Westbrook, a little city located just to the east of Portland, Maine, has been known by this moniker for about 200 years now, and its former name is all but forgotten. Immediately before its name was changed to honor Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a local military commander in the French and Indian Wars, it was known as Stroudwater. But, before that, the settlement was named Saccarappa, after one of the two falls on the Presumpscott River, which runs through the town.
Westbrook has a long history as a mill town, first lumber and then paper, because of its location on the river
Westbrook, a little city located just to the east of Portland, Maine, has been known by this moniker for about 200 years now, and its former name is all but forgotten. Immediately before its name was changed to honor Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a local military commander in the French and Indian Wars, it was known as Stroudwater. But, before that, the settlement was named Saccarappa, after one of the two falls on the Presumpscott River, which runs through the town.
Westbrook has a long history as a mill town, first lumber and then paper, because of its location on the river. Actually, a second river runs through the town -- an early canal provided a way to get goods to market by connecting the rivers with Lake Sebago to the east, and its proximity to the ocean on the Portland side didn't hurt, either.
Living in Westbrook
Westbrook had a U.S. Census population figure of just under 17,500 in 2010, and it is primarily a suburb of Portland. Its paper mill still exists, now owned by a multinational corporation that employs only one-tenth the number of employees it had in its heyday. It is now a major producer of niche papers. Westbrook also has attracted other large corporations, including an energy company, Sebago-Moc Shoes and health system/medical facilities.
Local residents here not only have easy commutes but enjoy comfortable, semi-urban lifestyles with easy access to the cultural and historic attractions of Maine's largest city (Portland), and the quiet rural beauty of some of the state's most popular rivers and lakes. About an hour away to the south is historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire. You can ski in the winter and sail in the summer. This is truly the heart of New England.
Finding a Place
If you have necessary documentation such as references, employment information and pay stubs, previous residence information and readily available funds for deposits and utility hookups, you will be able to sign a lease with little trouble when you find something that meets your needs.
Pick Your Neighborhood
Pride's Corner: Pride's Corner is a sought-after area, with a supply of pre-World War II homes and apartments. The vacancy rate is very low here, so if you are hoping to live in this area, you should begin your search well in advance of your anticipated moving date. You will find rental houses and two-bedroom apartments for rent, some in older, historic buildings. But when you find something you like, be prepared to act quickly.
Highland Lake: Highland Lake is another popular neighborhood. You will have a higher chance of success finding rental apartments and rental houses in this neighborhood located to the east of Pride's Corner. Many of the older residences here are relatively historic, built before 1939 (although that's not really considered old in this area!) and some grand old homes have been subdivided into 3 to 4 bedroom apartments, as well as studio apartments for rent.
Cumberland Mills: Cumberland Mills is a smaller neighborhood where apartment buildings are nestled among smaller to medium-size homes. You might find apartments with paid utilities, and although you will probably still have to drive to work, this is a great area for walking along the river bank and getting out to enjoy fall foliage and spring blooms.
City Center: Westbrook's City Center has a trendy mix of housing, but occupancy rates are very high in this neighborhood. You almost have to know when someone will be moving out to assure that you will find housing for rent here. If this is your neighborhood of choice, spend a lot of time here. Get to know the lay of the land by visiting Saccarappa Falls and jogging around Beaver Pond; frequent the Frog and Turtle Gastro Pub on Bridge St., or hang out at The Baker's Bench and listen for news of upcoming vacancies. Just don't fill up on too many delicious cinnamon buns or cream puffs!
Life in Maine is an unending experience; from the accents -- learn to pronounce it "lobstah" and "chowdah" -- to the reality that "Down East" is actually "up north." You'll never be bored here. Native Mainers will joke about the "three weeks of summer," but they'll befriend you during the long, sometimes dreary winters.
