South Portland

South Portland

South Portland, Maine, is Portland’s smaller, more relaxed sister city.

Welcome to South Portland

 

Is South Portland, Maine a Good Place to Live?

South Portland, Maine, is Portland’s smaller, more relaxed sister city. South Portland has a lot to offer, with great access to the Portland peninsula, it’s a quick drive from many neighborhoods into downtown. But one needn’t go to Portland at all, as South Portland has its own great restaurants, shopping, beaches, and parks.
 
Fun Fact: Ellen G. White, a Portland resident who later became a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist church, is said to have had her first vision during a prayer meeting at the home of Mrs. Haines at 60 Ocean Street in December 1844. The building later became the Griffin Club.
 

Things to do in South Portland, Maine

Sights and Places to Visit
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Willard Beach is an absolute must. This white sand crescent beach features lovely views of Cushing and House Islands. Facing East, it enjoys stunning sunrises. Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely day with family and friends, or grab a bagel (best in Maine!) and coffee at next-door Scratch Bakery and take Fido for a quick jaunt during off-leash dog hours in the morning.
 
Bug Light Park is another dog-friendly site to visit. Featuring a breakwater protecting Portland Harbor and a scenic lighthouse built in 1875, this open park with easterly and northerly views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay is also a popular spot for kite flying on windy summer days. 
 
For a good rainy day activity, check out the shops in the Maine Mall, the largest shopping mall in the state. 
 
Food
For those seeking a culinary adventure, South Portland has an impressive selection of top-notch restaurants. Judy Gibson, Cafe Louis, North 43 Bistro, Ruby Thai, Taco Trio, and Red's Dairy Freeze are just a few of the local favorites. Judy Gibson offers delectable seafood dishes and elegant waterfront dining. Cafe Louis entices visitors with its delightful European-inspired menu and funky ambiance. North 43 Bistro showcases a fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine, making it a gastronomic delight with some great views to boot.
 
For a taste of authentic Thai flavors, Ruby Thai excels in delivering aromatic and flavorful dishes. Taco Trio, on the other hand, is a go-to place for mouthwatering Mexican street food. And when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, Red's Dairy Freeze serves up scrumptious ice cream treats that are perfect for a sunny day.
 
Breweries
South Portland is home to a number of fantastic breweries, including Foulmouthed, Mast Landing, and Modestman.
 

South Portland vs. Portland, Maine

For those considering moving to the area, it is natural to compare Portland and South Portland. South Portland offers its own character and smaller town feel, but with the four-lane Casco Bay Bridge connecting South Portland to the Portland peninsula, downtown Portland is as accessible from South Portland as it is from many off-peninsula Portland neighborhoods. Both towns offer a mix of different neighborhoods, a vibrant and diverse community, and a more “urban” experience than most of Maine has to offer. 
 

South Portland, Maine Real Estate

With its close proximity to Portland and its more laid-back vibe and gorgeous coastline, South Portland has become a sought-after location for real estate investment. Whether you seek a cozy beach cottage or a contemporary suburban home, South Portland's real estate market offers a wide variety of options to cater to different preferences and budgets.
 
Read more about South Portland, Maine’s Neighborhoods.


Overview for South Portland, ME

26,428 people live in South Portland, where the median age is 43.2 and the average individual income is $42,822. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,428

Total Population

43.2 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$42,822

Average individual Income

Around South Portland, ME

There's plenty to do around South Portland, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

36
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
53
Bikeable
Bike Score
21
Minimal Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Grippy Tannins, The Portland Board, and Ironclad Eats.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 2.72 miles 17 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.53 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.61 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.61 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.1 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.67 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for South Portland, ME

South Portland has 11,672 households, with an average household size of 2.21. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in South Portland do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,428 people call South Portland home. The population density is 2,189.94 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,428

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43.2

Median Age

49.05 / 50.95%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
11,672

Total Households

2.21

Average Household Size

$42,822

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in South Portland, ME

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby South Portland. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Daniel F. Mahoney Middle School
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
4/5
Dora L Small Elementary School
PUBLIC
K - 5th
5/5
PUBLIC
7th - 12th
3/5
Greater Portland Christian School
PRIVATE
PreK - 12th
No rating available
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
Arthur R. Gould School--LCYDC
PUBLIC
7th - 12th
No rating available
James Otis Kaler Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
2/5
South Portland High School
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
Waldo T Skillin Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
1/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
1/5
Frank I Brown Elementary School
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5

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