Portland’s peninsula holds the heart of the city, and Oakdale is planted just off that peninsula. The high-rises and commercial districts of downtown are just blocks away, but Oakdale’s landscape consists of stately homes and the historical University of Southern Maine campus. “It’s a more mature section of town that is not on the peninsula, but is in striking distance of all the restaurants,” says Chris Lavoie, a broker at Domaine Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty. A Realtor in Portland for 20 years, Lavoie’s office is in Oakdale. “You’re five minutes from everything, but you’re not getting the congestion of the city.”
Parts of the Oakdale neighborhood back up to Back Cove.
Back Cove Park wraps around Back Cove in Portland, Maine.
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Vintage homes on Oakdale’s streets
The typical house in Oakdale was built 100 years ago, and its streets are packed with Victorians and American Foursquares that rise three stories in the air, towering over small gardens. “Since it’s an older neighborhood, you’re getting more large properties,” Lavoie explains. “Multifamily dwellings were commonplace 100 years ago because you lived with your parents and grandparents.” Some of these more expansive homes are rentals today, and Lavoie says many university students are tenants. Lavoie adds that the presence of the university brings a few benefits to the neighborhood, namely an infrastructure overhaul that replaced a six-leg intersection with a roundabout. “It’s got a nice traffic flow.” Oakdale’s average home value of roughly $750,000 is more than the average value across Portland. Prices vary from $450,000 to $1 million.
This Oakdale home is an example of the saltbox style found throughout New England.
Historical houses, such as this Second Empire home, are common in Oakdale.
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Free city bus passes for Portland High students
Schools are close enough that Lavoie says he often sees students walking through Oakdale on their way to class. Before sixth grade, kids attending Portland Public Schools can head down to Ocean Avenue School, graded a B-minus by Niche. Next students can attend C-rated King Middle School and Deering High School, graded a B. Yellow school buses don’t roll up to Deering High every morning; instead, teens get passes to ride the city of Portland’s Metro bus to and from school. The bus pass works on nights, weekends and during school holidays as well.
Commute all around Portland on a city bus from Oakdale.
The Oakdale neighborhood is home to the University of Southern Maine.
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Nationally recognized bagels at Rose Foods
As the city of Portland grows, more restaurants and other businesses elect to open outside of downtown, including along Oakdale’s Forest Avenue, Lavoie says. The bagels at Rose Foods are among the best in the country outside of New York City, according to Bon Appétit magazine. Portland winters are chilly and snowy, but coffee and tea drinkers keep warm at The Proper Cup Coffee House. At least 10 other eateries and bars line the avenue. Hannaford supermarket stands just off Forest Avenue, so it’s convenient to pick up groceries. Meanwhile, Maine Medical Center provides emergency care and specialist appointments a mile from Oakdale.
The Proper Cup Coffee House is in walking distance for many Oakdale residents.
The bagels at Rose Foods have received national recognition.
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New facilities for squash and performing arts in Oakdale
Five small parks riddle Oakdale, providing green respites in walking distance of every front door. Walkers, joggers and bikers get moving along Back Cove Trail. The 3-mile path encircles the estuary it’s named after, whizzing through Oakdale’s north side. Portland Community Squash is popular with squash players young and old, breaking ground in 2023 on a $6 million expansion. “I have a buyer, and one of the reasons he’s coming here is the squash league,” Lavoie says. In 2025, a new performing arts center will open on the University of Southern Maine campus, where locals can catch shows from students and professional performers.
Longfellow Park is one of five pocket parks in Oakdale.
A local resident takes his dog for a wintery walk along the Back Cove in Oakdale.
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See local artwork at Portland’s First Friday Art Walk
Members of Portland Community Squash come to do more than swing a racquet. The center hosts poker nights, yoga classes and other events. In downtown, community events are a weekly occurrence. For example, art galleries in the downtown Arts District, and around the city, draw thousands for the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
The Portland International Jetport is nearby Oakdale.
Buses stop along Forest Avenue
Forest Avenue provides a direct route to downtown Portland, about a mile away. Greater Portland Metro buses stop on Forest Avenue, offering an alternative way to travel downtown. Three miles from Oakdale, Portland International Jetport hosts flights to Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and other destinations.
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
Are you familiar with the Oakdale neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Oakdale
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oakdale, Portland sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Oakdale, Portland over the last 12 months is $662,654, up 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
2 Unit in highly desirable neighborhood close to USM and Law School with solid rental history. First Floor Unit has 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Lease up in June; goes month-to-month after that. Second Floor Unit has 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Leased until May 2025. Four spots of off-street parking and a backyard. Hardwood floors, high ceilings and lots of character. Tenants pay their own heat and
Summer Rental Opportunity in the Heart of Portland’s Oakdale Neighborhood – 2 Bed, 1 Bath Apartment* Your Ideal Summer Getaway in Portland, Maine! *Looking for a cozy and charming place to spend your summer in Portland, Maine? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in the Oakdale neighborhood offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and access to all the best this vibrant coastal
Charming Rental in a Prime Portland Location! 149 Dartmouth St, Portland is available June 5th, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom (with a 3rd bedroom with a washer dryer and one twin bed in it), 1 bath second-floor unit offers comfort, convenience, and classic charm. Enjoy a newly renovated bathroom (2022), a stylish updated kitchen (2019) with modern appliances, 1 off street garage
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacqueline Nedwell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,153
Median Age
37
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,982
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$85,532
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
58%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.7%
% Population in Labor Force
82.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
53''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
92/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
48/ 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.
