Nestled on the Casco Bay, Maine’s most populous city feels quite the opposite – more like a quaint coastal village dotted with historic lighthouses. Because of its size, Portland is fairly easy to navigate on foot, or you can hop aboard one of the city’s buses or trains. Whether you rent an apartment, condo, or house, you’re sure to be within close proximity to Portland’s many delights.

Portland’s vast parks, excellent biking trails, and natural landscapes have earned it the accolade of one of the nation’s “greenest cities.” Cobblestone streets and all-brick rowhouses are part of the Old Port’s and Arts District’s charm. These now-converted buildings house an array of coffee shops, brewpubs, bookstores, art galleries, and boutiques. The waterfront port and marina are an integral part of the city’s economy – but recently Portland has been attracting tech startups as well.

Portland is revered for its unpretentious arts scene.