Greater Portland is Maine’s most vibrant economic hub, with a population of 250,000, nearly a quarter of the state’s total. The attractions of the region, in conjunction with the continued economic growth, have led to increases in population in Portland and its surrounding towns, especially Scarborough.

The cost of living in both Maine and the greater Portland area is well below the national average, and the area has been consistently ranked among the most livable places in the United States by various national magazines and organizations. Maine is also among the safest states in the country, with low crime rates, especially for violent crimes.