Middletown

Middletown is a unique population in Orange County for it is quite diverse. There's more Hispanic people living here than White, as well as a close ratio of Black as well. Middletown is also one of Orange County's only three cities (the other two being Port Jarvis and Newburgh). There's an eclectic mix of class as well (for instance, consider the ritzy Presidential Heights compared to other parts of Middletown). One of the first things you might notice when coming into the downtown area are the many Victorian-style homes that line the pretty streets, and the impressively tall spire of the First Congregational Church, which towers over every other place in town.

Visitors to Middletown will enjoy seeing a film at the Paramount Movie Theater, or attending a fun even at the community-oriented Elks or Lions Clubs. Kids who live in this city can make friends and have fun at the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America groups or attending “Stories by the Camp Fire”, a program for children ages 6-12, that is funded through the Middletown Thrall Library (make sure you have a parent register first!). Visitors and residents alike can shop 'til they drop and eat great food at the Galleria @ Crystal Run, and there's also the strip of retail shops located all up and down Rt. 211. Fantastic restaurants to be found in Middletown are family-oriented places like Panera Bread or Ruby Tuesday, along with Fuju Japanese Steakhouse and The Park (Euro-Asian-American quizine, whose sushi has been rated 5 stars), a Subway, a Wendy's, the Planet Wings Grill, a Baskin Robins, and a Nathans. First things first though, check out Nina for their 5-star-rated international quizine, as they have a wonderful, welcoming and romantic atmosphere that will make any date with your loved one even more special!

Middletown has excellent parks (at least 13 in the area, such as Watts Memorial Park and Francher-Davidge Park). Middletown School District is a “turnaround school”, as they were once a struggling school district but is now performing very well with a 78% graduation rate, having introduced literacy programs and ESL programs into the mix.

The cost of living is a bit high here, but owning a house is affordable and begins under $200,000. The parks, schools and amenities make it all worth it---just take a vacation here and you'll see why people love to live in Middletown, NY!