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West End

West End

Neighborhood in Portland, Maine

Cumberland County 04101, 04102

$850,112 Average Value
$526 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

The West End is historic neighborhood next to downtown

Neighboring Downtown Portland is the West End, a community that dates back to the 1800s. “It is a neighborhood that has defied time,” says Realtor Jed Rathband, with Rathband Company at Keller Williams and a longtime peninsula resident who moved to the West End about seven years ago. “It is firmly ensconced in a robust historic district that allows it to evolve in how it was built.” The neighborhood is so much more than old homes, with several parks, restaurants, such as the OhNo Cafe and what Rathband describes as a tight-knit community. “When I say tight-knit, it’s that people help one another; they’re interested in one another,” Rathband says. “And it’s very welcoming.” Most students attend Portland Public Schools, which receive a B from Niche, or Waynflete, a private school in the area.

West End is an Architecturally rich area of Portland.
West End is an Architecturally rich area of Portland.
These three-story townhomes are typical in West End neighborhood.
These three-story townhomes are typical in West End neighborhood.
West End is an historic area of Portland.
West End is an historic area of Portland.
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Outdoor walks and nearby parks

With so many parks in and around the neighborhood, residents of the West End are always outside. “Walking, exercising, and visiting with neighbors are things that really do occur a lot,” Rathband says. The nearby Western Promenade is filled with walking paths and open fields where people can picnic or run around. It is also home to Valley Street Dog Park, where animal lovers can let their pets run off-leash. “It does feel like getting a dog is a rite of passage,” Rathband says. The historic Western Cemetery, established in 1829, is also filled with paths people can walk around. Families can bring their kids to the playground at McIntyre Park or spend their weekends exploring downtown. There is a playground at McIntyre Park.

The Western Cemetery is a wistful and peaceful place in West End.
The Western Cemetery is a wistful and peaceful place in West End.
Valley Street Dog Park is a popular hang for canines and humans alike.
Valley Street Dog Park is a popular hang for canines and humans alike.
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The Western Promenade hosts Sunset Concert Series

People flock to the Western Promenade Park for the Sunset Concert Series on Wednesday evenings in July and August. Neighbors will also throw little parties throughout the year. “We’ll close off parts of the neighborhood and have a street party,” Rathband says. “There’s food and games and stuff for the kids. It’s a lot of fun.” Another popular event nearby is the Portland Farmers’ Market at Deering Oaks Park, which started in 1768 and runs every Wednesday and Saturday from April to November.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the West End

Locals can visit one of the many eateries in the neighborhood, including the James Beard winner ZU Bakery, which varies their selection of pastries throughout the day. At Ugly Duckling, guests can eat brunch, drink cocktails, or order homemade English muffins. “Then there are the old stalwarts, which have just been amazing because they’ve been here for a long time,” Rathband says, highlighting OhNo Cafe, which is known for its breakfast sandwiches. “They’re phenomenal, so consistently good,” he says. Chaval, a popular dining spot, has curated a French and Spanish-influenced menu, and people can end the night with drinks at Ruski’s. Residents get groceries from Hannaford or Trader Joe's, within 2 miles of the West End or stop at Fresh Approach, a local grocer. “I’d describe it as ‘salt of the earth,’” Rathband says. “Rarely have I gone there, and they haven’t had what I needed.” Lowe’s, Target and Walmart are all within 6 miles of the neighborhood.

Grocery shopping is available near West End.
Grocery shopping is available near West End.
Stop by Ugly Duckling for a coffee and house-made pastry in the West End neighborhood
Stop by Ugly Duckling for a coffee and house-made pastry in the West End neighborhood
OHNO Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch in West End.
OHNO Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch in West End.
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Victorian-era homes and condos in the West End

The West End is known for its historic houses. “There’s a sense of the homes being something that have been cared for for centuries,” says Rathband, who lives in an 1864 home. Most properties sit toward the front of their lawns, decorated with bushes and gardens that stop at brick sidewalks and tree-lined streets. Rathband says that the area is split into several “micro-neighborhoods.” “There’s the Western Promenade, where the big, big, big mansions are,” Rathband says. “And then, as you begin to move to the downtown part of the peninsula, it starts to get more modest but still full of charm.” Colonials, Queen Anne and other Victorian-era houses are found throughout; many have been converted into condos. The neighborhood also has a competitive market. “There’s not much that comes up for sale here, and when it does, it typically goes very quickly,” Rathband says. Condos can cost between $375,000 and $600,000, although some are more than $1 million, and single-family homes typically fall between $700,000 and $1.5 million. Because the West End is a historic district, renovations must follow guidelines that preserve the integrity of the house.

West End is one of the best-preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country.
West End is one of the best-preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country.
West End is filled with beautiful historic homes.
West End is filled with beautiful historic homes.
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Portland Public Schools offer school choice

The West End is part of Portland Public Schools, which offers school choice. Reiche Community School receives a C-plus from Niche, while King Middle School is awarded a B. Deering High School earns a B-minus and asks seniors to complete a capstone project. Waynflete is a private school in the area that earns an A-plus and offers pre-kindergarten through 12th grave. "It's a highly respected private school, I will gladly say that," Rathband says.

Deering High School serves Portland, Maine.
Deering High School serves Portland, Maine.
Helen M. King Middle School is an expeditionary learning public middle school in Portland, ME.
Helen M. King Middle School is an expeditionary learning public middle school in Portland, ME.
Welcome to Reiche Elementary School in West End.
Welcome to Reiche Elementary School in West End.
Waynflete serves the Portland area.
Waynflete serves the Portland area.
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Major roads and bus routes near the West End

When not walking around the neighborhood, locals drive themselves or hop on one of the buses managed by the Greater Portland METRO, which has routes along West Street and Danforth Street. Both U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 295 are within 1 mile of the West End. Portland International Airport is about 4 miles away.

West End has a robust bus service.
West End has a robust bus service.
I-295 is conveniently located near West End.
I-295 is conveniently located near West End.
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Maine Medical Center borders neighborhood

Maine Medical Center, which borders the West End, is a training hospital that opened in 1874. Besides featuring an emergency department, the hospital has been named a “Best Regional Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report for 11 consecutive years. Its proximity to the West End has impacted the residents. “The neighborhood has traditionally been populated by doctors and nurses, and that continues to be the case,” Rathband says.

Maine Medical Center is adjacent to West End.
Maine Medical Center is adjacent to West End.
West End is a beautiful and well-established area of Portland.
West End is a beautiful and well-established area of Portland.
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Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Jeff Tippett
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Brian Bernhard
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Brian Bernhard

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Nancy Carleton, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International Jetport

10 min drive

Bus

Brackett St & Gray St

Bus

Emery St & Spruce St

Bus

Spring St & State St

Bus

Pine St & Lewis St

Bus

West St & Chadwick St

Bus

Danforth St & High St

Bus

Danforth St & School St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West End US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$597,500
Median Single Family Price
$1,550,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,575,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$524,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$350,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$526
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
76
Months of Supply
2.40
Median List Price
$595,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,197
Median Year Built
1907
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,999
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,465
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,185
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
740
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    133 York St Unit 1A, Portland, ME 04101

    $649,999

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 962 Sq Ft
    • 133 York St
    • Unit 1A
    • New 16 days ago

    This bright and inviting 2-bedroom 1 bath condo in the heart of Portland's peninsula is just what you've been searching for. Built in 2015, it features hardwood floors throughout, in unit laundry and covered off street parking. Plus enjoy a private deck with beautiful ocean and Portland Old Port views. This unbeatable location puts you just steps away from Portland's top dining, shopping and

    Frank Curran Harborview Properties, Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Carleton, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,448
Median Age
38
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,530
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,467

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.4%
College Graduates
64.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
53''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

86 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

49 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West End
Nancy Carleton
Vitalius Real Estate Group
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