$717,338Average Value$454Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A city neighborhood with a small-town feel
Situated just inland of the peninsula, Deering Center was once an independent city before being incorporated into Portland in 1899. Although it’s now a residential enclave just 10 minutes from downtown, some remnants of small-town living remain in the cluster of locally owned businesses known as Deering Center Village. A handful of shops and cafes, some of which have been there for more than 50 years, sit side-by-side with charming New England homes. The neighborhood's outdoor offerings are just as unique, with trails around Evergreen Cemetery that are a hotspot for birders. And when it comes to education, walkable schools would be an understatement; students can move from elementary school all the way through college without traveling more than a mile.
This row of homes in is in Deering Center.
Evergreen Cemetery is a 239-acre cemetery and National Historic Landmark in Deering Center.
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Established neighborhood full of typical New England home styles
Old growth trees stretch over the sidewalks lining wide, flat residential streets. Houses perch together on small, tidy lots with just enough green space for limited landscaping in the front yard and enough backyard space for a patio or detached garage to the side. Most homes here were built in the first half of the 20th century, and renters are just as common as owners in this neighborhood, with some multi-family homes or the occasional apartment complex on the outskirts. Deering Center’s desirability has made it a competitive market where houses sell on an average of just 10 days. A small Cape Cod with two bedrooms might start in the $300,000 range, but the median single-family home is priced around $575,000, enough to purchase a four-bedroom Dutch Colonial. Historic Victorian mansions can be priced above $1 million — while these homes are rare to hit the market, it’s not uncommon for extra spacious four- or five-bedroom houses to sell for upwards of $900,000.
This unique home is located in Deering Center.
This Victorian home can be found in Deering Center.
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All levels of schooling are right in the neighborhoodation
Public school students can attend Portland Public Schools, starting at Longfellow Elementary, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Lincoln Middle, which scores a B, is also located in the neighborhood. Families can select which Portland high school they’d like their students to attend, but the closest is Deering High, which receives a B from Niche. “Deering Center is unique because kids can go all the way from grade school to college all on the same street,” says Amy Mulkerin, who owns Mulkerin Real Estate. The University of New England’s Westbrook College Campus is located in the neighborhood, along the same side of the street as all three Portland Public Schools, putting all levels of education within a one-mile stretch.
The front of Lincoln Middle School.
Deering High School front entrance.
Longfellow School front entrance.
The University of New England’s Westbrook College Campus is located in Deering Center.
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A small town center lives on in Deering Center Village
Local businesses are spread out along Stevens Avenue in what many residents call Deering Center Village, with shops nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with homes. Residents near this thoroughfare can walk down to Lecha for bubble tea or ice cream to cool down on a hot day or head across the street to Rwanda Bean to warm up with a latte in winter. A convenience store, butcher shop and gift store are all clustered nearby. More markets, local businesses and restaurants can be found to the east along Forest Avenue, home to diverse fare ranging from Vietnamese to Middle Eastern. For groceries and other necessities, a Shaw’s supermarket is located roughly five minutes to the south, right next to a CVS pharmacy.
Get fresh local groceries at Pat's Meat Market in the Deering Center neighborhood.
Grab your daily coffee at Lecha in the Deering Center neighborhood.
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Escape the bustle with an abundance of natural forested trails
Residents of Deering Center have plenty of ways to get immersed in nature. Mayor Baxter Woods is a dense swath of forest that’s been left mostly untouched, saved for some carved-out walking trails where locals can jog, cycle or bring their four-legged friends for a walk. North of Evergreen Cemetery, hikers can lace up their boots for a trek through the dense woods, as the cemetery itself is a historic landmark and a surprisingly large draw to the area for its scenic ponds and chapel. “It’s a big birding spot for warbler-watching in the springtime. If you go past in the morning, you’ll see all kinds of people gathered for walks with the Audubon Society,” Mulkerin says. For more structured recreation, families can bring the kids to the playground at Heseltine Park or grab their baseball bats and tennis racquets and head to Presumpscot Park. Home to Deering High’s sporting facilities, on crisp autumn nights, Memorial Stadium is packed with football fans cheering on the Rams.
Deering Center is a great place to raise a family.
Heseltine Park in Back Cove offers plenty of greenspace for residents to enjoy.
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Porchfest brings music to the neighborhood streets
The Deering Center Neighborhood Association actively works to bring residents together with regular events ranging from film screenings to neighborhood cleanups to holiday celebrations. The event this neighborhood is truly known for, though, is its annual Porchfest — a tradition showcasing the talent of locals right from their front yards. Residents take to the streets one day a year as live music fills the usually quiet neighborhood with lively song.
Residents get around by foot and by car
Deering Center is considered a relatively walkable neighborhood, with restaurants, schools and parks all within reach of some homes. The community is also served by Greater Portland Metro buses along Stevens and Forest Avenues. Residents are just a few minutes away from hopping on Interstate 295 to the south or making the 10-minute drive into downtown Portland, where vibrant dining and arts districts await alongside a working harbor. For more far-flung adventures, the Portland International Jetport is less than 10 minutes to the south.
There is a robust public transportation system in Deering Center.
Deering Center is a walkable neighborhood.
Deering Center is nestled within a short distance to downtown Portland.
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 Deering Center neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Deering Center
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Deering Center, Portland sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Deering Center, Portland over the last 12 months is $779,613, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover 774 Forest Ave — a well maintained three-unit building in one of Portland's most vibrant neighborhoods. The spacious first-floor unit has been updated with refinished hardwood floors, a fresh coat of paint, and a completely new ensuite bath. Both the first and second floor units offer over 1,100 square feet, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, well-designed kitchens with center islands,
Beautiful 4 BR, 2 BA (1,742+SF) New Englander style home that's been meticulously maintained with gorgeous period details, high ceilings and wood floors throughout. Located directly across from Baxter Woods and just a short walk to Deering Center, this home has a quiet neighborhood feel but is close to all Portland has to offer. Sun-filled rooms, new kitchen appliances and beautiful built-ins
Large Greek revival multi-unit featuring 4 spacious 2 to 3 -bedroom, 1-bathroom units. Inside, enjoy high ceilings, natural light and classic charm. Low maintenance lot with 4 dedicated parking spots conveniently located just minutes from downtown. The property has excellent walkability and easy access to public transportation, offering convenience and neighborhood charm. A fantastic opportunity
Available June 1st* Great neighborhood, near local shops and restaurants, Longfellow Elementary, Deering High School, Lincoln Middle School, UNE, USM, around the corner from Burbank Branch of the Portland Public Library* On two bus lines* Energy efficient LED recessed lighting* Washer/dryer in unit near bedrooms* Dishwasher
Two (or Three) bedroom (+ office or one additional smaller bedroom), two-full bathroom apartment with dedicated off-street parking and laundry included in the heart of Deering Center available August 1, 2025.Apartment is the entire 2nd and 3rd floor of unit (largest of 4 units) in a well-maintained victorian home. Large bedrooms with hardwood floors and closets. Tons of natural sunlight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Davian Akers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,113
Median Age
41
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$79,570
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,361
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
67.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.9%
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®
73/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 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.
