Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
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.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
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.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Portland, Maine is a medium-sized city with a population of 66,706 inhabitants. In Portland, there are 3,096 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Portland could be considered less diverse than other cities. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Portland, only 42% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Portland offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Portland can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Maine, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Portland, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education and more.
Using data and statistics Portland has received a livability score of 85/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Portland ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Portland ranks very well for crime (B), education (B-), employment (B) and housing (B).
If you're living in Portland, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Portland an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Portland are: Portland Museum of Art, Wicked Walking Tours, and Allagash Brewery.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Portland, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 185 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The unemployment rate in Portland has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.29%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Portland excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Portland is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Portland come in at $302,700, which is 72% higher than the Maine average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portland, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 40% higher than the Maine average.
| Statistic | Portland | Maine | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 62.3% | 78.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.7% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.5% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 12.4% | 4.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.1% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Maine
See the best places to live in & around Portland
10 Best cities in Maine for employment
Top 10 best public schools in Portland