The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Portland, ME

Portland, Maine is nestled right up against the Atlantic coast, providing seniors with access to all the amenities of a metropolitan area and the beach vibe of a vacation town. It's a couple of hours north of Boston and surrounded by the historic beauty of New England towns like Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth and Windham. Portland frequently makes the list as one of the most livable small cities in the U.S., and that includes seniors and retirees. 

As Maine's largest city, Portland is the state's hub for manufacturing, art, culture, education and entertainment. Restaurants and craft breweries seem to pop up on every corner. The city really is a large small town with a population of 66,715 and growing. Unemployment is at an extremely low ebb, with a rate of just 1.9%, so active seniors should have no trouble finding something part-time to spice up retirement. 

Unspoiled lengths of coastline and open beaches make the summer months a slow-paced and relaxing time of year, while the winters come with a hefty coating of snow for a classic, white Christmas. Getting around in Portland is a breeze, with short commute times of about 19 minutes, on average, and a surprising 12.4% of residents who walk to their destinations. 

The average cost of assisted living in Portland is $6,600 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average of $4,004 and the costs in the rest of the state which average $5,169. Costs may vary based on services offered, with some locations providing a la carte pricing options and other charging on an all-inclusive model. 

Keep reading for our list of the top 10 assisted living facilities in Portland.

75 State Street

75 State Street

Portland, ME 04101

(207) 775-7775x2224

75 State Street is located in the heart of the historic West End neighborhood with nearby access to some of the best hospitals in the city and some top-notch eateries and entertainment options. An entire city block is dedicated to everything seniors might need including a library, computer center, movie theater and general store on the premises. Meals are served in one of two dining rooms with tableside service and a rotating menu full of locally sourced foods.   This community makes our top 10 list for its focus on an active, urban lifestyle and comprehensive concierge services. 

• All-inclusive pricing that is available with month-to-month lease terms
• Chef prepared meals and desserts available in both regular and sugar-free versions

The Osher Inn

620 - 640 Ocean Avenue

Portland, Maine 04103

(207) 221-7000

At the Osher Inn, each studio and one-bedroom apartment comes equipped with a private bath and kitchenette, where seniors can prepare their own meals or entertain a visitor. The dining room serves three meals per day, with menus that change with the seasons. Fresh seafood, meat and produce are menu pantry staples. The day spa and fitness room help residents stay in shape and ready for the activities that fill up The Osher Inn calendar. The facility makes our top 10 list for its seamless blend of assistive services and independence. 

• Personal support assistance is available 24/7
• The robust activities calendar includes events like social clubs, fitness classes and local outings

Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living

86 Holiday Drive

Portland, ME 04103

(207) 747-0342

Located near Route 302 and plenty of shopping, Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living offers a variety of services delivered to residents of the studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments available. Each apartment comes with three chef-prepared meals served daily, a full calendar of events and activities, all utilities and weekly housekeeping services. Communal spaces make a great place to entertain friends and family, and outings are planned regularly and include local and foreign destinations. 

• A la carte services available including medication management and continence assistance
• Private apartments include full baths and kitchens or kitchenettes

Bay Square at Yarmouth

27 Forest Falls Drive

Yarmouth, ME 04096

(207) 358-4881

Bay Square at Yarmouth is an assisted living community that offers 24-hour assistance with daily living while helping seniors preserve their independence. Both memory and respite care are available, along with a full calendar of events that includes fitness classes, bingo games, crafts and discussions about the latest TED Talks. Seniors benefit from one-on-one companionship while shopping or visiting family. 

• Extensive paved walking paths onsite
• Plenty of parking for both residents and visitors

The Enclave of Scarborough

18 Black Point Road

Scarborough, ME 04074

(888) 240-7198

Located just seven miles south of Portland, The Enclave of Scarborough has serene grounds as well as a social cafe, library, media lounge, spa, and fitness center. Regular outings take seniors into the heart of the city for shopping, exploration and entertainment. Basic cable and full-service dining are covered in the rent. The Enclave of Scarborough makes our top 10 list for its combination of rural and urban living. 

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service included with rent
• 24/7 nursing care available onsite

Gorham House

50 New Portland Rd

Gorham, ME 04038

(207) 839-5757

Gorham House is a full-service assisted living community in Gorham, Maine. It offers a suite of care options that range from independent living through full-charge nursing care. The activities calendar is full of fun and developed with input from residents. Nursing care is available 24/7 from licensed LPNs and RNs. Gorham House makes our top 10 because the community also features a pre-school onsite that allows seniors and youngsters to celebrate life and work together on creative endeavors. 

• One-bedroom apartments are available in different layouts and all come with a private bath and kitchenette
• The facility works with a senior's primary care physician to coordinate care

Avita of Stroudwater

113 Landing Rd

Westbrook, ME 04092

(207) 857-9007

Avita of Stroudwater, an assisted living facility just outside of Portland, Maine, offers a variety of fun and engaging activities ranging from volleyball in the ballroom to live concerts. Seniors are encouraged to pursue creative hobbies like flower arranging or crafts, and visits from friends and family are always welcome. The staff is on-hand round the clock to help with daily activities or planning a trip. Both private and semi-private rooms are available.

• Weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service provided
• Three meals prepared with fresh and local ingredients whenever possible

Scarborough Terrace

600 Commerce Dr.

Scarborough, ME 04074

(207) 956-5685

At Scarborough Terrace, the menu is full of inviting options, residents have a choice of selections for mealtimes and snacks are always available. The game room, movie theatre, spacious common areas and outdoor gardens make relaxing at home an enticing prospect. For seniors who like to go out, the Scarborough Terrace staff schedules regular outings and activities, using personalized wellness plans to guide the calendar. With amenities like a lobster night on the menu, Scarborough Terrace makes it onto our top 10 list. 

• Private rooms and apartments come with call systems to notify staff of assistance requests
• Concierge and transportation services available

Freeport Place

4 Old County Road

Freeport, Maine 04032

(207) 865-3500

Freeport Place is an assisted living community located north of Portland and just off of I-295. Downtown Freeport is full of local shopping options and exceptional New England restaurants, while everything Portland has to offer is just minutes away. Spacious common areas offer residents places to curl up with a good book or meet with friends and family. Guests are welcome at mealtimes, making dining a delicious and social experience. 

• Extensive activities program includes social, recreational and musical experiences
• Onsite beauty salon and podiatry services

Foreside Harbor

191 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine 04105

(207) 781-8201

The beautiful waters of the Casco Bay provide a serene background for life at Foreside Harbor, an assisted living community just outside of Portland. The facility overlooks towering trees. While regular outings for shopping and dining appear on the activities calendar, many residents prefer to enjoy the community at home, where poetry readings, fitness classes and other fun is going on. Restaurant-style dining and room service are both available, along with indoor and outdoor seating. 

• Elevator service for safe transport between floors
• Emergency calls systems installed in all bedrooms and bathrooms