Welcome to Gorham
A beautiful college town tucked away from the bustle of the city.
Gorham is a quaint college town about nine miles west of Portland. Plenty of historical architecture fills the small, beautiful town established in 1976. Gorham is well-known for its charming and historic villages.
Gorham is home to the University of Southern Maine, which offers education to thousands of students annually. The university contributes immensely to the cultural and intellectual life of the community. You can feel its influence throughout the village center and the rest of town. Many new housing developments and businesses have sprouted up in Gorham because of its popularity.
Though Gorham appears to be a large town, the downtown area is quaint. Downtown Gorham is centered on a single intersection; Main Street, State Street, and South Street. A wide range of local dining and shopping options are available in the area.
What to Love
- Beautiful large farms
- Historic architecture
- USM music, theatrical, and athletic events
- A peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Local Lifestyle
Gorham provides residents with a perfect blend of residential and country-style living, with a bustling village center and several large farms on the outskirts of the town. Living in Gorham means escaping from bustling Portland city life. You can peacefully relax while enjoying the calming sounds and natural scenery within the traditional New England vibe.
Driving is the most convenient way to get around Gorham. However, downtown Gorham is walkable for those who like stretching their legs while exploring the area. Moving around by car offers breathtaking scenic views of the hilly fort hill farms along the many long and winding roads.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Gorham's South Street Historic District is home to a diverse collection of restaurants, shops, and historic homes. The Village mall is excellent for convenient shopping with a few eateries. You can treat yourself to refined American dishes at MK Kitchen or get seafood, pasta, and steak at 390 Main Street Restaurant.
Junction Bowl is the perfect place for family fun and dining. There are 12 ten-pin bowling lanes, an arcade for all ages, and large indoor and outdoor dining areas. A full bar serving a wide variety of American pub-style food and drinks is also available.
Things to Do
Located near Sebago Lake, Gorham offers a variety of recreational opportunities for everyone. Visitors and locals can go hiking along the nature trails or kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in the river.
You can also drive to Babb's Covered Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge in Maine. The bridge spans the Presumpscot River between the Maine towns of Gorham and Windham. The Baxter House Museum, depicting life in the 1800s, is the perfect place to explore Gorham's history and ancient artifacts.
The University of Southern Maine's Gorham campus hosts several musical and theatrical performances and athletic events open to the public. Visitors can also stroll around the historic campus and enjoy the University of Southern Maine Art Galleries.
Schools
Gorham has four schools. There are two elementary schools (K–5), one middle school (grades 6–8), and one high school (grades 9–12).