Best Colleges in Portland Maine

Questions About Going to College in Portland Maine

How are the career opportunities for college graduates in this city?

Maine residents depend on Portland’s service-oriented economy. Opportunities look especially promising for registered nurses, sales reps, accountants, teachers, financial managers, and lawyers. If the tourism/hospitality industry is your thing, Portland might be your city. Visitors come in droves to the scenic coastline. And if you dream of working for a startup, take heart: America City Business Journals recognized Portland as a top market for small business vitality.

What major companies/industries are hiring what type of graduates/skills in Portland?

Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth, and Mercy Hospital provide employment for health science graduates. Looking for a position in the insurance industry? Leaders in that field include Unum Provident and Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company. Future financial execs should check out TD Bank. Teachers and other educational professionals find work with Portland Public Schools, the largest school system in Maine. Portland hosts the corporate headquarters of Tex Tech Industries, a major textile manufacturer. The non-profit Goodwill Industries of Northern New England also chose Portland as the home for its administrative offices.

Is Portland more of a college town or a great place to start a career and family?

Students flock to Portland to study at University of Southern Maine, University of New England, University of Maine School of Law, and Maine College of Art. Beyond the collegiate atmosphere around campuses, Portland has plenty of individual neighborhoods. Singles enjoy the coffee shops, museums, and galleries of the downtown area. Commuters can’t beat Libbytown for its convenience to the interstate and public transportation. And people move to Deering Center for its proximity to elementary and high schools.

What do the locals in Portland like to do for fun?

Summer brings residents together for Old Port Festival, which features music, food, and plenty of sales by local merchants. October brings Harvest on the Harbor, a waterfront celebration of Maine’s outstanding food and wine. In winter, the outdoor Rink at Thompson’s Point provides skating for all ages; come in the evening to experience a breathtaking sunset. Locals also enjoy biking, running, and dog-walking along the Back Cove Trail— a loop with a great view of the Portland skyline.

What's the dating scene like in Portland? Will I meet my perfect mate?

About a quarter of the city’s adult population falls into the category of 20-34 years of age and unmarried. This concentration of young, single people compares to that of New York City. Number-wise, however, this translates into a pool of about 15,000— a large figure by Maine’s standards, but still constraining for many on the dating scene. Try your luck online: Portland has a higher number of profiles on Match.com than most other New England cities. Or check out Local Flames, a dating service that organizes events for singles such as brewery tours and paddling trips.