Why Live in Back Cove
Back Cove in Portland, Maine, is a residential neighborhood known for its waterfront walkways, local dining options, and community-oriented atmosphere. Baxter Boulevard, which runs along the coast of the cove, offers scenic views of downtown Portland and serves as a central gathering spot for residents, particularly during the weekly Sundays on the Boulevard event. The neighborhood is bordered by Payson Park to the east, a popular spot for outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, youth baseball, and winter sledding. The Back Cove Trail, part of Portland's extensive urban trail network, provides a picturesque route for walking and biking with views of the city across the water.
Local dining options are plentiful and within walking distance, featuring a variety of cuisines. Tipo offers Italian dishes in a modern setting, while Forest Avenue hosts specialty markets, art shops, and diverse eateries such as Bayou Kitchen for Cajun breakfast, Bird & Co. for tacos, and Maiz for Colombian arepas. The Great Lost Bear is a local favorite for its extensive draft beer selection. For grocery needs, residents can visit Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods in the nearby Bayside neighborhood, just a 5-minute drive away.
Back Cove is moderately walkable and bikeable, with easy access to downtown Portland and the Portland International Jetport, both approximately 10 minutes away. The neighborhood is served by Portland Public Schools, with options for elementary and middle school, and a choice of three high schools, including the selective Casco Bay High. The area has a low crime risk compared to the national average, making it a desirable place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back Cove a good place to live?
Back Cove is a good place to live, receiving 4.0 stars from its residents. Back Cove is considered car-dependent and very bikeable with some transit options. Back Cove has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 6.9 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $131,115 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 69.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Back Cove are home owners, with 41.6% of residents renting and 58.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Back Cove can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Back Cove neighborhood guide.
Is Back Cove, ME a safe neighborhood?
Back Cove, ME is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Back Cove?
The median home price in Back Cove is $595,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $119,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.24%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,930 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $126K a year to afford the median home price in Back Cove. The average household income in Back Cove is $131K.
What are the best public schools in Back Cove?
The best public schools that serve Back Cove are:
What are the best private schools in Back Cove?
The best private schools that serve Back Cove are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Back Cove, Portland, ME?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Back Cove, Portland, ME?
Are home prices dropping in Back Cove?
Yes, home prices in Back Cove are down 11% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Back Cove, ME
On average, homes in Back Cove, Portland sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Back Cove, Portland over the last 12 months is $578,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$578,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$670,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$385,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$425
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
45
Median List Price
$595,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
