Houlton 70 Excellent
Houlton Livability #54 ranked city in Maine#6,962 ranked city in the USARanks better than 76% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Houlton

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

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What's it like Living in Houlton?

Houlton, Maine is a small city with a population of 4,897 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Houlton residents are White, 4% Black and 2% American Indian and Alaskan. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Houlton offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Houlton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Maine, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Houlton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, employment and more.

With a livability score of 68/100, Houlton is ranked #7,852 in the United States and #66 in Maine. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Houlton ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Houlton. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and employment (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Houlton shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 82 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

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 Houlton 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.

Assuming that Houlton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Houlton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Houlton are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Houlton come in at $103,600, which is 41.1% lower than the Maine average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Houlton, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 31.4% lower than the Maine average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Houlton

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Compare Houlton, ME Livability

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      Houlton transportation information

      Statistic Houlton Maine National
      Average one way commute15min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.1%78.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.2%10.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.9%4.0%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%5.5%4.6%
      Source: The Houlton, ME data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).