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.
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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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 is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 49,224 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Portage could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Portage is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly 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 Portage, Michigan. 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Portage and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Portage to Michigan and the national average.
Portage, MI receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #71 in Michigan and #1,466 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Portage ranks well in multiple categories! Portage has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Portage has received high marks for education (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Portage scores poorly for, including: amenities (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Portage 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.
Assuming that Portage 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 Portage. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Portage are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Portage come in at $174,600, which is 36.6% higher than the Michigan 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 Michigan average.
| Statistic | Portage | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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