$361,854Average Value$226Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Small-town vibes cradled by the Connecticut River
About 20 miles south of Hartford, the town of Portland was once known for its extensive brownstone quarries. “All of the brownstones in New York came from the town,” says Michael Tierney, Portland’s town clerk and lifelong resident. With the Connecticut River bordering the town to the west and south, marinas dot the edge of the river. Most people live within the neighborhood, even as the town’s edge stretches further east to include hiking areas and a wedding venue at Saint Clements Castle and Marina. “It’s one of the places where you walk into the post office and they know your name, or you walk into the grocery store and you see your next-door neighbors,” says Tierney. “I’m the fifth generation to live in Portland. A good portion of us don’t leave.”
Selling corn since 1898
Along Main Street, local restaurants line the street, from breakfast at Sarah’s on Main to pizzas at Primavera Pizzeria and drinks from the Portland Ale House or The HopKnot Portland. Zah’s Bait and Tackle sells all kinds of live bait for fishing. Clothing stores like Savvy Swap Consignment are just down the road from hair and nail salons. In the Portland Shopping Center along Marlborough Street, Adams Hometown Market shares the space with a Family Dollar. About a mile north on the Glastonbury Turnpike, Gotta’s Farm has been open since 1898. “Gotta’s Farm has the best corn I’ve ever tasted in the fall. It doesn’t need butter or salt, you just cook it, and it melts in your mouth,” Tierney says.
Overlooking the Connecticut River
Most homes sit on parallel streets, with mature trees lining the roads or filling the backyards. Throughout the neighborhood are homes built before 1900, with a few as old as the 1700s. Ranch, ranch-style and Cape Cod are the most common styles, with Colonials and Colonial Revivals scattered throughout as well. Prices can begin around $127,000 for a Cape Cod with three bedrooms and 1 and a half baths and can reach up to $535,000 for a ranch-style with 3 beds and 2 and a half baths and a sunroom. New Traditional homes are less common, ranging from $426,000 to $590,000. Closer to Main Street, there is a higher likelihood of finding duplexes and multifamily units, with prices beginning around $210,000 and reaching about $550,000.
Marinas and summer concert series at the Riverfront Park
Portland has three 18-hole golf courses and the Brownstone Adventure Sports Park, as well as various hiking trails. “We have a rail trail that we are working to expand coming into town,” Tierney says. Down by the river, Riverfront Park hosts the Portland’s Music on the River Summer Concert Series. With space for blankets or chairs around the bandshell, the six-week series features smaller bands from around Connecticut. “Portland was into shipbuilding, so there are still lots of marinas and recreational boaters,” says Tierney. “One of the marinas just got a contract to refurbish Coast Guard boats.” Portland also has several large fields suited for soccer, football or to simply run around in, such as Veteran Memorial Park and the David Agogliati Field.
High school band travels to Walt Disney World
Students begin at Valley View School, which receives a B-minus from Niche, for kindergarten and first grade before moving to Gildersleeve School, with a B from Niche, for second through fourth grade. Brownstone Intermediate School is for fifth and sixth grade and receives a B-plus, while Portland Middle School for seventh and eighth grade receives a B. At Portland High School, which receives a B-plus from Niche, students can take Advanced Placement courses and earn college credit through the University of Connecticut’s early college experience. Additionally, the band participates in town events as well as national events. “We have a really great band; they’ve gone down to Walt Disney World, to D.C.,” says Tierney. “Our band director is awesome; she’s been there forever.
Antique firetrucks, tractor pulls and visits from Santa
“For the Memorial Day Parade, we bring out our three antique firetrucks,” says Tierney. In June, the Portland Quarry Celebration Day and Artisan Show sets up in Riverfront Park with vendors from all over New England while the Portland Agricultural Fair takes place over three days in October. “It’s still the old country, old-time-y town fair,” says Tierney. “There’s truck pulls, tractor pulls, bands that come in—the things that people enjoy.” In the winter, the Tree Lighting brings visits from Santa and distributions of candy canes while the chorus and band play Christmas carols with hot chocolate served after. “I’m Santa by the way,” Tierney reveals.
One bus with interstate 6 miles west
“Portland is off the beaten path, but not off the beaten path,” says Tierney. “We’re close enough to other places that you’re not going all over the world for things.” River Valley Transit has one bus through Portland, which begins in Middletown across the river and ends to the east in East Hampton. Interstate 91, a north-south thoroughfare that stretches from New Haven, Connecticut, to the United States-Canada border, is about 6 miles to the west.
Important to know
With the town bordered by the Connecticut River to the west and south, flooding can happen. “We all know where the road closes and how to get around it, literally,” says Tierney.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Puorro,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Oakwood Soccer Park
Harbor Park
Connecticut River State Wildlife Area
Cromwell Landing
Riverfront Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Volleyball
Bransfield Park
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Tweed/New Haven
49 min drive
Bus
Bartlett & High
Bus
Adams Market
Bus
Marlborough Street Burger King
Bus
Subway Portland
Bus
Portland Convalescent
Bus
Main & Bartlett
Bus
High & William
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.936 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
2/12/2017Niche Review
Portland is a town full of amazing people. Everything you would need is there or less than a half an hour away. Because of its size, you'll get to know most of the residents. Very family friendly neighborhoods. Little to no crime is committed. The school system could be better but it definitely is not the worst. Its a good foundation. Even if students dont go to the local high school, many students go to neighboring schools.
4.0Current Resident
10/25/2016Niche Review
I love the town of Portland. It is a very quaint town with lots to do and beautiful scenery. Some of the infrastructure could be improved upon, for example, the roads are very torn up in some parts. But the people are great and the town is beautiful.
4.0Current Resident
3/27/2019Niche Review
Portland is quite little town, everyone knows everyone, but i would like to see the police department grow since, i believe, there's not enough cops around for the whole town
3.0Former Resident
12/24/2019Niche Review
It was an okay place to grow up. There is not much to do here and the people here are major townies. It is difficult for children to get involved in either school or social events since the townies will make it near impossible for them.
Are you familiar with the Portland neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Portland
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Portland, CT sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Portland, CT over the last 12 months is $364,080, up 17% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Every now and then, you walk into a home and everything just feels... right. There's a calm, a sense of ease, and an immediate invitation to imagine life here. This updated Cape brings that feeling to life-with hardwood floors throughout, thoughtful updates, and a layout that simply works. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, featuring dark gray cabinetry, Calacatta quartz counters, a
Seize the opportunity to own a premium piece of commercial real estate located on the bustling Route 66 in Portland. This exceptional parcel offers about 136 feet of road frontage on one of Connecticut's most traveled state roads, ensuring maximum visibility and exposure for any business. Benefit from the high volume of drive-by traffic that Route 66 sees daily, providing your business with the
Welcome to 64 High Street! Discover the charm of this desirable ranch home with a great layout. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with an open floor plan! Bright living room with gas fireplace & hardwood floors. Dining room has sliding glass doors that open onto the deck & private backyard! Remodeled kitchen with gas cook top & granite counters. Primary bedroom with large walk-in closet & washer/dryer
Experience the perfect blend of history and modern elegance at Brainerd Place, a luxury apartment community built in historic Portland, CT. Where the charm of the past meets the sophistication of the present, our thoughtfully designed residences offer unparalleled comfort, state-of-the-art amenities, and timeless style. Immerse yourself in a setting that honors its heritage while providing the
This bright and spacious 1 bed, 1 bath unit features sleek flooring, ample closet space, and a versatile living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy a modern kitchen with hardwood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, plus a clean, updated bathroom. Stylish, functional, and move-in ready - welcome to your new home at 85 Airline.
Freshly painting 2 bedroom with eat-in kitchen. New wall to wall carpeting throughout. One off street parking, Great location - near base of the Arrigoni Bridge across the CT River from Middletown. The restaurants and nightlife of Middletown, Main Street in Portland, Two Portland Golf Courses, Brownstone Adventure Sports park, Wesleyan University, walking distance to a Dunkin Donuts. Common
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Puorro,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,608
Median Age
46
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,967
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,534
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
68%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
17/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
