Looking for area near Portland - but not Portland - rocky beaches - harbor area (Biddeford: houses)

[snowman101]

First post

I am wondering if anyone could tell me their opinion on the best area to live near Portland, Maine that has a nice harbor community? I don't want to be in a city - like Portland. I want to be "close" to a city like Portland. I can still drive to events, theater, other but not have to deal with the "city" life.

Looking for rocky shores - harbor town - New England flavor. Picturesque. I am also a big fan of snow in the winter.

[mainegrl2011]

All of Maine's coast is picturesque! (All of Maine is picturesque....the natural beauty--not necessarily all the man-made stuff.) Not sure what size cities you are accustomed to....Portland is the biggest city in Maine but still relatively small compared to some U.S. cities....also what is your definition of "close?" Anywhere in Maine is potentially snow country in winter.....at least 6 out of 12 months not just calendar "winter."

I've given your post some thought. My first thought was Bar Harbor or Stonington but they are about 3 hours from Portland so on second thought, maybe not. Then I thought of other great picturesque places--Falmouth, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Wiscasset, Lincolnville...really too many to list. I think you should download Google Earth and virtually tour the coast taking a closer look without leaving your computer. Then at some point physically visit the places that look like possibilities based on your preferences. Google Earth Sometimes the little orange person will take you to "street view." All areas aren't street view available. You can test it out by dragging the little orange person down to the roads that turn blue....or you can zoom in closer and hover like a helicopter and look for rocks vs. sand along the coast. http://www.maine.gov/local/

If you have plenty of money/enough money, maybe Prout's Neck. Google Earth has some pics....maybe Biddeford near the water. Biddeford gets mixed reviews. Old Orchard Beach is sandy rather than rocky and very touristy in the summer. Most of Maine is touristy in the summer.

Don't assume that all the theater and events take place in Portland. There are potentially more events during the summer tourist season.

http://thewaldo.org/

http://www.grandonline.org/events/mo...menza-di-tito/

http://www.meliving.com/playhouses/

http://www.visitmaine.com/search/new/event/

http://www.maine.info/events/theater.php

http://www.lakewoodtheater.org/

http://www.bangorciviccenter.com/

Augusta Civic Center (google it)

http://waterfrontconcerts.com/

http://www.theciviccenter.com/

http://www.portlandmaine.com/events/

http://events.publicbroadcasting.net...nts.eventsmain

http://mainearts.maine.gov/eventcalender.aspx