Simone Lawson
The Greater Portland Area in Maine is a popular tourist destination, offering everything from sightseeing and outdoor adventures to shopping and dining. The region is also known as the Portland metropolitan area or the Portland-Lewiston-South Portland Combined Statistical Area. The area is home to over half a million people and includes three counties in Maine, with the city of Portland as its hub. The Greater Portland region also includes the towns of Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, and Scarborough, as well as the cities of South Portland and Westbrook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 550,000 people |
| Cities | Portland, South Portland, Westbrook |
| Towns | 25 coastal and inland towns, including Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Yarmouth |
| Counties | Three counties in Maine, including Cumberland County |
| Economy | Service sector, tourism, marine industry |
| Attractions | Award-winning restaurants, Maine-made shopping, concerts, arts, Old Port district, Portland Head Lighthouse, Casco Bay Islands |
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What You'll Learn
The Greater Portland/Casco Bay Region
The Greater Portland area, centred around the city of Portland, includes three thriving cities: Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook. It also encompasses 25 charming coastal and inland towns, such as Cape Elizabeth, a leafy town hugging the shore of Casco Bay, and Scarborough, known for its long sandy beaches and acres of marshland. The region boasts some of America's most breathtaking coastal scenery, from the shimmering islands of Casco Bay to the sparkling lights of Portland Harbor.
Casco Bay, with its beautiful waters, offers a plethora of activities, including kayaking, boating, and schooner rides. The Casco Bay Islands, also known as "The Calendar Islands," suggest the possibility of visiting a different island every day of the year. Greater Portland's proximity to the regions of Maine and its marine economy play a significant role in the region's appeal and economic activities.
The region has a population of approximately 550,000 people and is the 105th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Portland itself is the most populous city in Maine, with a population of 68,408 as of the 2020 census. The city's economy relies mainly on the service sector, with tourism being a significant contributor. The Old Port district, known for its 19th-century architecture and nightlife, is a popular attraction.
Greater Portland also offers a vibrant dining scene, with award-winning restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Additionally, the region has a rich history, including Maine's first lighthouse, Portland Head, commissioned by George Washington. The city seal of Portland depicts a phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolising the city's recovery from four devastating fires.
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The Portland-Lewiston-South Portland Combined Statistical Area
The Greater Portland area is centred around the city of Portland, the most populous city in Maine, with a population of 68,408 as of the 2020 census. The greater metropolitan area, however, is home to approximately 550,000 people, making it the 105th largest metropolitan area in the US. The region offers a range of attractions, from sightseeing and outdoor adventures to shopping and dining, as well as arts, culture, and history.
The city of Portland has a rich history, having recovered from four devastating fires, as depicted by its seal, which shows a phoenix rising from the ashes. The city's name is derived from the Old English word "Portlanda", meaning "land surrounding a harbour". Portland has a diverse economy, with a strong presence in the service sector, tourism, and the marine industry. The Old Port district is known for its 19th-century architecture and vibrant nightlife.
The Greater Portland area encompasses 25 towns and three thriving cities: Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook. It also includes the charming coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, known for its history, lighthouses, and cycling opportunities. The region boasts some of the most spectacular coastal beauty in America, including the shimmering islands of Casco Bay and the sparkling lights of Portland Harbour.
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The Portland-South Portland NECTA
The Greater Portland metropolitan area includes the cities of Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook, as well as 25 charming coastal and inland towns. The region is known for its spectacular coastal beauty, including the shimmering islands of Casco Bay and the sparkling lights of Portland Harbor. The Old Port district is a highlight, known for its 19th-century architecture and vibrant nightlife.
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The Brunswick, Maine, Micropolitan NECTA
The Greater Portland area is commonly known as the Portland metropolitan area and is located in southern Maine. It is the hub city of the metropolitan area and is the most populous city in the state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, the Greater Portland area had a population of approximately 550,000 people.
The U.S. federal government defines three different representations of the Portland metropolitan area. The first is the Portland–South Portland, Maine, metropolitan statistical area, which consists of three counties in Maine: Cumberland, York, and Androscoggin. The second is the Portland–Lewiston–South Portland combined statistical area, which is a larger combined statistical area (CSA) that includes the adjacent Lewiston–Auburn MSA. The third is the Portland–South Portland metropolitan New England City and Town Area (NECTA), which is an alternative federal government delineation of Portland's metropolitan area that is based on cities and towns rather than entire counties.
The state of Maine uses NECTAs as a basis for defining labour market areas for compiling and reporting statistics on employment and unemployment.
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The city of Portland
Portland has a rich history, initially settled as a fishing and trading village named Casco in 1632. The town was renamed Falmouth in 1658 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony took over Casco Bay. Falmouth was later burned in the Revolution by the Royal Navy in 1775. However, a section of Falmouth called The Neck soon emerged as a commercial port and a shipping centre. In 1786, the citizens of Falmouth established a separate town called Portland, named after the Isle of Portland off the coast of Dorset, England. The word "Portlanda" in Old English means "land surrounding a harbour".
Portland has historically been tied to commercial shipping, the marine economy, and light industry. While the marine industry remains essential, the city's economy in the 21st century primarily relies on the service sector and tourism. The Port of Portland is the largest or second-largest tonnage seaport in the New England area, depending on the source. The city has a world-class dining scene, magnificent art institutions, and plenty of scenic coastal areas to explore.
Greater Portland offers a range of attractions, from sightseeing and outdoor adventures to shopping and dining. The Old Port district is known for its 19th-century architecture and nightlife. The region boasts spectacular coastal beauty, including the shimmering islands of Casco Bay and the sparkling lights of Portland Harbour. Cape Elizabeth, a leafy town near Portland in Casco Bay, offers historical sites, lighthouses, and great cycling opportunities.
The Greater Portland area has emerged as an important centre for the creative economy, attracting tourists and new businesses to revitalise the old seaport. The historically industrial Bayside neighbourhood has undergone rapid development, including the establishment of grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's. Portland is also known for its proximity to other regions of Maine, making it an ideal home base for day trips to various travel destinations across the state.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of the Greater Portland area is approximately 550,000 people, making it the 105th largest metropolitan area in the US.
The Greater Portland area is in Cumberland County, Maine, which was established in 1760.
Some towns in the Greater Portland area include Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Yarmouth, and Westbrook.
The Greater Portland area offers a range of activities, including sightseeing, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, arts, culture, and history. There are also sandy beaches, rocky shores, and lobster to enjoy.
The economy of the Greater Portland area relies mostly on the service sector and tourism, with the marine industry still playing an important role.
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