Belfast 81 Exceptional
Belfast Livability #14 ranked city in Maine#1,324 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Belfast

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

What's it like Living in Belfast?

Belfast is a small city located in the state of Maine. The city has a population of 6,968 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Belfast could be considered less diverse than other cities. Based on an average age of 59, Belfast appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Belfast is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Belfast, Maine could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Belfast, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, housing and more.

Belfast has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #14 in Maine and #1,786 in the USA. Based on this score, Belfast would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Belfast ranks well for crime (A+), employment (B-) and housing (B+) Regrettably for Belfast, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Belfast shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 0 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Belfast apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Belfast. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Belfast are affordable. Median real estate prices in Belfast come in at $337,135, which is 8.3% higher than the Maine average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Belfast, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 9.8% lower than the Maine average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Belfast

See all the best places to live around Belfast

How Do You Rate The Livability In Belfast?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Belfast, ME Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Belfast transportation information

      Statistic Belfast Maine National
      Average one way commute17min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.5%78.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.6%10.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%4.0%2.8%
      Working from home4.5%5.5%4.6%
      Source: The Belfast, ME data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.