Homes for Rent in Portland, ME (44 Rentals)

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property at 94 Bay View Dr

94 Bay View Dr

PortlandME04103
property at 63 Myrtle Ave

63 Myrtle Ave

South PortlandME04106
property at 2 Traynor St

2 Traynor St

Old Orchard BeachME04064

Portland, ME Local Guide

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Written By:
Amanda Delgado
Local Guide Expert

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Portland Overview

Considering a move to the New England area? Portland’s coastal location and cobblestone streets make it a charming place to call home. But this southern Maine city offers much more than that! A cost of living that’s lower than other large cities in the northeast makes it an affordable place to live. You’re also just a couple of hours away from Boston for weekend trips! Living in Portland gives you access to tons of great amenities and attractions — from art galleries and breweries to whale watching, kayaking, and other outdoor excitement. Let’s take a more detailed look at what you can expect when you decide to check out rental homes in Portland!

What is the history of Portland?

Did you know that Portland was once the state capital? That was back in 1820 before it moved to Augusta. The area’s first settlements developed in the early 1600s. After being destroyed not once, but twice, these settlements ended up becoming the city of Portland in the late 1700s. The city’s access to Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean helped it thrive as a port town — hence the name Portland. After being destroyed and rebuilt again in the late 1800s, the city grew into a thriving town filled with Victorian homes, skyscrapers, shipping offices, and other businesses. Many of these historical buildings remain today, giving residents a chance to step back into the past!

How is the weather in Portland?

Love mild weather? Portland’s summer highs are usually in the 70s, so you don’t have to deal with sweltering heat or uncomfortably hot nights. In fact, summer lows are typically in the upper 50s! Spring temps tend to range from the 40s to 60s during the day, with nighttime temps in the 20s through 40s. Fall temps are about the same as spring, giving you plenty of mild weather for getting out and enjoying the foliage. Winter’s when you may want to stay inside! Highs during the day are often in the 30s, with lows in the teens. Portland also becomes a winter wonderland each year — the average snowfall is just over 60 inches!

How do I get around town?

Looking at homes for rent in Portland that are in the city center? You might be able to rely on public transportation to get around. METRO Buses provide rides around several areas of the city — but having a car may be more convenient if you end up living in the outer suburbs. Regional bus service to South Portland, Saco, and other towns is also available. Going island hopping? Cacao Bay Lines offer ferry service to and from the islands from downtown Portland. Need to leave town? Amtrak has a train depot in downtown Portland that goes to Boston and other cities. Greyhound also has a bus station in the city center. There’s also Portland International Jetport in the southern part of town for flights to other destinations.

What is the Portland commute like?

Commuting here takes about 24 minutes on average — a bit less than the national average. But commuters may run into traffic jams going to and from downtown, especially during the morning and evening rush hour. Major roads, like I-95 and I-295, make it easy to travel north or south in the area. U.S. Route 302 runs through the city center from the northwest. Portland rental homes located close to any of these major roads can help make your commute times shorter, depending on where you need to go.

Why live in Portland, ME?

Portland rentals are in high demand for many reasons! Living here gives you a more affordable place to rent than Boston, NYC, and other northeastern cities. You’re also a quick drive from great beaches, like Old Orchard Beach and East End Beach for summer fun. For winter activities, ski resorts are just a short drive away, including Sugarloaf and Pleasant Mountain Ski Area. Portland itself has quaint streets you can stroll through while visiting local restaurants and shops — or enjoying live concerts and other events. Major employers in healthcare, finance, and other industries provide good job opportunities in the city.

What Portland landmarks should I see?

Moving here means you’ll have tons of historic places to check out at your own leisure. Portland has a few forts to see, including Fort Scammel on House Island and Fort Gorges off the city’s Eastern Promenade. Portland Observatory Museum — a National Historic Landmark — offers views of mountains and lighthouses. Visit the Western Promenade to see Victorian homes galore and the Eastern Promenade for beautiful bay views. Interested in the city’s earlier years? Head to Deering Oaks Park where a battle took place back in the late 1600s. There’s also a duck pond, farmers market, and towering oaks to enjoy at the park.

What is there to do around Portland?

You’ll have lots of places to see to keep you busy as a resident here! Hop over to the islands for biking and other outdoor activities. Take walks through the Old Port area of the city with its cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and boutique shops. Visit the Arts District for art galleries and the Portland Museum of Art, and enjoy performing arts, like the Summer Stage Series, at Monument Square. Portland also has a bunch of eateries to explore — whether you want classic New England seafood or donuts and coffee!

Where is the best place to move in Portland?

Narrowing your search for Portland homes for rent involves thinking about what you’re looking for in terms of price, schools, access to major roads or buses, and other factors. Parkside near Old Port offers a good mix of nightlife, outdoor activities, and family-friendly amenities, including good schools. Old Port puts you right in the downtown area, with waterfront views, historic homes, restaurants, and tons of other amenities. The West End is filled with Victorian homes, ivy-covered structures — and a quieter atmosphere overall.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Portland

What type of rentals are currently available in Portland?

There are currently 662 Apartments for Rent in Portland, ME with pricing that ranges from $1,174 to $5,680. There are also 44 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Portland ranging from $1,225 to $18,500.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Portland?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Portland ranges from $1,225 to $18,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,343.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Portland?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Portland range from $2,175 to $4,400, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,200 to $18,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,400 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $2,836.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs article

Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

decorative image for Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting article

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

decorative image for Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money article

Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.