Portland, OR to Portland, ME?

[elston]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

Portland, Or. is the bicyclists capital of America so Portland, ME does not compare. However, I have met a guy who rides from Freeport to South Portland four days a week for work rain, shine or snow. So going the distance can be done here. People do bike year round. I went on an eight mile ride a couple of days ago myself.

My son used to bicycle from south portland to his job in the old port everyday, summer and winter for several years. He said sometimes in the winter it was a bit hairy crossing the bridge. He was in super shape at the time.

[emilyo]

what neighborhood do you live in now, kittykoo?
sounds like a nice one - i'm researching portland oregon....
thanks!

[mammabee]

I lived in Portland, Maine and am from Nor Cal so I can tell you that the weather you are used to in PDX is no where as extreme as in New England, let alone Portland, Maine. There is way more than a little snow because the snow can stay on the ground for weeks to months in some areas. I lived near the USM and I could easily walk around the neighborhood but there would be quite a bit of ice and snow on the sidewalk. The gray days of Portland, Maine are much colder than the gray days in PDX so it is much harder to get out because it can be below freezing so many families hibernate in the winter. Portland, Maine is pretty liberal and is not as green as Oregon but the locals love outdoorsy endeavors and the foodie movement is not as great as Oregon but the restaurants are on the foodie map, so to speak. Check out an article by the NY Times, called Portland Vs. Portland that was written in 2007. Find it in the archive food section.

I would check out the Eastern Prom or the West Side to live as well as the USM area. I think 300,000 can get you a good deal of a house with the buyer's market the way that it is. The neighborhoods in Portland are nice and tree lined and if you are already used to gray days than the Maine beauty will probably appeal to you. The summers in Maine are notoriously beautiful and Maine has always been a summer destination for East Coasters. Any questions, you can send me a message!