Greater Portland is the most urban part of Maine. But it is by no means as congested as major metropolitan areas. It has coastal ports, beaches, many public parks and bikeways.

Throughout this region, the costal areas are used for both work and pleasure. Lighthouses dot the coast, some of which are open to the public. Public pathways, beaches and parks are mixed in with fishing docks and international ports.

GREATER PORTLAND at a Glance Population: 156,282 Area: 836 sq. mi. County: Cumberland Major towns and cities: Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Freeport, Scarborough, Falmouth Average house price: $181,194 Largest Employers: Maine Medical Center, L.L. Bean, UNUM Corp. Sources

Because of its amenities, locale and charm, the housing market in the Greater Portland are tight. Apartment vacancy rates are low, and property taxes can be high compared to the rest of the state. This demand in housing, however, has helped spawn the rehabilitation of many older buildings, bringing them to new life.

With a population of about 65,000, Portland is big by Maine standards. It sits on the southern Maine coast on Casco Bay, a two-hour drive from Boston.

In addition to lobster boats and working fish piers, Casco Bay and Portland's waterfront are also home to cruise ships and luxury condominiumns. The Scotia Prince, the main ferry to Nova Scotia, makes Portland its summer home.

Portland is the home to two minor league teams -- The Portland Pirates hockey team and The Portland Sea Dogs Double-A baseball team. The Cumberland County Civic Center, which the Pirates call home, also hosts concerts, trade shows and other activities.

South Portland, located over the drawbridge from Portland, is also quite large by Maine standards. With a population of over 23,000, it is the home to the Maine Mall as well as the Portland Jetport. From here you can get flights to many major metropolitan areas.

Freeport, just north of Portland, is the home of L.L. Bean. It is a town which has many factory outlet stores incorporated within the towns center. Though the population of Freeport is only 7,800, the influx of tourists boost that considerably, especially in summer and around the winter holidays.

In the Travel section, you can read more about the Greater Porltand region

In the Census special section, you can find data on Cumberland County

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CENSUS 2000
An ongoing special report on the census information and how it affects Maine's cities and towns. We've got news, analysis, charts, maps and more.