Portland, ME

Portland is a metropolitan haven situated on the Casco Bay in southern Maine. As Maine's biggest city, it is known as the business, financial, and retail capital of the state. Greater Portland accounts for a quarter of Maine's population with 348,000 residents, some 64,000 of whom live in the city proper. Each year, the city attracts 3.6 million tourists, who come to take in Portland's beautiful scenery, thriving arts scene, and rich history. Portland's waterfront is one of the few working waterfronts in the country, the largest tonnage seaport in the Northeast, the second largest fishing port in country, and the second largest oil port on the East Coast.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The service industry and government services make up the majority of the labor market in Portland, which has a 3.8 percent unemployment rate. Bank North Group, the third-largest banking and financial services company in New England, is headquartered in Portland and is one of the city's top employers. Other major employers include:

• Maine Medical Center
• Unum Provident
• University of Southern Maine
• Verizon Communication of Maine
• Mercy Hospital
• Barber Foods

EDUCATION

Portland is home to several colleges and universities, including:

• University for Southern Maine
• Maine College of Art
• University of New England
• Southern Maine Community College
• Andover College

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Portland is consistently named one of the "Best Places to Live" in the United States. The city contains 17 distinct communities offering everything from apartment rentals in lively locations to homes on quiet tree-lined streets. Associations have been formed through the city to represent each neighborhood and ensure a high quality of life. The Portland Housing Authority works to provide affordable public housing.

GETTING AROUND

From air to sea, there is no shortage of ways for people to get around in Portland. The Portland Jetport is located five minutes from downtown and has daily non-stop flights to Boston, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Amtrak's Downeaster train and the city's Metro bus lines also service the area. Tourists are encouraged to see the city by water on one of the many cruises and boat tours offered.

LOCAL CULTURE AND CUISINE

• Old Port: This revitalized downtown warehouse district features shopping, dining, and entertainment along the scenic waterfront. Cobblestone streets and Federal-style architecture add to the quaint atmosphere.
• Victoria House: This 19th century Italian villa-style home still contains more than 90 percent of its original content. Built sometime between 1858 and 1860, the elegant brownstone is the only Gustave Herter commission that remains intact and is a prime example of the residences of America's wealthiest citizens in the pre-Civil War era.
• Portland Observatory: Earning National Historic Landmark status in 2006, the only known remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States offers spectacular views of Portland's harbor. The observatory also includes a museum, and guided tours are available.
• Shipyard Brewing Company: Maine's largest brewery is located right on the waterfront in the heart of Portland. Opened in 1994, the brewery is the 16th largest craft beer company in the United States and produces 144,000 bottles per day at peak production. Master brewer Alan Pugsley has developed recipes for 12 varieties of English-style ale and 7 flavors of hand-crafted sodas.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Portland Museum of Art: Native American art, English silver, and graphic art are some of the objects on display at the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. Ninety percent of the museum's gallery space is dedicated to the permanent collection.
• Portland Symphony Orchestra: The orchestra was established in 1923 and is the largest performing-arts organization in Maine. Its main performance space is the Merill Auditorium, a 1,908-seat venue located downtown in the Art District.
• Portland Ballet Company: International level dancers and choreographers make up the PBC. The company was formed in 1985 and performs a mix of classic and contemporary ballet throughout its season.
• Portland Stage Company: New England's largest fully professional non-profit theater features seven main stage productions and three studio performances each season. Each year, 50,000 people pack into the Portland Performing Art Center to be entertained by the PSC.

SPORTS TEAMS

The Portland Seadogs, a minor league team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox, and the Portland Pirates, a hockey team, are the city's two professional sports teams. Parks, public pools, an ice arena, golf, fishing, and sailing are the most popular recreational activities.

LOCAL MEDIA

Portland's local newspaper is the Portland Press Herald. Local news and profiles can also be found in the magazines Port City Life and Portland Magazine.

Local television stations include:

• WCSH (NBC)
• WGME (CBS)
• WMEA (PBS)
• WPXT (CW)
• WMTW (ABC)