South Portland, Maine

South Portland, Maine
A South Portland marina overlooking the city of Portland
Nickname(s): 
The Park City, SoPo
Motto: 
Forward
Location in Cumberland County and the state of Maine.
Coordinates: 43°37′54″N 70°16′22″W / 43.63167°N 70.27278°W / 43.63167; -70.27278
CountryUnited States
StateMaine
CountyCumberland
Incorporated (town)March 15, 1895
Incorporated (city)March 22, 1898
Government
  TypeCity Council and City Manager
  City ManagerScott Morelli
  MayorRichard T. Matthews
Area
  Total
14.01 sq mi (36.29 km2)
  Land12.04 sq mi (31.19 km2)
  Water1.97 sq mi (5.10 km2)
Elevation
23 ft (7 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
26,498
  Density2,200.10/sq mi (849.49/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
04106, 04116
Area code207
FIPS code23-76750
GNIS feature ID0575893
Websitewww.southportland.org

South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-most populous city in the state, incorporated in 1898. At the 2020 census, the city population was 26,498. Known for its working waterfront, South Portland is situated on Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland's close proximity to air, marine, rail, and highway transportation options, the city has become a center for retail and industry in the region. The Maine Mall, the largest shopping mall in the state, is located in South Portland. It is also a designated Tree City USA community.

Despite the name, South Portland was never part of the city of Portland, but rather part of Cape Elizabeth, separating in 1895. However, both Cape Elizabeth and Portland were once part of Falmouth. Cape Elizabeth, then including what later became South Portland, broke away from Falmouth in 1765. South Portland is a principal city of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area.