West End
Neighborhood in Portland, Maine
Cumberland County 04101, 04102
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Jonathon Stinson
Keller Williams Realty
(207) 707-6378
52 Total Sales
1 in West End
$630,000 Price
-
Ashley Fearon
A Team Realty
(877) 780-5160
56 Total Sales
1 in West End
$370,000 Price
-
Nova Tower
Waypoint Brokers Collective
(646) 971-8783
67 Total Sales
1 in West End
$1,275,000 Price
-
David Banks
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX By The Bay
(207) 503-3042
1,122 Total Sales
12 in West End
$360K - $1.4M Price Range
-
Edmund Gardner III
Gardner Real Estate Group
(207) 387-7218
208 Total Sales
23 in West End
$170K - $2.9M Price Range
-
Nicholas Dambrie
Keller Williams Realty
(207) 387-9614
173 Total Sales
2 in West End
$1,355,000 Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
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
West End Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West End, Portland sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West End, Portland over the last 12 months is $580,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

A downtown Portland community with walkable restaurants and a 55-acre green space

Urban enclave in Portland, within walking distance of retail and recreation

Bustling area with restaurant scene and full calendar of events

Stately homes and a university campus side-by-side near downtown Portland

Popular shopping district in South Portland with scenic parks and community events