Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Located in the state of Maine, South Portland is a medium-sized city with a population of 25,665 people. According to the most recent Census, 89% of South Portland residents are White, 5% Black and 2% Asian. South Portland is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? South Portland offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in South Portland, Maine. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in South Portland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maine and national averages.
With a livability score of 79/100, South Portland is ranked #1,655 in the United States and #16 in Maine. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in South Portland could be a great choice! South Portland also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that South Portland ranks very well for amenities (B-), crime (B+), education (B-), employment (B) and housing (A-).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. South Portland has a violent crime rate of 157 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in South Portland 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in South 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 South Portland are affordable. The median home price for South Portland homes is $276,100, which is 56.9% higher than the Maine average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Portland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 17.1% higher than the Maine average.
| Statistic | South Portland | Maine | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.4% | 78.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.3% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.6% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 4.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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