High Street area of South Portland. Nice or not? (real estate, 2013)

[schamberlain]

I am looking at an interesting real estate listing on High Street. It looks like it is close to some kind of commercial terminal activity on the water. I am wondering if this is a nice area for safety and overall desirability and also what the commercial activity is on the water. Also, it looks like there is another strip center of some kind also close to High Street. What is the strip center like? Does this commercial activity distract from quiet enjoyment of property in the area? What are some of the nicer streets in S. Portland? Thanks so much for the information.

[Giantrobot]

That's kind of a funny neighborhood. The commercial activity is probably the marina or the Coast Guard base nearby on Front Street. There is also a nice restaurant called Saltwater Grille nestled back there on the water. It's fairly quiet as far as traffic. The houses are pretty close together. A mix of older homes in various states of upkeep, mixed with some newer builds and a few upscale condos and apartments. You would be right near the Greenbelt walking trail, and also Bug Light Park. You also have the tank farm along the coast there, which isn't as scenic. All in all, not a bad neighborhood, and close to pretty much everything.

I don't think safety is an issue anywhere in South Portland, or greater Portland for that matter.

[lusaka]

Good to know about safety in Portland area.How about home prices? Will $80,000 be enough for a very small home or cottage within a twenty mile radius with regular plumbing and not a septic system ?

[flycessna]

first IMO there is no area in South Portland where I would be concerned for my safety. That particular area is a bit of mixed use but because of its proximity to the water and being that its on the east end of town it is one of less expensive neighborhoods on this side of town. That area is also up in coming and I don't mean that in a bad way as I just moved here last year and would have had no problem moving my family there. I don't know the particular house your looking at and that area is also the kind of place that you need to really make a determination based on its exact location... IE is it next to a bar vs a park or a another house ect..

[flycessna]

I just read my post and want to clarify that the neighborhood is located in the east end of town which is certainly the more desirable area of SOPO but that neighborhood is one of the less expensive over here..

[Legomyeggo]

Lots of drug users. Mostly pot and dabs but some cocaine and gases

[elston]

flycessna is a respected and long term poster on the Maine forum 2314 posts that have been read 3,025,012 times. He has been a member for 5 years. Compare that to Legomyeggo who has only one post read 8 times and been a member less than 23 days and who makes drug references I don't even understand. I would put more stock in what the senior member has to say.

[bbb3601]

During our June 2013 extended visit we stayed in Portland for 5 days. Walked the supposed "bad" areas as late as 2am. I can't help but to laugh as I type this, but the great people of Maine have no idea how great they have it. (well I suspect deep down you do) I seen no evidence of any major crime. For me a handful of people minding their own business while getting high has no impact on my life! Trouble is everywhere and is subjective to your own feelings on the matter. I have come to realize you can't compare a Maine city to anywhere else in the world.