Portland, ME, located in Southwestern Maine, is part of the Greater Portland Metropolitan Area, which supports more than 500,000 residents. The city itself has a population of slightly more than 60,000, which is the largest in the state. Portland assisted living facilities are numerous over all types of senior care. The city sits on the Atlantic coast, and is known for thriving art, culture, and food. Portland has been consistently name one of the best locations to live in the U.S., a fact that makes up for its high assisted living facility costs. AssistedSeniorLiving.net can assist you with all the information you need to choose an assisted living facility in Portland with its comprehensive database of the area’s options. If Northeastern wintry weather does not bother you, then settling down in Portland is perfect choice for those who love food, arts, culture, the ocean and the outdoors.
The state of Maine has a retiree density of over 15 percent, the fifth highest density in the nation, so finding a community to fit your needs should not be too difficult. The rest of the state has sparse assisted living accommodations, so if you are set on Maine, your best bet is around the Portland area. Lewiston and Bangor are good secondary options. The monthly cost of an ALF private room is $5,005, while a nursing home bedroom costs $9,125 per month. Portland’s cost of living is 104.7, which is slightly higher than the national average of 100. Portland has a crime rate that is only just above the national average.
Maine Medical Center, a Level One Trauma Center, and Mercy Hospital are the health care centers for Portland residents. Maine Medical Center is the largest hospital in the state and Mercy Hospital is a faith-based hospital. The Southern Maine Agency on Aging supports the entire senior community in the Portland area. They offer services and events like Meals on Wheels, Age Well classes, Maine Senior Games (athletic competitions), Community Cafes, and medical and legal counsel. The Agency has a network of more than 1,200 volunteers to aid seniors and their families.
For seniors that want to pursuit an active retirement lifestyle, Portland offers a variety of pursuits. For foodies, Portland is one of the best small cities in the world. Downtown, the Arts District, which runs along Congress Street, and the Old Port have more than 200 restaurants to choose from, many of which are world renowned. All the districts offer many opportunities for shopping and relaxation. The aforementioned Art District is home to many galleries, museums and theaters including the Portland Museum of Art, the Maine Historical Society & Museum, SPACE Gallery, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. The city maintains a network of historical parks and there are a good number of golf courses outside the city. Portland Trails, a non-profit, operates an extensive network of walking paths and hiking trails in Portland and neighboring cities. You can also visit the Longfellow Arboretum, Martin’s Point, the Portland Observatory, and East End Beach. To the south, Scarborough Beach State Park and Crescent Beach State Park offer beach access to the Atlantic Ocean. All these local attractions are great for seniors who want to take day trip away from the assisted living facility so make sure to ask questions about the activities offered at each assisted living option.