Portland, Maine Tops Forbes List Of Most Livable Cities

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 It's not a surprise that Portland, Maine tops the list as one of the most livable cities by Forbes Magazine. (See Reference Article).  Driving over Tukeys Bridge headed South into Portland at sunset is breathtaking with the cities metropolis on your left and the shimmering ocean, Back Bay to your right.

 The city is worth a few days vacation even if your rooted elsewhere. Lobster is probably the first word that enters your thoughts when thinking about Maine, and rightly so. In the Old Port you'll find cobblestone walkways, numerous restaurants daunting the look of small-time seafood hubs with lobster traps stacked to the side and old lanterns hanging in a corner. Most have an easy-going atmosphere, patios and windows displaying the sailboats at dock, and have great food and spirits. Dimillos Floating Restaurant and Marina, the floating restaurant, which sits anchored at dock, has great elegance while maintaining the charm the Old Port offers its residents and guests.

In-town Portland, just a hop from the heart of the Old Port you'll find the Museum Of Art and the Children's Museum.


Shopping choices are plentiful from charming boutiques, trinkets and souvenirs to Maine Made wares can be found as well as mall shopping with top retailers located 10 minutes from Portland, the Maine Mall, in South Portland, ME. Freeport, ME has an abundance of Outlet Stores including the famous L.L.Bean, Coach, Ralph Lauren and more located 25 minutes outside of Portland going north. Going south 40 minutes lands you in Kittery, ME with more offers from top designers and Retailers Outlet Stores such as Old Navy and my personal favorite, Crate and Barrel.


Cape Elizabeth, Me is 10 minutes at best over the bridge from Portland and lands you at even more breathtaking ocean views and abundance of choices to bask on pristine Maine beaches, visit Two lights State Park and Kettle Cove and Fort Williams. 2 minutes from Fort Williams you'll find Ocean view vacation homes with modern amenities and rustic, warm charm. Fireplaces, patios lurking over the ocean waves to enjoy your dinner you prepared and in a modern, fully equipped kitchen, and high-speed internet, phone service make your stay enjoyable and memorable while staying connected.

This information supplied by reference of Maine Ocean Rentals, Crockett Property Management and Forbes.com

Susan Flaherty is a Freelance Writer in Maine. For contributions or submission ideas please contact her at scrumpy38@yahoo.com