The Movoto Real Estate Blog has once again released its list of top 10 places to live in Maine and the communities of South Portland and Scarborough are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.

Movoto prepares a top 10 list for the majority of the 50 states each year and bases its rankings on an algorithm that takes into account seven specific criteria, from the availability of amenities to the cost of living, to the crime rate to unemployment.

“We collected the numbers, analyzed the data, drooled over pictures of lobstah, and found the 10 top places in Maine,” the blog said. In addition to South Portland and Scarborough, other communities on the top 10 list include Portland at No. 7, Freeport at No. 6, Kennebunk at No. 9, and Westbrook at No. 10.

After looking at all the data “we found that South Portland was simply the highest ranked across the board and was thus No. 1,” the blog said.

“The quality of life (in South Portland) is grand for its 25,002 residents. People definitely want to live here, with both average rent and housing costs scoring within the top 10 for their rankings. Plus, with its ninth place amenities and plenty of exciting local activities and attractions, it’s no wonder. Not to mention, the city is home to some amazing and highly in-demand bagels at Scratch Baking Company. Get there early, because they sell out regularly,” the blog said about South Portland.

It also mentioned The Maine Mall and said, “with all this, good jobs and high quality of life, South Portland takes the cake (or bagel, as the case may be).”

In terms of Scarborough, the Movoto blog said, “Once called the ‘land of many grasses’ by Native Americans. The grass certainly is greener in this place, with 18,919 residents pulling in a median household income of $64,504 per year and enjoying a No. 10 ranked quality of life. With those perks, it makes sense that it’s expensive to rent or buy houses here, but worth it.”

Scarborough also scored well for its “numerous beaches, a wildlife sanctuary, a motor speedway, and some seriously amazing restaurants for locals to enjoy.”

– Kate Irish Collins

The Movoto Real Estate Blog has once again released its list of top 10 places to live in Maine and the communities of South Portland and Scarborough are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.

Movoto prepares a top 10 list for the majority of the 50 states each year and bases its rankings on an algorithm that takes into account seven specific criteria, from the availability of amenities to the cost of living, to the crime rate to unemployment.

“We collected the numbers, analyzed the data, drooled over pictures of lobstah, and found the 10 top places in Maine,” the blog said. In addition to South Portland and Scarborough, other communities on the top 10 list include Portland at No. 7, Freeport at No. 6, Kennebunk at No. 9, and Westbrook at No. 10.

After looking at all the data “we found that South Portland was simply the highest ranked across the board and was thus No. 1,” the blog said.

“The quality of life (in South Portland) is grand for its 25,002 residents. People definitely want to live here, with both average rent and housing costs scoring within the top 10 for their rankings. Plus, with its ninth place amenities and plenty of exciting local activities and attractions, it’s no wonder. Not to mention, the city is home to some amazing and highly in-demand bagels at Scratch Baking Company. Get there early, because they sell out regularly,” the blog said about South Portland.

It also mentioned The Maine Mall and said, “with all this, good jobs and high quality of life, South Portland takes the cake (or bagel, as the case may be).”

In terms of Scarborough, the Movoto blog said, “Once called the ‘land of many grasses’ by Native Americans. The grass certainly is greener in this place, with 18,919 residents pulling in a median household income of $64,504 per year and enjoying a No. 10 ranked quality of life. With those perks, it makes sense that it’s expensive to rent or buy houses here, but worth it.”

Scarborough also scored well for its “numerous beaches, a wildlife sanctuary, a motor speedway, and some seriously amazing restaurants for locals to enjoy.”

– Kate Irish Collins