Question 1

Is Old Town, ME or Portland, ME cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Old Town, ME is cheaper. The median home price in Old Town, ME is approximately $165,200 and in Portland, ME it is approximately $575,900 — a difference of $410,700.

Question 2

Is Old Town, ME or Portland, ME safer?

Accepted Answer

Old Town, ME scores higher on safety. Old Town, ME has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Low. Portland, ME has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Old Town, ME or Portland, ME more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Portland, ME is more walkable. Old Town, ME has a Walk Score of 2/100 and Portland, ME has a Walk Score of 90/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Old Town, ME or Portland, ME?

Accepted Answer

Portland, ME has higher-rated schools. Old Town, ME has a school rating of 4.7/10 and Portland, ME has a rating of 5.6/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Old Town, ME or Portland, ME?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Old Town, ME	Portland, ME
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$165K ✓ Lower price	$576K
Median Rent	$888 ✓ Lower rent	$1K
Median Income	$47K	$55K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	2/100	90/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	1/100	35/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	1/100	40/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	45 min	20 min ✓ Shorter commute
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	A ✓ Safer	B
Violent Crime	Low	Low
Property Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good	Good
Community
Schools	4.7/10	5.6/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	Families seeking a safe, small‑town school environmentRetirees who don’t need a car for daily errandsFirst‑time home buyers on a budget	Young professionals who can afford the cost of livingFoodies and craft‑beer loversFamilies looking for good schools and parks

Old Town, ME vs Portland, ME

Bottom line