Let the numbers do the talking.
Auburn, ME vs South Portland, ME
Auburn, ME vs South Portland, ME: What the data shows
Auburn, ME is in Auburn, ME while South Portland, ME is in South Portland, ME — both in the same state. On home prices, Auburn, ME is the more affordable option at $227,300 median — $130,600 less than South Portland, ME's $357,900. WYLT rates Auburn, ME as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and South Portland, ME as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Auburn, ME has the stronger safety profile of the two. Auburn, ME has Low violent crime and Low property crime. South Portland, ME has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Auburn, ME has Low flood risk and South Portland, ME has Low flood risk.
South Portland, ME is the more walkable neighborhood. Auburn, ME scores 8/100 (car-dependent) versus South Portland, ME's 18/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Auburn, ME has the higher school rating — Auburn, ME rates 6.4/10 and South Portland, ME rates 5.6/10.
| Category | Auburn, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $227K ✓ Lower price | $358K |
| Median Rent | $926 ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $60K | $82K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 8/100 | 18/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 ✓ Better transit | 2/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | 30 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 5.6/10 |
| Best for | Families looking for good schoolsRetirees who value a quiet communityHomebuyers on a moderate budget | Families with kidsCommuters to Portland downtownRetirees looking for a coastal lifestyle |
Bottom line
If you're a family with kids, South Portland might be a better fit since it offers decent schools and a more suburban feel, even if the home prices are steep. For remote workers or retirees on a budget, Auburn offers more affordable housing options and a quiet community, but you'll struggle to get around without a car. Ultimately, choose between these two suburbs based on your needs and priorities.
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