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 68,424 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $420,000 and average rents near $1,650. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% 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 68,424 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 81% White, 8% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
68,424
Density
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age
37.6
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14%

Ethnic Composition

White
81.0%
Black
7.5%
Asian
3.3%
Others
8.2%

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 116.5. Median home values are around $420,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$420,000
Gross Rent
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$725
State Taxes
Low: 5.8%| High: 7.15%
Cost Of Living Index
116.5
Grocery
109.2
Housing
133.4
Utilities
111.5
Transportation
104.3
Health Care
111.1
Miscellaneous
108.0

Crime

Is Portland, ME a safe place to live?

Portland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 268 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 65. 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
268
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,547
Crime Index
1,815
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 373
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 65

Weather

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

Portland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,200 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 54% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,200
Household Income
$68,200
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$39,200
Income Male
$47,500
Income Female
$38,100
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Non English Speakers
14%
Rent
$1,650
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
8.1%
Commute Time
20.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.9%
Bachelors or More
54.1%

Education

How are the schools in Portland, ME?

Portland offers quality education options, with public schools like Portland High School and Lincoln 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 and Maine College of Art & Design. 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
900
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Name
Lincoln Middle School
Street
522 Stevens Ave
Phone
207-874-8145
Students
550
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1

Private Schools

Name
Waynflete School
Street
360 Spring St
Phone
207-774-5721
Students
575

Colleges

Name
University of Southern Maine
City
Portland
State
ME
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,800
Name
Maine College of Art & Design
City
Portland
State
ME
Distance
0 miles
Students
400

Healthcare

Portland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 94.8% 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
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
Address
175 Fore River Pkwy, Portland, ME 04102
Phone
(207) 879-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
94.8%
Health Care Index
76.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portland, ME?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $420,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 7.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.8%. Portland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate
44.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.5%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

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
101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone
1-207-624-9000

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 68,424, median home value $420,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,650, commute time 20.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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