Portland ranks No. 1 as the most livable U.S. metro area for 2024, according to data from RentCafe.
RentCafe analyzed 139 metropolitan areas across 17 key metrics to assess factors like cost of living, access to lifestyle amenities, and community spirit
Portland was No. 1 overall and ranked very high in three key factors – quality of life, socioeconomics, and location and community. It ranked 5th in terms of quality of life and location and community and 11th for socioeconomics.
Two other New England metro areas were among the 20 for “most livable.” Manchester, New Hampshire was No. 11, and Boston was No.17.
Some of the criteria to determine the RentCafe survey included a metro area’s number of health care providers; number of social associations; food index; number of arts and entertainment venues; and commuting time.
The survey says Portland metro strikes a perfect balance between good living and what it calls “location, location, location”” It also poses the complementary question, “What’s better than the aesthetic of a historic port area?”
RentCafe listed five areas where Portland metro excels:
- Great higher education opportunities
- Steady income growth
- Plenty of sports facilities
- Fresh food sources
- Diverse health care providers
In addition, the survey says the Portland metro area is perfect for fitness enthusiasts, foodies and young professionals looking for a lifestyle that promotes a work/life balance.
RentCafe calculated Portland metro’s share of renters at 23.2%. The area’s cost of living is 10 percent above the national average. By comparison, No. 3 Des Moines, Iowa has a cost-of-living 12% percent below the national average, while it’s 42% higher in Boston. Portland has among the lowest unemployment rates of the top 20 metro areas in the survey at 3.4%
