Welcome to Cumberland County
Expansive Maine county offering urban, oceanside, and rural living.
Created in 1760, Cumberland County is Maine’s most populated county and is home to Portland, the county seat and the largest city in the state, and Sebago Lake, the second-largest body of water in Maine.
Real estate opportunities are diverse in Cumberland County. You'll find eighteenth-century stone farmhouses, ornate Victorian mansions, elegant Federal-era townhouses, and more. Properties in Baldwin and Harrison offer rural living while maintaining close proximity to desirable amenities. Those who wish to live along the waterfront flock to the Lakes Region, whose picturesque waters provide ample recreational opportunities.
What to Love
- Plenty of green space and outdoor adventures
- Tons of attractions to do year-round
- Standout culinary scene
- Outstanding art and culture
Local Lifestyle
Cumberland County prides itself on being community-oriented, and residents look out for each other. It offers a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities surrounded by natural beauty. The countryside and coastal landscapes around Portland feature small towns offering hometown charm and quaint shopping districts.
Cumberland County is steeped in New England charm, blending ornate architecture and cobblestone streets with modern office buildings in larger cities. The region supports a vibrant community of visual and performing artists and a pulsating nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to amazing destinations for whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, camping, golfing, sailing, and fishing.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Cumberland County features an excellent array of restaurants to satisfy your palette, from fine dining to casual local fare. You'll find great fare regardless of where you venture in this region.
Visit Fore Street Restaurant for a fine dining experience in Portland that uses ingredients grown, fished, or farmed almost exclusively in Maine. The menu at Fore Street changes daily based on the products their farmers, fisherman, and foragers bring each day, often prepared over an open wood fired grill or in their wood fired oven.
The Honey Paw is known for its flavor-packed, Asian-inspired noodle and grain dishes. Flavorful menu items include Sichuan mapo tofu, Thai-style lamb khao soi, and Japanese pork shoyu ramen.
Pleasant Mountain’s ski resort boasts several on-slope dining options, including Blizzard's Pub, Main Lodge Cafeteria, and East Lodge Cafeteria. Whether you need a post-slope snack, a pick-me-up, or a generously-portioned dinner, these eateries have you covered.
Things to Do
Cumberland County boasts a perfect balance of urban centers with world-class amenities and untapped nature. As a result, you will always have fun things to do. Try your hand at disc golf or walk the trails at Twins Brook Recreation Area, ski Pleasant Mountain, or enjoy trout fishing Sebago Lake.
Those who can't resist historical lighthouses will love Cumberland County. The Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park is the most popular. Commissioned by George Washington and built in 1791, it's easy to spend hours exploring this monument and park from every angle.
Summertime fun includes events like the Yarmouth Clam Festival, a three-day event in July that promotes the community and raises money for nearly 30 non-profit organizations. The Cumberland Fair, held in September, is one of the biggest agricultural fairs in Maine. It features vegetables, livestock competitions, pumpkin contests, horticultural exhibits, harness racing, and carnival fare.
Schools
Cumberland County is home to a plethora of highly rated public schools, as well as private and charter schools. Top education opportunities in the area include:
- University of Southern Maine
- St. Joseph's College of Maine
- Southern Maine Community College
- Maine College of Arts & Design
- Bowdoin College
- University of New England - Portland Campus
Search All Homes
