Travel A Lot hasn't made many friends in Maine by declaring various towns and cities as some of the worst in America. But when you're good at something, you shouldn't quit. And they haven't.

Last year, Travel A Lot named Portland as the most 'miserable' city in the entire state. For 2023, they're not backing down on that claim. But before you prepare your snarky and mean-spirited tweet, this is one Travel A Lot claim that has some interesting reasoning behind their declaration.

Portland, Maine, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.
Sean Pavone
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What Makes Portland So Miserable?

It really all boils down to the cost of living. It isn't exactly breaking news to hear that real estate in Portland is very expensive. Rental prices have sharply increased in recent years, partially because of a spike in property taxes, but also because of a general overall hike in single and multi-family home values. What may come as a bit of a shock is that nearly one out of every five people living in Portland are doing so below the national poverty level.

Downtown Portland, Maine, on June 21, 2019.
Townsquare Media
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The money troubles in Portland are compounded by how expensive the city is in general. The cost of goods in Portland are roughly 15% more expensive than the national average. As touched on above, the cost of housing in Portland is 25% higher than the national average, leading to substantial misery. Portland is now one of the top luxury real estate markets in all of New England.

Downtown Portland, Maine, on June 21, 2019.
Townsquare Media
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It's Not All Bad for Portland

Travel A Lot gives Portland high marks for improving its crime rate over the last decade. Making neighborhoods safer is a key step to making property more desirable. Not mentioned by Travel A Lot is that Portland remains an international destination for food and beer, making it a prime location for summer homes for wealthier individuals.

historic city scenery seen in Portland, Maine (USA)
prill
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The 10 Safest Places in Maine to Live Right Now

Breaking down stats relating to violent and property crime, here are the 10 places in Maine that are the safest to call home right now according to SafeWise.com.

Gallery Credit: Joey

Here Are 30 Maine Restaurants Our Parents Took Us to When We Were Growing Up

Have you ever wondered if those restaurants your parents took you to when you were younger are still here in Maine? Do they look the same? Does the food still taste super yummy? Here Are 30 Maine restaurants our Parents took us to when we were growing up, Let the nostalgia begin!

Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder

 

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