot Street is right there.

The closer up the hill towards Ocean Ave, the better it gets. I would avoid south of Presumpscot and along Veranda Street.

Gorham is a nice town and much better for your family, IMO