Middletown

Please don't let all of the negative comments scare you away from taking a good look at Middletown.  Middletown does have a lot of issues it has to contend with but city council is, in their own way, doing some good things for Middletown.  The Section 8 reductions should start to help.  Council is moving from the ward system to an at large system and is reducing their numbers from 7 to 5 members.  This should help them get better focused and, hopefully, start to make further progress.  Yes they are currently focused on some of the wrong issues, and seem to move money from fund to fund without solid reasons, but I still have hope.

 

Middletown city schools have a lot of issues that they are dealing with, but are moving in the right direction and are working hard to change their culture toward one of high expectations.

 

Real Estate values have decreased over the last 5 years, but they've decreased all over the country and it's hard to sort out which is Middletown specific issues and which is a result of the general decrease in real estate values.  From what I've seen Middletown's real estate value reduction has been at about the US average...15% - 20%... maybe a bit more for the higher end homes.

 

Middletown does have a high poverty rate and few amenities, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, but there are two good local restaurants in town, 3 good grocery stores, and some entertainment venues.  Plus Middletown is very close to Dayton and Cincinnati...so if you don't mind a 30 minute drive you are close to a lot of shopping, etc.  With the low property values, you should have money to spend at these places

 

Middletown does have a great sense of community and is full of some wonderful caring people...Yes there are some bums, but no more than in other cities.

 

Whether the city continues to turn around or stagnates or goes further down hill is anyone's guess but at least there are many people who are trying to make the right decisions and are working hard to push it the right direction.

 

Take Spider up on his offer.  I know that he'll give you a good tour, warts and all, and help you make your own decision.  Some who post on this board are disappointed about things and tend to take it out on the city.  They don't reflect the attitudes of many in the city.