2016 Visitor's Guide

{ SERVICES & RELOCAT ION }

Picture yourself here! From seascapes to cityscapes, the backdrops of Portland’s metro area will make you smile.

Photo: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld

L IVING Greater Portland’s safe environment, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant arts and food culture combine to create a treasured quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

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Portland consistently makes top-ten lists of best places to vacation, and is also appearing on “best of” lists for families, outdoor lifestyle, and business startups, even earning the #1 Happiest City in the Eastern US (2014) from Green Living Magazine. We’re not surprised. An old seaport city on a fresh new tra- jectory fueled by the creative economy, Greater Portland has been attracting young entrepreneurs who find the progressive region large enough to be interesting, yet small enough to develop a supportive community. You can connect with some of the creative, energetic people who are planting roots in our region on Creative Portland’s website, liveworkportland.org,

an invaluable source of information and resources for current residents and those considering a move. From neighbor- hoods and housing to investment and business incubators, the site provides ideas on ways to fit your interests and talents within our community. Live and Work In Maine (liveandworkinmaine. com) helps job seekers engage with Maine's employment community with extensive information on employers, career events, and the rich and balanced lifestyle enjoyed by those who call Maine home. The Portland region is growing and diversifying rapidly. In addition to the old-time Mainers and their Down East humor, you’ll find new communities of residents from Eastern Europe, Africa,

and Southeast Asia, as well as trans- plants from other US regions. Portland’s small size encourages community involvement and makes for a quicker transition once you decide to resettle. The Economic & Community Develop- ment divisions of towns and cities in Greater Portland can aid you in trans- planting your business and family to Maine; find contact info at greaterport- land.org. If you’ve already decided to relocate, or you’re contemplating a move to the Greater Portland area, our local service professionals will make your transition smoother. If you’re here for a visit only, the service listings on pages 64-66 may still include something you’ll need during your vacation.

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