Maine Community Guide

WELCOME TO MAINE

WHAT TO DO

WHERE TO EAT

PLACES TO SHOP

We love our local community and we know you will too!

Southern Maine WELCOME

IS EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU! Speckled with lobster shacks, shingle style houses, trail heads and trendy coffee shops, Southern Maine is New England’s coolest hub. The absence of traffic, abundance of nature and an extraordinary food scene are luring many urbanites north.

Morning commutes behind bumpers are replaced by ocean views, and workdays end with live music shows, walks on the beach or cross-country skiing.

As a native Mainer, I understand firsthand that this state offers a lifestyle and a culture that transcend description. Whether you're seeking a seasonal escape or a lifelong journey, I am thrilled to share the wonders of this incredible state with you.

I hope this guide to the Greater Portland area answers any questions you may have.

My team is here to help with any of your real estate or local needs, and we are excited to have you as a part of our community!

Warmly,

Taylor TAYLOR + MCFARLANE FIELD ASSOCIATES

A Peek Inside NOTES ON MAINE

LOCAL LIVING

COMMUNITIES

SCHOOLS

LOCAL FAVORITES

SPRING + SUMMER

FALL + WINTER

WHO WE ARE

WORKING WITH US

PORTSIDE + 1% FOR MAINE

Notes on Maine Maine is the first state in the US to see the sunrise Maine has the highest success rate of small businesses in the country Maine has over 5,000 miles of coast including the islands, offering unparalleled access to beaches, boating, and coastal living.

Maine has 546,629 acres of State + National Parks With 17 million acres of forest, Maine is 90% forested, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation Portland, Maine is Bon Appétit's Foodiest City in America Portland, Maine is Huffington Post's Top 10 Coziest Cities in America Unemployment in Maine is below average at 2.4% Maine supplies nearly 90% of the United States' lobster supply Maine supplies more than 90% of the United States' blueberry supply Maine has more than 6,000 lakes and ponds

Local Living CLIMATE Maine's weather is as real and varied as its people. Though geographically Maine has four seasons - Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter - an old joke about Maine is that there are only two seasons Winter and August. We will complain about every kind of weather except a rare, sunny 70-degree day with no humidity. But we also won't let it hold us back. We like to say there's no bad weather, just bad gear. This is true whether we are swimming in our admittedly shockingly cold ocean or skiing at 20 below zero. It's not that we're tougher than other people; we just might be more stubborn.

Winters can be downright cold, with temperatures routinely below freezing. Bundle up and brace yourself for some snowy days! One way to get around the winters is to embrace the cold season fully. Take up skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing to make the season pass faster...otherwise, it has the ability to feel brutal and never-ending.

Winters help keep the population down.

Summers, on the other hand, are a breath of fresh air and what makes the winters worth it. Along the coast, temperatures hover in the 70s°F, while inland areas warm up to the 80s-90s°F. Spring and fall provide transitional weather, but it's the fall that steals the show. The foliage paints the landscape in breathtaking, vibrant colors and, in my opinion, is Maine's best-kept secret.

While usually free from natural disasters, Maine can occasionally throw some wild weather your way, like fierce nor'easters and blizzards during winter. Truthfully though, those can be part of the Maine charm!

Local Living COST OF LIVING The cost of living in Maine is generally considered to be slightly above the national average. While as a state the cost of living in Maine is rated 96.5 (and the United States average is 100) the Greater Portland area certainly sits higher than much of the state. Housing costs have increased significantly since the pandemic with some markets rising nearly 50% in 3 years. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation expenses are generally in line with national averages, if not slightly above.

Property tax rates in Maine are above the U.S. average.

Maine’s average effective property tax rate is 1.30%. The U.S. average is 1.07%.

Maine’s income tax ranges from 5.80% - 7.15% Sales tax in Maine is 5.50% Maine’s gas tax is 30 cents per gallon of regular gasoline The cost of housing in the Greater Portland area of Maine has been on the rise in recent years due to the region's desirability and strong demand. There is still a wide range of economic diversity in the Greater Portland offering options for everything from $300,000 to $3,000,000 and beyond.

Despite the higher costs, many residents find the quality of life, cultural offerings, and natural beauty of Portland well worth the investment.

Local Living EMPLOYMENT Portland boasts an impressively low unemployment rate of just 2.2%, a great achievement when compared to the national rate of 3.4%. The median household income in the city was reported as $66,019 according to the last census. It's important to note that this figure reflects data from 2021, before accounting for inflation, the influx of new residents, and the recent increase in the state's minimum wage.

Nevertheless, Maine is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in job opportunities, with a staggering 648,000 positions available as of January 2023.

The biggest employer in the state is MaineHealth, and Portland is home to multiple hospitals. The city also has a hefty tourism industry, counting 11,500 jobs. The area attracts 5.4 million visitors every year, whose spending has reached $682 million.

TOP 5 MARKET INDUSTRIES

TOP 5 EMPLOYERS

1. Life Sciences + Medicine 2. Forest Products 3. Marine Aquaculture 4. Food + Agriculture 5. Outdoor Recreation

1. MaineHealth 2. Hannaford Bros Co. 3. Walmart / Sam's Club 4. Bath Iron Works 5. LL Bean

"Maine, where you move to make a life not just a living.”

Communities CAPE ELIZABETH Cape Elizabeth is an iconic example of a quiet seaside town meets vibrant community. Picture this: only two traffic lights, over a third of the town preserved as conservation land, and the world's most photographed lighthouse right in your backyard. Not to mention, the award winning schools. Cape Elizabeth offers a non-commercial vibe that keeps things downto-earth while still being close enough to Greater Portland for urban needs. To live in Cape is to value nature and community.

CUMBERLAND Just 10 miles from Portland, Cumberland's magic is that you feel like you are in a sweet countryside destination. Enjoy privacy while also being super close to excellent schools, restaurants, and shopping. There are three areas: Cumberland Center, Cumberland and West Cumberland. The Foreside rolls beautifully into the Atlantic Ocean while West Cumberland holds on to its Agricultural roots with even a few working farms remaining! A true blend of all that is beautiful in Maine.

FALMOUTH Falmouth kicks off the extraordinary stretch of Portland's northern coastal suburbs. In Falmouth you can strike a great balance between true convenience and quiet surroundings. Falmouth is home to three country clubs, a skating rink, the historical Portland Yacht Club, an abundance of moorings, and both larger and local shops in the center of town. With the schools being among the top in the state it is great place to settle down and enjoy a high quality of life surrounded by the beauty of Maine's coastal living.

Communities FREEPORT Beyond Freeport's impressive commercial district and flagship LL Bean campus lies a tight-knit community that relishes its proximity to beaches, trails, and Portland. Despite feeling miles away from civilization, residents enjoy quick access to shopping, restaurants, and the train station. Maine shingle-style cottages, barns and Victorian homes grace the town, with many offering access or views of Casco Bay or the Harraseeket River.

Freeport combines a serene atmosphere with convenient amenities.

SCARBOROUGH This vibrant town captivates with its pristine beaches, marshland, scenic trails, and a warm community spirit.

Scarborough offers beach-town vibes and urban conveniences, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a balance of everything. Ample newer developments provide a number of housing options as well as a new and evolving modern town center. Scarborough is nearly 50 square miles and one of Southern Maine's fastest growing communities and a great commuter town.

SOUTH PORTLAND Voted one of the Best Places to live in Maine, South Portland is a coastal gem with a working waterfront, beaches, historic lighthouses, large commercial areas and a wide variety of homes and condos. Enjoy waterfront dining, hit the trails and take in stunning sunsets over Casco Bay and Portland Skyline.

With its rich history, thriving arts scene, and proximity to Portland, it is an ideal destination for those seeking a vibrant community with a coastal flair.

Communities PORTLAND The largest coastal city in Maine has basked in the limelight as one of the most livable places in the US. With its rich history and working waterfront, Portland attracts both food enthusiasts and art aficionados. Serving as Maine's largest urban hub, the heart of Portland lies in the "Old Port" area, characterized by its cobblestone streets, active wharves, galleries, boutiques, and acclaimed dining options. Nestled on the scenic Casco Bay, the city is a gateway to numerous accessible islands and coastal communities.

NORTH YARMOUTH A quiet rural town, North Yarmouth is loved for its rolling landscapes, rich historical ambiance, and charming downtown.

It offers a plethora of hiking trails, open-air spaces, and an ever-evolving town center, making it ideal for those looking for the right balance of space and convenience. A quick trip to Portland or more urban settings sets this town apart from others as a true gem.

YARMOUTH With its charming Main Street Village, scenic parkway along the Royal River, and sheltered harbor, Yarmouth offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Explore the historic streets, enjoy green recreational spaces, and experience the warmth of community events like the annual Yarmouth Clam Festival. With sidewalks that welcome pedestrians, Yarmouth invites you to immerse yourself in its oldworld charm and embrace the idyllic village atmosphere.

"I would rather feel bad in Maine than feel good anywhere else."

Public School Districts Cape Elizabeth Public Schools cape.k12.me.us | 207.799.2217

Portland Public Schools portlandschools.org | 207.874.8100

Falmouth Public Schools falmouthschools.org | 207.781.3200

South Portland Public Schools spsd.org | 207.871.0555

Yarmouth Public Schools yarmouthschools.org | 207.846.5586

Scarborough Public Schools scarboroughschools.org | 207.730.4100

Regional School Unit No. 51: (Greely) North Yarmouth + Cumberland msad51.org | 207.829.4800

Regional School Unit No. 05: Freeport, Durham + Pownal rsu5.org | 207.869.0928

Notable Private Schools Roots Academy (K-6th)

The French School

rootslearningcommunity.com

efdm.org

Waynflete waynflete.org

Cheverus Catholic High School cheverus.org

Friends School friendsschoolportland.org

North Yarmouth Academy nya.org

Maine Coast Waldorf School mainecoastwaldorf.org

Holy Cross School holycrossmaine.org

St. Brigid sbrigids.com

Breakwater School (Middle) school.breakwaterlearning.org

What’s Hot FOOD + DRINKS Luke's Lobster | Portland Eventide | Portland Portland Lobster Co. | Portland

LOBSTAH

High Roller | Portland Bite Into ME | Cape Elizabeth/Portland The Lobster Shack | Cape Elizabeth Shipwreck Foods | Old Orchard Beach Hanks | Scarborough

Woodford Food & Bev. | Portland Pai Men Miyake | Portland Izykaya Minato | Portland

CASUAL

SoPo Seafood | South Portland Terilingua | Portland Công Tù Bôt | Portland Sea Glass | Cape Elizabeth Wander | Cumberland

Green Elephant (vegan) | Portland Douro (Portuguese) | Portland

SPECIALTY

Rosella KPT (sustainable sushi) | Kennebunk Trudy Bird’s Ølbar (Scandinavian) | N. Yarmouth Dok Mali (Thai) | Portland Via Vecchia (Italian) | Portland Papi (Puerto Rican) | Portland Leeward (Handmade Pasta) | Portland

What’s Hot FOOD + DRINKS Wayside Tavern | Portland

DATE NIGHT

Chez Rosa | Kennebunkport Regards | Portland Bistro Leluco | South Portland Fore Street | Portland 18 Central Oyster Bar + Grill | Rockport Dara | Cumberland The Garrison | Yarmouth

Norimoto Bakery | Portland Scratch Baking | South Portland Two Fat Cats | Portland & South Portland

BAKERIES

Jack Rabbit | Biddeford Bread & Friends | Portland Standard Baking Co. | Portland BLVL | Portland Time + Tide | Biddeford

COFFEE + MORE

Tandem | Portland The Purple House | North Yarmouth Rose Foods | Portland Ugly Duckling | Portland Bread & Friends | Portland Rwanda Bean | Various Locations Second Rodeo | South Portland The Proper Cup | Portland

What’s Hot FOOD + DRINKS Hot Suppa | Portland The Sinful Kitchen | Portland The Front Room | Portland

BRUNCH

Union | Portland Miss Portland Diner | Portland Otherside Diner | Portland Palace Diner | Biddeford Frog + Turtle | Westbrook

Smalls | Portland LB Kitchen | Portland Yosaku | Portland Mae’s | Bath

LUNCH

Central Provisions | Portland Lenora | Portland Ugly Duckling | Portland Batson River Brewing | Biddeford

SPECIAL NIGHTS

The Well at Jordan Farm | Cape Elizabeth Earth at Hidden Pond | Kennebunkport Crown Jewel | Great Diamond Island Black Point Inn | Scarborough Primo | Rockland White Barn Inn | Kennebunk Chebeague Island Inn | Chebeague Is. Magnus on the Water | Biddeford

BREWERIES + TASTING ROOMS

What’s Hot FOOD + DRINKS Goodfire | Portland & Freeport Maine Beer Co. | Freeport Aprés | Portland Root Wild Kombucha | Portland Nonesuch River | Scarborough Rising Tide | Portland Mass Landing Brewery | Westbrook Foulmouth | South Portland

Hunt + Alpine | Portland

HAPPY HOUR

Maine & Loire | Portland Royal River Grill House | Yarmouth Blyth and Burrows | Portland Helm Oyster Bar | Portland Novel | Portland The Jewel Box | Portland 43 North | South Portland

Clayton's Deli | Yarmouth C*Salt Gourmet Market | Cape Elizabeth

MARKETS

Rosemont Market | Various Locations The Cheese Iron | Scarborough Brown Trading Co. | Portland Big Tree Grocery | Biddeford Veranda Asian Market | Portland Micucci's Grocery | Portland

What’s Hot AROUND TOWN SPECIAL STAYS

Aragosta | Deer Isle The Francis | Portland Blind Tiger | Portland The Federal | Brunswick Camden Harbour Inn | Camden The Cliff House | Cape Neddick Hidden Pond | Kennebunkport The Lincoln Hotel | Biddeford

Zane (women’s clothing) | Portland Bliss (women’s clothing) | Portland

SHOPPING

Portland Dry Goods | Portland Judith (women’s clothing) | Portland Viand Mercantile (unique goods) | Portland North Optical (eye glasses) | Portland Folly 101 (home + gifts) | Portland Evangeline (home + gifts) | Portland

Nine Stones Spa | Portland

SPA+ RESORT

Inn By The Sea | Cape Elizabeth The Samoset Resort | Rockport The Cliff House | Cape Neddick Spruce Point Inn | Boothbay Harbor Washington Baths | Portland Lucinda’s | Cumberland Pure Vida Day Spa | Brunswick

Experience Maine Year Round SPRING + SUMMER

SUMMER GLAMPING

BOATING

FARMER’S MARKET

Choose one of many glamping sites throughout the state. From Top'sl Farm A frames to treehouses in the middle of the state and yurts on islands...the options are plentiful.

Don't own a boat? Join a boat club where you have access to a number of boats all season long...for the fraction of the price of owning your own! Port Harbor Marina and Freedom Boat Club are two of the local favorites.

Stop by the Deering Oaks Farmers market in Portland on Saturday mornings. The further into summer it gets, the more amazing produce and offerings they will have. You can also find a number of small local markets throughout the week.

BERRY PICKING Stay along the coast and pick Maxwell or Jordan farm strawberries. Or...head inland and experience a blueberry bog!

Happy pie making.

SHOPPING Head to the Old Port and wander Exchange St. From clothing to jewelry to kids gifts and more - you're sure to not leave empty-handed.

ISLAND HOPPING Jump on the Casco Bay Ferry and head out to a few different islands for the day. Bring or rent a bike and grab lunch along the way!

SUNSET SAIL Choose from a number of wine or evening sunset sails in Casco Bay. The Frances is a personal favorite.

LIVE MUSIC

DAY TRIPS

Catch your favorite band at Thompson's Point.

Head north or south along the coast and pick a different town to explore. Drive the Kangamangus or visit the botanical gardens.

Experience Maine Year Round FALL + WINTER

WINTER GLAMPING

HIKING

APPLE PICKING

Choose one of many glamping sites throughout the state. From Tops'l Farm A frames to treehouses in the middle of the state to ski in - ski out huts, there are endless awesome glamping options year round.

Hiking in Maine offers breathtaking natural landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense forests to picturesque coastal trails. There are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration from beginner to expert.

Start with picking and then see how many apples you can actually eat or make into something delicious! Many orchards also have accompanying activities!

ISLAND HOPPING

Explore Portland's dynamic community of artists. From galleries to the theater to hands on classes there is always something to enjoy!

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING Whether you downhill, cross country, snowboard, or AT Ski you will have options abound.

Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain and Saddleback are among the favorites.

BREWERY TOURS Hop on the Maine Brew Bus and explore Portland breweries and distilleries.

Jump on the Casco Bay Ferry and head out to a few different islands for the day. Bring or rent a bike and grab lunch along the way!

SURFING Winter surfing! Yes, it's a thing that many Mainers love doing.

Cozy up in a winter wetsuit and beat the crowds when the waves are the best!

THE ARTS

DAY TRIPS Head north or south along the coast and pick a different town to explore. Drive the Kangamangus or visit the botanical gardens.

Meet Our Team NOW THAT WE’VE INSPIRED YOU TO COMMIT TO THE MOVE, LET’S FIND A HOUSE!

At McFarlane Field, we're deeply committed to providing an outstanding real estate experience. We combine our extensive knowledge of the Coastal Maine and the Greater Portland market with a focus on making your journey enjoyable and seamless. Our team values building strong, trusted relationships through education, transparency, and unwavering integrity.

McFarlane Field has been a top team in Maine for more than 40 years. We know the ins and outs of Maine that make it so special and we love sharing it with our clients. Our experience sets us apart, and we love sharing it with our clients.

KARI HODGENS

JIM MCFARLANE

JEN MONSULICK

RANDY DEE FERRELL

JENNIFER TABB

Transaction Partner

Associate Broker

Operations Manager

Broker

Associate Broker

Meet Taylor CLIENT FOCUSED. RESULTS DRIVEN.

Taylor McFarlane BUYER’S AGENT • ASSOCIATE BROKER Taylor's network, knowledge, and approachability are what set her apart. She is passionate about delivering the highest level of service to her clients, whether they are new to the process or experienced.

She epitomizes integrity and attention to detail in every transaction, and it’s what contributed to her rapid success in the industry.

Taylor was recently honored as one of Maine's emerging leaders with the MaineBiz 40 Under 40 Award, celebrating rising stars of Maine’s business community.

Taylor is the archetype of what a great buyer's agent should be. She has deep knowledge of homes and the local environment along with strong connections with other brokers. We would highly recommend Taylor to anyone looking for a well-informed, fun, and attentive buyers agent in the Portland area.

- DANIELLE & BRIAN | BUYERS IN PORTLAND

c: 207-233-3933 • taylor@portsidereg.com • @livingamainelife

Record of Success THE MCFARLANE FIELD AND PORTSIDE ADVANTAGE

1

150

100+

#1 Buyer Representation in Maine for 2022-2025

Number of home buyers we served last year.

Collective years of helping families buy and sell homes

3

1

$35k

#3 Team in the State for sales volume in 2025

#1 most fun team to work with in the state of Maine

Donated to 1% Back to Maine in 2023

Working With Us SEASONED AGENTS McFarlane Field continues to be the top-producing team in Maine, and has been for nearly 40 years.

We have navigated diverse markets and we are locals who are deeply rooted in our communities.

Experience matters in this market and we would be honored to share ours with you!

FRESH APPROACH Simply put, we love what we do, and it makes all the difference between providing a service and delivering an experience. We fully commit to every task; we innovate strategies and leverage modern technologies to enhance the buying and selling experience. We go above expectation, pay attention to the details, and genuinely enjoy building our relationships with our clients.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN As agents we are committed to supporting the communities that we live and work in. We host annual events supporting local non-profits as well as donating 1% of our top line revenue to 1% Back to Maine; a foundation dedicated to supporting Maine's youth. We appreciate, respect and support all of our neighbors here in Maine and hope to help strengthen the Maine tapestry.

Working with Porside AND THE MCFARLANE FIELD ADVANTAGE

We Are: CLIENT CENTRIC Our philosophy is to love, serve, and care for each and every one of our clients.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED We give back and get involved; over $75,000 donated annually to local non-profits! We know people. We use our connections.

CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE Our marketing strategy is simple: differentiate and personalize. You won’t find a more nimble or responsive team.

Investing in Maine’s Tomorrow, 1% At a Time.

AT PORTSIDE, WE ARE MAINERS HELPING MAINERS, IT'S WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY! 1% for Maine™ focuses on the next generation, Maine’s youth.

Supporting and addressing systemic Maine problems including generational poverty, substance abuse, and limited access to medical care, education, and food. Portside is committed to giving 1% of gross revenue to Maine's future.

To learn more visit www.onepercentformaine.com