Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
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.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Portage, Indiana is a medium-sized city with a population of 36,524 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Portage could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Portage, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Portage could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Indiana if you know where to look. 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. Finding the best places to live in Portage and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Portage has a livability score of 69/100 and is ranked #131 in Indiana and #7,123 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Portage has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A-) and housing (A). Regrettably for Portage, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and education (D).
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. Portage shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 159 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.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Portage market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Portage is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Portage come in at $156,600, which is 23.8% higher than the Indiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portage, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 4% higher than the Indiana average.
| Statistic | Portage | Indiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.3% | 83.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.4% | 8.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.8% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
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