Portland mamas

[berry987]

My family is on the verge of moving to Portland (we currently live in Maryland). My husband telecommutes for work and recently got permission to telecommute from Portland. We are just waiting for spring to sell our house and make the move. We love the area and have some relatives there, too.

I'd love to live walking distance to parks/playgrounds and services (grocery store, restaurants, etc.) This may all be unrealistic, but I'd love to hear from folks from Portland who know of nice walkable neighborhoods in Portland.

Thanks!!

[caspian's mama]

deering area is full of families but i don't think so great for being close to stores and such; more suburb-ish, which doesn't appeal to me. west end and, more cheaply, east end are both better, imo, if you really want a city, "in the thick of it" lifestyle. most folks prefer west but i think it's way overpriced and has a snobby feel. east is also closer to the OCEAN so that gets my vote regardless. playgrounds are walkable from pretty much anywhere in town. fyi, east end, especially munjoy hill, used to be considered the scum of the earth ghetto as recently as like 12 years ago. now it's mad desirable and one of the sections that hasn't skyrocketed in $ of rent. still be careful wherever you end up, if you're renting, because not every landlord believes an increase in quality goes along with $ increase.

[LittleBirdy]

Hey there! I am not a Portland mama, but thought I would post as we also live in Maryland and are trying to move back to Maine next spring! You are so lucky your DH can keep his current job and telecommute. We are having the darndest time finding jobs - but we are looking more towards Bangor. Portland has a MUCH better job market.

Anyway, best of luck to you!