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Barbara Park

Barbara Park

Neighborhood in Middletown, Ohio

Butler County 45044

$187,427 Average Value
$154 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Residential streets border a former industry town

Old-school donut shops sit down the street from bingo parlors in Barbara Park, a Middletown, Ohio neighborhood developed during the 1950s and '60s. With the exception of a few convenience stores and the occasional community church, the neighborhood is primarily residential and comprised of approximately 530 midcentury homes and several apartment complexes. The city was once home to thriving paper and steel factories and brick storefronts supported a growing working-class population. Today, nonprofits like Downtown Middletown, Inc., or DMI, are working to revitalize the city, filling vacancies and scheduling annual events. Community parks and miles of bike trails border the Miami River, making Middletown's neighborhoods — Barbara Park included — attractive for those looking for outdoor recreation opportunities as well as retail conveniences. Roosevelt Boulevard connects residents to historic downtown Middletown, about 2 miles away and Interstate 75 connects commuters to larger urban centers like Cincinnati, 35 miles south, and Dayton, 25 miles north. In general, it's the type of place where families stick around for generations. "My husband's fifth generation here," says Jeri Lewis, community projects coordinator for the city. "We still have quite a few descendants of the founders of Middletown."

Barbara Park is attractive for those looking for outdoor recreation and suburban lifestyle.
Barbara Park is attractive for those looking for outdoor recreation and suburban lifestyle.
Barbara Park once had paper and steel factories supporting a thriving working class.
Barbara Park once had paper and steel factories supporting a thriving working class.
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Mid-century homes on compact lots

Most homes in Barbara Park date back to the 1950s and '60s, when Middletown's economy was centered around the steel industry. Ranch-style houses, split-levels and Cape Cods are the standard, and prices range from just under $150,000 to $300,000. Lot sizes are relatively uniform, typically falling under a quarter acre in size. In Barbara Park, it's common to find above-ground swimming pools, chain link fencing and detached garages. Both sides of the street are lined with sidewalks, ensuring safe routes for students who walk home from Mayfield Elementary. The neighborhood also has a 5 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4.

Lot sizes are typically falling under a quarter acre in size in Barbara Park.
Lot sizes are typically falling under a quarter acre in size in Barbara Park.
Barbara Park is home to many mid-century colonial homes that have modern renovations.
Barbara Park is home to many mid-century colonial homes that have modern renovations.
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Youth baseball leagues, a nearby golf course and the Great Miami River Trail

Goldman Park, located just outside the neighborhood on its western border, is home to tennis courts and baseball diamonds used for Middie Way Youth Baseball games. Nearby, volunteers often gather for community workdays at Bull's Run Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, and less than 2 miles north of Barbara Park, Wildwood Golf Club memberships include access to a pool and a clubhouse dining room. Most of the area's recreation options are concentrated around the Miami River. Spanning more than 90 miles along the river's banks is the Great Miami River Trail, which connects five counties, with Middletown representing its southernmost point.

Barbara Park is nearby Wildwood Golf Club which features a pool and a clubhouse dining room.
Barbara Park is nearby Wildwood Golf Club which features a pool and a clubhouse dining room.
Residents enjoy taking a walk on the Great Miami River Trail in Barbara Park.
Residents enjoy taking a walk on the Great Miami River Trail in Barbara Park.
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Mayfield Elementary School within walking distance

Many Barbara Park students live within walking distance of Mayfield Elementary School, one of the six elementary schools within the Middletown City School District. Mayfield earns a C from Niche and students can go on to attend Highview 6th Grade Center, which receives a C-minus rating. Middletown Middle and Middletown High also receive scores of C-minus and C, respectively, and select high school students can take part in the high school's Early College Academy during their junior and senior years. The program, which is offered in association with Miami University, allows students to graduate with an associate degree. For higher education pursuits, Miami University is a public university offering small class sizes and three campuses across Ohio, including its Middletown location.

Highview 6th Grade Center in Barbara Park receives a C-minus rating from Niche.
Highview 6th Grade Center in Barbara Park receives a C-minus rating from Niche.
Students of Barbara Park can start their education at Mayfield Elementary.
Students of Barbara Park can start their education at Mayfield Elementary.
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Holiday season and summertime festivities in Historic Downtown Middletown

Residents can drive into downtown Middletown for annual events or to access community art centers. Many buildings along Main Street and Central Avenue — including the Sorg Opera House — date back over a century, and the Sorg still hosts plays and musicals today. During the city's Holiday Whopla, families can book skating lessons on the downtown rink or rent heated igloos. The annual Whopla also features a 'Santa parade' on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. "People dress up in costumes, really any character you can think of that would be affiliated with Santa Claus; he comes out on a horse-drawn carriage at the very end," says Lewis, describing the parade, which has been a downtown tradition for approximately 15 years. "We are a big party city," adds Lewis. "That's what I tell everybody." Residents can also look forward to the area's Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Saint Patrick's Day Parades, as well as the Ohio Challenge — a hot air balloon festival which takes place annually over a weekend in July. There are hot air balloon rides, food vendors and plenty of carnival games.

Roosevelt Boulevard retail and Towne Mall

Retail in the area is concentrated along Roosevelt Boulevard, where residents can shop for household necessities at the Family Dollar and refuel at BP or Speedway. Milton's Donuts has been a neighborhood staple since the 1960s and it welcomes customers at 5 a.m. daily. According to Lewis, Milton's and the Central Pastry Shop — another local favorite — enjoy a bit of friendly competition. "There's talk as to which one is the best in town," says Lewis, recommending the glazed croissant at Milton's and nodding to Central for their fresh-made cookies and cakes. About 3 miles from Barbara Park is Towne Mall, which first opened in the 1970s and is now in the midst of redevelopment. The multi-million-dollar project will include a brand-new event center, a hotel and office spaces. The area is currently home to several grocery store options, including Meijer, Aldi and Kroger.

Grab a sweet treat at the beloved Milton's Donuts in Barbara Park.
Grab a sweet treat at the beloved Milton's Donuts in Barbara Park.
Barbara Park is currently home to several grocery store options including Aldi.
Barbara Park is currently home to several grocery store options including Aldi.
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Interstate 75 and the CincyLink toward Cincinnati

About 3 miles outside of Barbara Park, Roosevelt Avenue merges with I-75, connecting Middletown to larger Ohio cities like Dayton and Cincinnati, which are both under 40 miles away. Most residents commute via car, but the CincyLink express bus does stop outside the Middletown Meijer, connecting Butler County to Cincinnati. There are also four public bus routes that operate around Middletown. The Gold Line, for instance, stops along Roosevelt Avenue and connects Barbara Park to the city's downtown. Residents can book commercial flights out of the Dayton International Airport or Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Middletown's regional airport offers flight lessons and even skydiving adventures. The Atrium Medical Center, 264-bed facility 4 miles from the neighborhood, is the nearest hospital and a major area employer.

Sara Caskey
Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Nick Janning

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Angela Flory, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

James M Cox Dayton International

49 min drive

Bus

Burbank Ave & Lamberton St.

Bus

Grand Ave & Jackson Ln

Bus

Grand Ave & Highland Ave (Eastbound)

Bus

Goldman St. & Orchard

Bus

Burbank Ave & Sheffield St.

Bus

Goldman St & Florence St.

Bus

Goldman St & Highland St.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Barbara Park US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$210,000
Median Single Family Price
$212,500
Median Townhouse Price
$329,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$154
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
29
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$215,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
537
Median Year Built
1957
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,281
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,971
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Angela Flory, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,515
Median Age
38
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$49,843
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,168

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.8%
College Graduates
9.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

37 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

21 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Barbara Park