2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Portage, MI vs Houghton Lake, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Houghton Lake older or younger than people in Portage?
- The Median Age in Houghton Lake is 15.4 years older than in Portage.

Are housing costs cheaper in Houghton Lake or Portage?
- Houghton Lake housing costs are 34.7% less expensive than Portage housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Houghton Lake or Portage?
- The average commute for residents of Houghton Lake is 3.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Portage.

Things to do in Portage?
Portage, MI is a peaceful community located in Kalamazoo County near Lake Michigan. Home to numerous parks and recreational areas including Celery Flats Historical Area and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, Portage provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like disc golfing at Milham Park Golf Course or fishing on Pigeon River Country State Game Area. In addition, there are many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for rural serenity or just want easy access to nearby cities — Portage has something for everyone!

Things to do in Houghton Lake?
Living in Houghton Lake, MI is a pleasant experience. The area offers natural beauty, with its many lakes and nearby forests providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, allowing for a variety of activities. The community has a strong sense of pride, with many residents actively participating in local events and organizations. Despite its small population size, there is still plenty to do and see throughout the year. From summertime swimming, fishing and boating on the lake to winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, Houghton Lake provides a great place to live no matter what time of year it is.

 Portage, MIHoughton Lake, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,734329,725,481
 Median Income$68,755  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock52.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$252,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

I'm just writing because I think that the people who are in my opinion bashing Kalamazoo, really don't know anything about it. I have vacationed in much larger cities,  More

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Before I moved to Portage in 2007, I didn't have any real breathing problems. I had a minor case of hay fever. I moved here and I am stuck inside most of the summer  More

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Over 20 years ago

Portage is a nice palce to live and raise a family. I don't think it would be a good place for a single  More

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Reviews for Houghton Lake    3 Reviews

This is a rural resort area. You must be able to embrace the rural lifestyle. There's no real shopping opportunities other than Walmart, Kmart, Peebles, Dunhams, Tractor  More

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Over 17 years ago

The quality of life here for most depends on how you look at it. If your looking for a medium to high paying job there realy are none, and there's hardly any jobs that  More

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The climate here is...well..cold... seems like most of the time and one does get cabin fever when March rolls around, if not sooner. Can't wait for summer! If you love  More

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