Middletown's name was given back in the 1700s because it was halfway between, or in the middle of, the region's two major commercial cities of Carlisle and Lancaster. How's that for a literal name?
Like many cities in Pennsylvania, Middletown is a bit older-it was officially incorporated in 1828
Middletown's name was given back in the 1700s because it was halfway between, or in the middle of, the region's two major commercial cities of Carlisle and Lancaster. How's that for a literal name?
Like many cities in Pennsylvania, Middletown is a bit older-it was officially incorporated in 1828. It is the oldest incorporated community in its county (Dauphin), and it's anchored by Harrisburg (the state's capital city) to the northwest and Hershey to the northeast.
Middletown's 4,000 homes are fairly evenly split among rental properties and properties for purchase. What does this mean for you? If you're looking to rent, you're in luck! This city's rental market is pretty favorable, all things considered. Housing at all levels is in plentiful supply, whether you're looking for a studio for rent or a condo for rent.
The Market for Housing in Middletown
If Middletown is where you want to put down roots, you're in luck. The housing options and availability are in your favor. Single family detached housing is less than half of the market at 40%, while rental properties are about 37%. You won't have problems finding the amenities you need within walking distance of your place. Laundromats, grocery stores, and dry cleaners aren't more than a quick drive or walk from your front door.
Attached housing and row houses constitute 17% of the total housing available here. Row housing is one of the less common housing options and is great for those looking for something other than the traditional apartment options, such as 3 bedroom houses for rent. If you want a little more space than you can find in your average apartment, yet you still crave the traditional look and feel of a house, you'll be happy with Middletown's rental options.
If You Want The Feel of a House...
Here's the deal if you want to rent a house in Middletown: You'll definitely find a number of opportunities available, but you'll want to be ready for a more private, individual approach to finding and renting a home. Most likely, you'll be dealing directly with owners instead of management companies when you're on the hunt. These are folks who either live in the property themselves or manage it closely as if they did, and they'll be able to answer your specific questions.
This also means you will want to be specific about what is included in a lease and what isn't. When you look at apartments, be sure to ask about which utilities are included and which aren't; you might also want to inquire about typical monthly energy usage. The last thing you'd want to be stuck with is paying for heating or cooling at a building that is less than adequately insulated for either.
Lease-Signing Day
When you begin to narrow down your options, make sure you have your checkbook at the ready! You'll most likely need to sign over your first month's rent if you find a place you love. First month's rent, last month's rent, and security deposit are pretty standard requests-make sure you're prepared to pay these expenses. In some cases, a management company may be in a position to take a debit or credit card, but don't count on it.
Since Middletown covers only 2.1 square miles, you might think that individual neighborhoods are insignificant. Some people mistakenly think that Middletown is actually a neighborhood within Hershey or Harrisburg. However, Middletown has its own distinct neighborhoods-read more about them here!
Ebenezer: This area has a distinctive suburban feel. There are also mobile homes in this neighborhood, and most are owner occupied. One of the attractions in this area is Strites Orchard, which has a CSA-perfect for those folks who love cooking and local food.
Freys Grove and Penn State Harrisburg: This area also has a suburban feel and is home to a number of small- and medium-sized homes, as well as town homes, many of which are owner-occupied. Penn State's campus is in close proximity to many homes here. This neighborhood is home to the Susquehanna River, Lisa Lake, and the Harrisburg International Airport.
Borough Center: This area has the most urban atmosphere in Middletown. You'll find small- to medium-sized homes and apartment complexes, which also includes high rises. Most of the housing in this area is renter-occupied. You'll find traditional main street businesses here, including the Brownstone Caf̩, Kuppy's Diner, and Karns Foods, just to name a few. Also available are the Middletown Public Library and Hoffer Park.
N Union Street and E Main Street: This area is more suburban than some of the others, and has both small- and medium-sized homes. Most are owner occupied, including the mobile homes in the area. This area is home to the Frey Village Retirement Center, Oak Hills Park, and the Oak Grove Apartments.
Ann Street and S Catherine Street: This is yet another area in Middletown that has a suburban feel to it. The residents here are a mix of owners and renters.
Middletown has the right pieces in place for renters. On one hand, you'll see that there are many old commercial buildings, which gives Middletown a sense of history and stability. Some of the better-known historic sites include the Simon Cameron House and Bank, the Henry Smith House, and the Swatara Ferry House, all of which are located on the National Register of Historic Places.
Even if history isn't your jam, there are lots of other attractions within walking distance. The Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad is fun for everyone, and the Elks Theatre is a great place to take in a cheap movie. You won't need a car to run basic errands in Middletown, but having your own transportation does come in handy if you want to escape the city for a bit.
