I've lived in Sopo for thirty years. It's a great town with a number of very nice neighborhoods. There are a few downsides however. 1) Housing is scarce and expensive . My daughter would like to live here but simply can't afford it. When my wife and I purchased a house in 1992 it was a reasonably priced working class/middle class town with housing available at different price points. Today, I don't think I could afford a dog house in this neighbood. 2) The roads around Sopo were built for an earlier time. The saying "you can't get there from here" probably originated in South Portland.If you're trying to get around on foot it can be difficult and even dangerous around here. Sidewalks are few and unevenly maintained. A number of streetlights were removed a few years back to save money but have served to make conditions worse. Scofflaw motorists who run red lights and ignore speed limits add to the fun along with entitled bicyclists who seem to think they can ignore the rules of the road. 3) Property taxes are a bit steep. However, city services are good (particularly winter plowing) and you do get what you pay for. All that said,South Portland is still a good place to live. Good people,very dog friendly (vast majority of dog owners are responsible folks) and there is a free sand beach open to the public with some free parking. All in all Sopo is a cool place to live.
Thank you for this! All very good information. If your daughter is looking for a property in South Portland there are some affordable options, but they go very quickly. I recommend getting on a search for properties in her price range and area! If you want any help or have any questions let me know!
What other more affordable areas are there near south portland? SP is out of my price range but would like to be close to the amenities still and in a safe area. Im a single late 40ies female, no need to be in an area with a good school district since it does not apply to me. My price range is 200 to 250k. 2b 1 b would be fine 900 sqt feet is the min...thanks!
Is SP commutable to Westbrook and Saco? My spouse might work for the labs out there and we're looking for a 3/2 house to rent under $2500. Is this possible?
Thanks for watching! South Portland is about 20 minutes from Westbrook and 25 from Saco - a very easy commute! You may be able to find something, but likely it will be a little bit more for what you are looking for. You may have an easier time finding something is Saco or Westbrook! I reccomend looking on Facebook Market place!
Is there a extreme shortage of housing. I am just looking for something to rent, and even apartments are hard to find. I am hesitant to take a job there is I cant live in Portland. Thoughts?
There is a housing shortage but you should be able to find something. Are you looking on Craigslist? Here in Maine a lot of people advertise rentals there.
I've lived in Sopo for thirty years. It's a great town with a number of very nice neighborhoods. There are a few downsides however.
1) Housing is scarce and expensive . My daughter would like to live here but simply can't afford it. When my wife and I purchased a house in 1992 it was a reasonably priced working class/middle class town with housing available at different price points. Today, I don't think I could afford a dog house in this neighbood.
2) The roads around Sopo were built for an earlier time. The saying "you can't get there from here" probably originated in South Portland.If you're trying to get around on foot it can be difficult and even dangerous around here. Sidewalks are few and unevenly maintained. A number of streetlights were removed a few years back to save money but have served to make conditions worse. Scofflaw motorists who run red lights and ignore speed limits add to the fun along with entitled bicyclists who seem to think they can ignore the rules of the road.
3) Property taxes are a bit steep. However, city services are good (particularly winter plowing) and you do get what you pay for.
All that said,South Portland is still a good place to live. Good people,very dog friendly (vast majority of dog owners are responsible folks) and there is a free sand beach open to the public with some free parking. All in all Sopo is a cool place to live.
Thank you for this! All very good information. If your daughter is looking for a property in South Portland there are some affordable options, but they go very quickly. I recommend getting on a search for properties in her price range and area! If you want any help or have any questions let me know!
It took me a while before I realized you weren't saying "Bud Light" :)
Haha - That's great! Bug Light really is amazing if you get a chance definitely check it out.
same here lol
What other more affordable areas are there near south portland? SP is out of my price range but would like to be close to the amenities still and in a safe area. Im a single late 40ies female, no need to be in an area with a good school district since it does not apply to me. My price range is 200 to 250k. 2b 1 b would be fine 900 sqt feet is the min...thanks!
That price range is hard in Southern Maine but there may be some options outside of Portland. Shoot me an email at doug@makemaineyourhome.com
Is SP commutable to Westbrook and Saco? My spouse might work for the labs out there and we're looking for a 3/2 house to rent under $2500. Is this possible?
Thanks for watching! South Portland is about 20 minutes from Westbrook and 25 from Saco - a very easy commute! You may be able to find something, but likely it will be a little bit more for what you are looking for. You may have an easier time finding something is Saco or Westbrook! I reccomend looking on Facebook Market place!
Is there a extreme shortage of housing. I am just looking for something to rent, and even apartments are hard to find. I am hesitant to take a job there is I cant live in Portland. Thoughts?
There is a housing shortage but you should be able to find something. Are you looking on Craigslist? Here in Maine a lot of people advertise rentals there.
@@MakeMaineYourHome thanks for insight!
One good reason to take hot out for deep sea swim and never let him come back