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.
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.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Nothing Found
There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.
Portland is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Maine. The city has a population of 68,956 residents. Portland has a population density of 3,201 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Portland is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Portland is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 42%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Portland is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Portland could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Maine if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Portland and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Portland to Maine and the national average.
Portland, ME receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #4 in Maine and #413 in the USA. Clearly, Portland is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Portland ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Portland scores well for crime (B+), education (C+), employment (B+) and housing (A-) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Portland. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (D-).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Portland, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Portland undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Portland are: Portland Museum of Art, Wicked Walking Tours, and Allagash Brewery.
The unemployment rate in Portland has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.4%. 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.
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 Portland 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 Portland. 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 Portland are affordable. The median home price for Portland homes is $548,087, which is 76.1% higher than the Maine average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Portland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 46.3% higher than the Maine average.
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.
| 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% |
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