Maine / Cumberland County

Moving to Portland, ME

Thinking of making a move to Portland, ME? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, ME

Considering a move to Portland, ME? This welcoming community of 68,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $525,000 and average rents near $2,050. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portland's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portland, ME

Portland has a population of 68,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 7% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
68,000
Density
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
4.8%
Others
11.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portland, ME?

The cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 126.4. Median home values are around $525,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$525,000
Gross Rent
$1,980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 5.8%| High: 7.15%
Cost Of Living Index
126.4
Grocery
121.0
Housing
142.5
Utilities
116.8
Transportation
108.9
Health Care
111.2
Miscellaneous
114.0

Crime

Is Portland, ME a safe place to live?

Portland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Maine.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,760
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Portland, ME year-round?

Portland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,000 and a low poverty rate of 11.4%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 50% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$74,000
Family Income
$95,000
Per Capita Income
$42,800
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$45,000
Poverty Rate
11.4%
Non English Speakers
12.6%
Rent
$1,980
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
8.9%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
49.5%

Education

How are the schools in Portland, ME?

Portland offers quality education options, with public schools like Portland High School, Deering High School, and King Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Southern Maine, Maine College of Art & Design, and Southern Maine Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portland High School
Street
284 Cumberland Ave
Phone
207-874-8250
Students
680
Student Teacher Ratio
12.9
Name
Deering High School
Street
370 Stevens Ave
Phone
207-874-8150
Students
710
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1
Name
King Middle School
Street
92 Deering Ave
Phone
207-874-8155
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4

Private Schools

Name
Cheverus High School
Street
267 Ocean Ave
Phone
207-774-6238
Students
850
Name
Portland Montessori School
Street
11 Falmouth St
Phone
207-774-5061
Students
180

Colleges

Name
University of Southern Maine
City
Portland
State
ME
Distance
2 miles
Students
7,500
Name
Maine College of Art & Design
City
Portland
State
ME
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,000
Name
Southern Maine Community College
City
South Portland
State
ME
Distance
4 miles
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Portland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and Portland VA Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 95.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Maine Medical Center
Address
22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone
(207) 662-0111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mercy Hospital
Address
175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102
Phone
(207) 879-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Portland VA Clinic
Address
141 Westcott Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
Phone
(877) 421-8263
Type
Outpatient & Specialty
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
95.4%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portland, ME?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $525,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Portland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Portland handle vehicle services through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Augusta. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Maine
Department
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone
(207) 624-9000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Portland, ME

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portland, review the core fields on this page: population 68,000, median home value $525,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,050, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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