Portland Apartments and Rentals

It's not just Portland's stunning city and seascapes that pull it to the tops of "best places to live" lists year after year. Although the city's quaint downtown, thriving arts district and proximity to woods and ocean make Portland apartments for rent an attractive option, it also has a thriving economy with a variety of options for living, working and playing.

The largest city in Maine, Portland serves as the business, financial and retail capital of the state, and its population of 64,000 people includes a number of the Casco Bay Islands. The Greater Portland area, with 230,000 residents, is home to almost a quarter of the state's population. The hometown of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Portland has a long history. It is now known for its progressive attitude, arts scene, food and numerous recreational activities.

Portland's motto is "I Will Rise Again," which refers to the devastating fire of 1866 that burned down most of the city. However, the city did indeed rise again, and maintains much of the 19th century architecture and character from its rebuilding during the Victorian era.

Many apartments in Portland's neighborhoods boast this Victorian flavor. Although the neighborhoods are generally recognized by the residents, they do not have any sort of legal authority. Still, each retains a particular character - many families live in suburban areas like Deering Highlands and Rosemont, while Munjoy Hill, the Old Port and the Arts District are ideal places for students and young adults to live.

A number of unbridged Casco Bay Islands are also part of the city and offer rustic living just a ferry ride away from the downtown area. Peaks Island, Great and Little Diamond Islands and Cushing's Island host thriving summer communities and a number of year-round residents.

Generally, residents of Portland enjoy four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather, coupled with the city's low crime rate, high-quality educational opportunities and active family living, earned it the title of 3rd Best City in the U.S. for Families by Parenting Magazine. Forbes featured Portland as the no. 1 most livable city in 2009, and it has also topped lists of best cities to retire or relocate to.

Portland's thriving economy is one of the reasons Forbes ranked it the most livable city. Insurance, financing, real estate, tourism and fishing are some of the largest industries in the area, but construction, high-technology, telecommunications and healthcare are also leading employers. This is not surprising, considering the city has two major hospitals, Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. Portland is also home to a number of major publishing and broadcast companies, in addition to two daily newspapers.

Portland is also considered a college town, hosting the Portland campus of the University of Southern Maine (USM), Maine College of Arts, the University of New England and nearby Southern Maine Community College. The Portland Public School system employs 1,243 people, and about 80 percent of graduates go on to postsecondary education. Portland High School, one of the city's three public high schools, is the second oldest institution of its kind still in operation in the U.S.

Whether you're looking for a home in a densely populated urban neighborhood or an idyllic island community, rentals in Portland offer something for everyone. U.S. Census data revealed that the median gross rent for Portland apartments was $840 in 2010, and the city's cost of living index was 102.1.

Many students flock to the neighborhood surrounding USM and the bustling downtown, but a new dormitory offers housing to students attending any of the city's institutions. Families can enjoy neighborhoods within close proximity to the public schools.

It is difficult to determine what Portland is best known for in terms of attractions. Nearby lighthouses such as Portland Headlight garner plenty of attention, but there are also picturesque seaside attractions within the city's limits. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive Portland Trails network of walking, hiking and biking routes throughout the city, along the shore and through and neighboring communities, and Maine's famous beaches, lakes and mountains are just a 15-minute drive away.

Portland's arts scene is perhaps one of its best features - the Arts District is fed by the Maine College of Art and is home to the Portland Museum of Art. The neighborhood also hosts monthly art walks.

Sports fans can also watch some future Red Sox players at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs, the AA farm team of the Boston Red Sox. Residents also cheer for Portland's minor league hockey and basketball teams.

In recent years, Portland has developed a reputation for its culinary arts, and is home to a number of breweries. In 2009, Bon Appétit ranked Portland as the "Foodiest Small Town in America" for its fantastic array of fresh seafood, local beers and artisanal bakeries