Dreaming of an affordable apartment near Portland but feeling priced out? You’re not alone. With housing costs soaring, finding a place to call your own can seem impossible. But thanks to the new affordable housing development, Nasson in the Pines, that dream is now within reach for many Mainers—and just 35 minutes from Portland.
Local real estate developer, GreenMars, recognized the need for budget-friendly housing within reach of the city and decided to, quite literally, build a solution. Once a historic college campus, Nasson in the Pines in Springvale has been transformed into over 80 affordable housing units, within commuting distance of Portland but surrounded by beautiful nature trails and near a vibrant downtown.
The nation-wide housing crisis has skyrocketed rents, making it harder for working class families to save up for homes of their own. To help mitigate this issue, GreenMars has consciously designed Nasson in the Pines to be aesthetically pleasing apartments that residents can call home while still at a price point that they can afford. Providing people with safe homes that they can be proud of is a mission for GreenMars co-founders Nate Green and Chris Marshall.
“At GreenMars we are focused on getting as many units into the marketplace as possible for prices that, whether rent or buy, are much more attainable for a middle-income or lower middle-income citizen in the area. Something that Maine is in desperate need of,” Chris explained.
While Maine is a favorite among tourists, oftentimes locals are lost in the shuffle as vacation homes and second homes raise market values, outpricing what many Mainers can afford. This makes communities like Nasson in the Pines a necessity for local, working-class families.
There are three buildings located on the Nasson in the Pines campus for a total of 84 units. While the first building opened in May 2024, the last building is approaching its grand opening at the end of February. Applications are already being accepted, and units are being filled rapidly. Those who sign their leases before March 15th will receive their first month of rent free!
Nasson in the Pines was carefully crafted to be a close-knit community. The scenic campus is truly the best of both worlds: it is surrounded by nature and offers privacy but is still accessible to the active downtown area. Nature-lovers can use the nearby Rail Trail or ride their bikes by the pond while others can enjoy socializing at the restaurants and shops down the street.
The GreenMars team is proud of the community that they have created at Nasson in the Pines. “The best part is the first time you walk the property after construction is complete. A few months ago, it was all lumber and tractors and pavement going down, but now it is a place that someone calls home. The realization that you built someone’s home is a special feeling that you do not anticipate. Then you walk around campus and interact with people, and they are appreciative of the fact that this housing exists in the first place, especially in these economic conditions,” Chris said.
The benefits of affordable housing are positive for individuals and towns. It enables residents to save money for future home ownership of their own and stimulates the local economy by encouraging people to stay in the area, work in local businesses, and spend their recreational time in restaurants, shops, and other small businesses. The proven success of this system has encouraged GreenMars to look at the future of affordable housing developments in locations such as Portland, Brunswick, or any other Maine municipalities open to having multi-family, affordable housing units in their neighborhoods.
The proof of Nasson in the Pines’ success goes far beyond numbers and is demonstrated in the personal experiences of tenants such as Thomas Robbins, a veteran born and raised in Maine. Robbins sold his Berwick home to spend some time in Florida and when he returned, he was shocked by the soaring rent prices in his home state. He found Nasson in the Pines and was happy to be part of the new community.
“We were part of the first handful of residents that ever lived here and it’s beautiful. It is sunny most days. There is access to an easy trail that goes down to the pond. We have privacy but it is still a residential area. It is a great location,” Thomas said.
He credits the campus’ friendly management for helping him find housing as a veteran and working with him. Thomas was drawn to Nasson in the Pines because it was completely new with renovated units, up-to-date facilities, and a modern standard style that he liked. Over the months he has watched the community grow with new residents moving in.
“My neighbors are great! I have been able to socialize with almost everyone. It is a nice mix of people and demographics, younger and older. I have not had a single issue since moving in and it’s been fantastic. And now with the other building opening, we will be getting some new neighbors soon,” he said.
GreenMars transformed Nasson in the Pines from a historic college campus that was left behind into a newly renovated, thriving, and affordable community. By giving new life to an old space, GreenMars is not only part of the solution to Maine’s housing crisis but is fostering a place where residents can build their futures. For more information on how you can join the Nasson in the Pines community visit https://nassoninthepines.com/.
Sloane M. Perron is a writing expert with over 15 years of journalism and communications experience. Storytelling is Sloane’s passion, and she enjoys interviewing fascinating people, sharing their unique stories, and continuously learning more about the world around her. After earning her bachelor’s degrees in English and Business from Anna Maria College, Sloane was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Limerick in Ireland where she earned her master’s in journalism. She went on to serve as Manager of Marketing Director for Anna Maria College, her alma mater, before pursuing her dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer and editor. On the rare days when Sloane is not writing, she enjoys time with her family, traveling, and collecting stickers at every restaurant, museum, and national/state park she visits!
