Question 1

Is Portland, ME or Waterville, ME cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Waterville, ME is cheaper. The median home price in Portland, ME is approximately $575,900 and in Waterville, ME it is approximately $168,000 — a difference of $407,900.

Question 2

Is Portland, ME or Waterville, ME safer?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Is Portland, ME or Waterville, ME more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Portland, ME is more walkable. Portland, ME has a Walk Score of 90/100 and Waterville, ME has a Walk Score of 13/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Portland, ME or Waterville, ME?

Accepted Answer

Waterville, ME has higher-rated schools. Portland, ME has a school rating of 5.6/10 and Waterville, ME has a rating of 6/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Portland, ME or Waterville, ME?

Accepted Answer

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

Category	Portland, ME	Waterville, ME
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Good for now
Median Price	$576K	$168K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$1K	$881 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$55K ✓ Higher income	$51K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	90/100 ✓ More walkable	13/100
Transit Score	35/100 ✓ Better transit	1/100
Bike Score	40/100 ✓ More bikeable	1/100
Commute	20 min ✓ Shorter commute	30 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	B ✓ Safer	D+
Violent Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good	Good
Community
Schools	5.6/10	6/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	Young professionals who can afford the cost of livingFoodies and craft‑beer loversFamilies looking for good schools and parks	family-friendlyaffordablesmall-town lifestyle

Portland, ME vs Waterville, ME

Bottom line