Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Portage, Pennsylvania is a smaller city with a population of 2,563 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,894 people per square mile, Portage is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Portage residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Portage your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Portage is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Pennsylvania, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Portage and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Portage has received a livability score of 68/100. This score is ranked in the 69th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Portage ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+) Portage does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Portage boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Portage can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Portage is actually affordable. The median home price for Portage homes is $138,581, which is 53.2% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Portage, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 37.8% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Portage | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.6% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.7% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.4% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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