Portland Tower (PWM)

📍 About PWM & Portland

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is located just minutes from downtown Portland, Maine — a coastal city full of New England charm, thriving culture, and natural beauty. It’s ideal for singles, couples, and families who want a blend of city life and outdoor access.

🏡 Where to Live

Portland Area – Singles & Couples

• Downtown Portland – Walkable, historic charm, nightlife, waterfront.
• South Portland – More affordable, close to beaches, easy access to PWM.
• Westbrook – Quiet, lower cost of living, newer housing options.

Portland Area – Families

• Scarborough – Excellent schools, suburban feel, beach access.
• Cape Elizabeth – Beautiful coastline, highly rated schools.
• Falmouth – Top schools, upscale homes, strong community.
• Gorham – Great schools, safe, family-oriented town.
• Yarmouth – Quaint downtown, great schools, close to Portland.

Bonus – Waterfront & Outdoorsy

• Freeport – Home of L.L. Bean, walkable downtown, close to trails.
• Old Orchard Beach – Beach town vibe, seasonal but fun.

🚗 Commute Times to PWM

• 5–15 min: South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough
• 15–30 min: Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Falmouth
• 30–45 min: Yarmouth, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach

🎓 Top School Districts

• Scarborough – A-rated district
• Cape Elizabeth – Top public schools in Maine
• Falmouth – Consistently ranks at the top

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Hiking: Bradbury Mountain, Mount Agamenticus, Fore River Trail
• Beaches: Crescent Beach, Ferry Beach, Higgins Beach (summer)
• State Parks: Wolfe’s Neck Woods, Crescent Beach State Park

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Old Port: Restaurants, bars, cobblestone streets, local shops
• Portland Museum of Art: Rotating exhibits and events
• Local Breweries: Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Rising Tide

✈️ Nearby Airports

• PWM: On-site – full-service commercial airport
• Boston Logan (BOS): ~2 hours – international connections
• Brunswick Executive Airport (BXM): General aviation

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Portland
• Maine Revenue Services – Tax Info
• Maine BMV – Licensing & Registration
• Visit Portland – Area Guide

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Scarborough: Low crime, very safe for families
• Downtown Portland: Mostly safe, some homelessness downtown

🔗 Town Websites

• Portland, ME
• South Portland, ME
• Westbrook, ME
• Scarborough, ME
• Cape Elizabeth, ME
• Falmouth, ME
• Gorham, ME
• Yarmouth, ME
• Freeport, ME

💰 Cost of Living

• Maine: 5.8% income tax. No sales tax on groceries/clothing. Median home price Portland: $475,000. Rent: $1,700–$2,100
• Groceries: ~5–10% above national average. Milk ~$4.50, eggs ~$3.75
• Utilities: ~$180–$230/month for an apartment
• Gasoline: ~$3.50–$3.90/gallon

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Old Port: Historic, bustling downtown, food & arts
• Back Cove: Quiet, scenic, walking/biking path
• Deering Center: Residential, parks, schools nearby

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cold, snowy (up to 70”); snow tires advised
• Spring: Slow thaw, lots of rain, flowers bloom
• Summer: Beautiful, highs in 70s–80s, coastal breezes
• Fall: Crisp, colorful, ideal hiking and leaf-peeping

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Bus service: METRO (local) and Amtrak Downeaster (regional)
• Car helpful: Especially if living outside downtown
• Traffic: Generally light, some summer coastal congestion

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Maine Medical Center: Largest hospital in northern New England
• Mercy Hospital: Excellent care, downtown Portland
• ConvenientMD / Urgent Care: Multiple walk-in options nearby

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Meetups & Breweries: Huge craft beer scene and social events
• Family events: Portland Sea Dogs baseball, parks, rec centers
• Volunteering & Church: Welcoming and active local orgs

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Seafood: Eventide Oyster Co, Street & Co., Highroller
• Local gems: Duckfat, Central Provisions, Tandem Coffee
• Farmer’s Markets: Portland, South Portland, Freeport

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Living nearby: Westbrook and South Portland offer great commutes
• Shifts: Prepare for early AM fog or snow days — plan ahead
• Network: Local ATC community is small, but tight-knit and helpful

📦 Moving Tips

• Winter Prep: AWD, snow tires, roof rake, heating fuel
• Rental market: Hot in summer — act quickly on listings
• Local movers: Book 3–6 weeks out during PCS season

❓ FAQs

• Is Portland safe?
  Yes. Most neighborhoods are very safe and walkable.
• Do I need a car?
  Downtown, no. Outside Portland, yes — especially for early shifts.
• Are winters bad?
  Snowy, but manageable with good tires and gear.