Moving Guides|Maine|Portland|Neighborhoods|Back Cove
Greg Reid profile picture
Greg Reid
Maine Local Expert

Last Modified: January 11, 2026

Back Cove map

Back Cove Neighborhood Overview

Skyline Loops, Mudflats, Payson Park Flex

8of 20 Portland Neighborhoods

🧭Bordered by: Back Cove shoreline and Baxter Boulevard, from I-295 and Tukeys Bridge around to Preble Street Extension and Washington Avenue east, up along Ocean Avenue by Payson Park, then Forest Avenue tying back to Baxter Boulevard

📌Widely recognized as the place for: fireworks views, Maine Marathon running, sailboarding, and stunning low tide mudflats

👕You can spot a Back Cove local by: dusty running shoes, reflective vest, black Lab named Bentley

👍Move here for: traffic calms, water views, quick downtown bike glide

👎Be prepared for: Pickleball at Payson Park goose honks, and wind that tattles

✨The vibe around Back Cove is: salty, scenic, cardio, stroller derby

Sunrise joggers, pickleballers, softball heroes

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Moving to Back Cove - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Portland or deciding which part of the city fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Portland guide for the big-picture view — or compare Back Cove against other parts of the city in our Portland neighborhood guide.