Living in South Portland ME offers a mix of coastal charm with a suburban feel. It is a city known for its working waterfront, historical sites, and breathtaking view of Casco Bay. It’s also the home to the largest mall in Maine, the Maine Mall.
The name South Portland reflects its location, which overlooks the Portland Harbor to the south of Portland. However, interestingly, South Portland was never part of Portland. It was, in fact, part of Cape Elizabeth, which separated from Falmouth. South Portland incorporated as a town on March 15, 1895, and then as a city on March 22, 1898. There are more than one South Portland nickname, including The Park City and SoPo. Its motto is “Forward.”
Is South Portland Maine a good place to live? Yes, with its mix of historic neighborhoods, parks, waterfront access, great schools, and proximity to larger cities like Portland, South Portland is a great place to live.
Where Is South Portland?
South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine. It is located on the southern coast of the state, facing the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metro area. Living in South Portland ME gives you easy access to some wonderful cities.
South Portland is about 30 miles from Kennebunkport and borders several towns, including Portland, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth.
When living in South Portland ME, you have access to efficient public transportation. South Portland is served by the Greater Portland Metro, and makes several stops throughout South Portland, including stops at the Maine Mall, Southern Maine Community College, and Willard Beach.
South Portland Population & Demographics
South Portland ME is the fourth most populous city in the state of Maine. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of people living in South Portland ME is 26,498–up 6% since 2010. And the population density is 2,200.10 people per square mile. While 6% growth isn’t huge, it is steady, which suggests living in South Portland ME is a smart move. It’s big enough to have plenty of shopping and dining options with jobs close by, but still small enough to maintain a strong sense of community.
Notable people from South Portland ME
There is a long list of notable people originally from or currently living in South Portland ME, including OkCupid co-founder Chris Coyne and Subway co-founder Peter Buck.
Demographics
- 48% men vs 52% women
- Median age: 40.7 years
- The racial and ethnic composition of residents living in South Portland ME is White 82%, Asian 3%, Black or African American 6%, and two or more races 5%
- Foreign-born population: 9%
- Median household income: $84,563 -- roughly 10.6% higher than the ME state median household income of $76,442
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 95.4% and Bachelor's degree or higher: 49.3%
South Portland ME Crime Rate
If you’re wondering, “Is South Portland ME safe?” the answer is nuanced. According to the FBI, the South Portland crime rate overall is 1,949 per 100,000 people. That’s higher than the Maine state average of 1,317, but still below the U.S. average of 2,324. This means South Portland is safer than many cities across the country.
As for violent crime, South Portland is 52% higher than the Maine crime rate, but it remains 57.5% lower than the national average. Property crime is 47.8% higher in South Portland than the entire state, but lower than the country at 8.3%.
While South Portland has more reported crime than other Maine communities, it is still safer than much of the U.S. When one considers the city’s strong community values and coastal charm, it’s easy to see why South Portland ME is a great place to live.
For more information about safety and living in South Portland ME, along with the city’s 48 police officers working hard to keep the community safe, visit the City of South Portland police department website.
South Portland Maine Cost of Living
Is South Portland expensive? Living in South Portland ME is somewhat expensive. According to the Cost of Living Index, the cost of living in the Portland-South Portland ME metro area is almost 10% higher than the national average. And per the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four in Cumberland County must earn around $121,116 per year to afford the average cost of living in South Portland ME comfortably.
Typical South Portland ME Living Expenses
According to Numbeo, these are the prices you can expect to pay for everyday items while living in South Portland ME. Also included is the cost of average utilities in South Portland, which account for about 33% of the incomes of individuals living in South Portland ME, as reported by Doxo.
- Cappuccino (regular): $5.00
- One dozen eggs: $4.00
- Coke/Pepsi (12 ounce small bottle): $3.03
- Chicken fillets (1 pound): $5.01
- Average South Portland ME utilities per month: $599
South Portland Maine Real Estate
According to Redfin, the South Portland ME median home price is $535,000, with an average of $381 per square foot. Redfin also indicates that South Portland real estate is one of the most competitive markets; if you’re planning on moving to South Portland and buying a home, then start your search now. Begin here with these homes for sale in South Portland Maine.
Average Rent in South Portland
If living in South Portland ME is in your future but you prefer to rent, you should consider that the average rent is $2,307 for an 828 sq ft apartment, according to RentCafe – about 31.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, rent in South Portland is higher than in several of its neighboring cities, but still not as high as in Kittery, ME.
Considering living in South Portland ME, and searching for a rental? Here is a list of South Portland ME houses for rent, as well as a list of apartments for rent in South Portland.
South Portland Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in South Portland ME are varied and full of both history and character. Whether you’re already moving to South Portland or thinking about living in South Portland ME, you have plenty of excellent choices to call home.
Ferry Village – Historic, Walkable, Family-Friendly Neighborhood With a Community Feel and Close to Restaurants
One of the best places to live in South Portland, Ferry Village is a charming and historic neighborhood that offers a quiet, coastal feel and is within minutes of downtown Portland. Ferry Village was once a shipping hub, but is now a walkable community with tree-lined streets and classic New England-style homes. And the view of Casco Bay from Ferry Village cannot be beat.
Neighborhood residents have easy access to the Greenbelt Walkway, local marinas, and popular restaurants along the waterfront. This neighborhood is an excellent choice for people looking to settle down in an area that feels relaxed yet connected to the larger community. Ferry Village is living in South Portland ME at its finest.
Knightville – Small-Town Feel with Urban Convenience, Good for Young Professionals and Families
A vibrant and walkable neighborhood that beautifully blends a small-town feel with urban convenience. Located across the Casco Bay Bridge from downtown Portland, Knightville is an eclectic mix of locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Homes in this neighborhood are older, and the area attracts young professionals and families who enjoy the feel of a smaller community with access to larger city amenities. Knightville is a top choice and one of the best areas to live in South Portland for people looking for a walkable area with plenty of activities to keep busy.
Willard Square – Beach Community, Tight-Knit, Good For Families
With its proximity to Willard Beach and its sandy shores and abundant water activities like swimming and kayaking, this beach community is a treasure in South Portland. Much like Ferry Village, Willard Square features tree-lined streets and historic homes. It also has many updated, modern homes. This charming neighborhood is excellent for families and professionals alike who are considering living in South Portland ME.
South Portland Weather
According to the Köppen classification, the year-round South Portland climate is humid continental with long, cold, snowy winters and short, warm to hot summers. In the summer, the average temperature in South Portland ranges from 60℉ to 80℉. Winter temperatures range from 25℉ to 35℉, and can occasionally go lower.
How much does it snow in South Portland ME? South Portland ME annual snowfall is about 69 inches per year–perfect for outdoor activities like skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and skating. As for rainfall, the South Portland annual rainfall is about 49 inches. If you enjoy experiencing each of the seasons, then living in South Portland ME might be ideal for you.
Nor’easters
And while the annual snowfall is 69 inches per year, there are some weather patterns in South Portland that can increase that number by quite a bit. South Portland ME occasionally experiences no’easters, which are large-scale extratropical cyclones that occur in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
Nor’easters bring with them heavy rain or snow, and can cause major flooding, coastal erosion, and hurricane-force winds, along with blizzard conditions. They are most powerful between November and March. The northeast can experience up to 30 nor’easters per year.
Nor’easters may sound intimidating, but rest assured that not all nor’easters you'd experience living in South Portland ME would be severe. In fact, the intensity of nor’easters varies widely, and many pass with minimal impact. Consider this one of the good things to know before moving to South Portland.
If you’d like to visit before deciding if living in South Portland ME is ideal for you, the best time to visit is summer. However, for fewer crowds, late spring or early fall are ideal, while South Portland Maine weather is still nice and temperate.
Things to Do in South Portland Maine
There are a variety of fun things to do in South Portland, no matter if you’re looking for fun solo activities, things to do with kids, or something to do as a couple. Starting with shopping, the Maine Mall is large and features over 100 stores, a food court, and even a bowling alley. Need some essentials? Target South Portland is the place to go. And you can also enjoy convenient shopping at Maine Crossing. Now, let’s look at some attractions to enjoy while living in South Portland ME.
Near South Portland, the Victoria Mansion Portland Maine is a 19th-century Victorian mansion also known as the Morse Libby House. It features ornate decor, as well as tours and a museum shop. Visitors to Victoria Mansion enjoy viewing the beautifully restored opulent architecture, furnishings, and decorations. They also appreciate the depth of knowledge that the mansion docents have. To purchase Victoria Mansion tickets in advance, visit the website. Seniors receive a discount, as do college students and children 6-17 years old. Children under 5 are free.
109 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101, 207-772-4841
Bug Light Park offers a mix of history, beautiful scenery, and community charm. It overlooks Portland Harbor and is home to the small but iconic Portland Breakwater Light, more commonly known as the “Bug Light.” Bug Light Park in South Portland is a local favorite for picnics, kite flying, and waterfront walks. It offers beautiful ocean views and is a site for many local events and family-friendly attractions in South Portland, like summer movie nights, concerts, car shows, and 4th of July celebrations. Bug Light Park undoubtedly makes living in South Portland ME, even more enjoyable.
South Portland, ME 04106, 207-767-7670
Fort Prebble
Located at the entrance of Portland Harbor, Fort Preble was built in the early 1800s. Its stone walls and scenic shoreline pathways offer a peaceful place to walk, take photos, or just enjoy the expansive ocean views. Fort Preble is an interesting piece of South Portland’s rich history, and is a favorite spot for locals living in South Portland ME to explore.
Bunker Lane, South Portland, ME 04106, 207-740-5500
Additional Attractions in South Portland ME
For more interesting things to do while living in South Portland ME, visit the Parks & Rec department website. And stay up-to-date with local events via the city’s events calendar.
South Portland Restaurants
There are many fantastic restaurants in South Portland ME to choose from, with cuisine ranging from Mexican to Italian and beyond. And living in South Portland ME means you're close to the water, so you can, of course, get some of the freshest lobster and fish around.
Here are some of the best restaurants in South Portland:
Tuscan Table
At Tuscan Table South Portland, you'll find delicious Italian food featuring fresh, homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Diners especially enjoy the chicken parmesan and Bee Sting Pizza, which gets a bit of heat from chili flakes and sweetness from honey. This is one of the best South Portland restaurants if you're craving Italian.
390 Gorham Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, 207-536-0240
Guerrero Maya
Mexican food in generous portions alongside frosty margaritas by the pitcher are on the menu at Maya South Portland, ME. From enchiladas to fajitas and even mole, there are plenty of options. If you're looking for South Portland Maine restaurants that the whole family or a large group will enjoy, this is the one.
449 Westbrook St, South Portland, ME 04106, 207-747-5965
Breathtaking Portland skyline and Casco Bay views are just one of the highlights of dining at Saltwater Grille South Portland. This is one of the best restaurants in South Portland Maine for the freshest seafood, so treat yourself. Try local favorites like the buttery lobster rolls, fresh oysters, clam chowder, baked stuffed lobster, and more. When living in South Portland ME, this is the perfect spot to dine, sip on a craft cocktail, a cold beer, or a glass of wine, and relax with friends while enjoying the sunset.
231 Front St, South Portland, ME 04106, 207-799-5400
Jobs in South Portland Maine
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in South Portland is $50,600 per year, and the average hourly wage for someone working and living in South Portland ME is $24.00 per hour.
Top employers in South Portland ME include Unum Provident Life Insurance Company, The City of South Portland, the South Portland School Department, Hannaford Supermarkets and Distributions, and Southern Maine Community College.
To find additional jobs in South Portland ME, be sure to search on Indeed.com. For more information about city jobs, be sure to check out open City of South Portland jobs on the official city website. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the South Portland School Disctrict calendar if you have kids and are planning on living in South Portland ME.
South Portland Schools
The South Portland Schools Department manages seven schools across the city, including five elementary schools, one middle school called South Portland Middle School, and one high school called South Portland High School. For more information about South Portland schools, be sure to browse the South Portland Schools Department website.
Private Schools in South Portland
If you prefer to have your children attend private schools when living in South Portland ME, you have options. There are two private schools in South Portland: Greater Portland Christian School, also known as GPCS, is a K-12 Christian school, and Holy Cross School South Portland, a pre-k to 8th-grade Catholic school.
Colleges & Universities
Immediately in Southern Portland is Southern Maine Community College, and just ten miles away in Portland ME is the University of Southern Maine.
For continued education and learning while living in South Portland ME, be sure to visit the South Portland Public Library. It is a wealth of free knowledge and resources.
South Portland ME Statistics & Information
- County: Cumberland County
- South Portland ME area: 14.01 square miles
- South Portland ME zip code: 04106, 04116
- South Portland ME area code: 207
- South Portland ME elevation: 23 ft
- South Portland ME time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to South Portland ME: Portland International Jetport (PWM) is about 6.5 miles from South Portland ME.
South Portland ME Map
There are many interesting things to do in South Portland. To discover more about living in South Portland ME, be sure to search this handy map.
Considering Living in South Portland ME? We Can Help
Living in South Portland ME is a wonderful choice if you love a friendly community with a rich history and convenient access to larger cities. At Preferred Movers, our professional moving services include local moving, long distance moving, storage and packing services, and even specialty services like piano moving and pool table moving.
No matter your needs, we’re the best South Portland movers for the job. Call our friendly Maine moving company at 351-888-3984 for a free quote today, and you'll be living in South Portland ME in no time.
