Steeltown roots, central location and affordability in Prospect
A century ago, the steel industry boomed in Middletown, Ohio. Modest bungalows and Foursquares sprung up to accommodate a growing number of American Rolling Mill Company employees, and venues like the Sorg Opera House entertained silent moviegoers. Although Armco Inc. relocated in the 1980s, a decision that resulted in a prolonged period of economic instability for Middletown, many of the city's original homes still stand today in neighborhoods like Prospect. With the exception of a former Armco research facility and several warehouses, Prospect is almost entirely residential. Comparatively affordable housing costs make it attractive to first-time homebuyers who enjoy the community's proximity to larger cities like Dayton and Cincinnati. It’s the type of place where homes, families and their businesses stick around for generations at a time.
Steel factories once employed many residents of the Prospect neighborhood.
The Sorg Opera House opened with the opera "The Little Tycoon" in 1891.
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Early-20th-century investment properties on small lots
Some of Prospect's homes were constructed in the early 1900s during the height of the steel boom, and architecture reflects the period; there's a mix of bungalows, Foursquares and Cape Cods on compact lots. Many homes are classified as investment properties, and prices start around $70,000. Updated houses, meanwhile, can sell for around $150,000.
Foursquare-style homes are found throughout the Prospect neighborhood.
Bungalow homes are common in the Prospect neighborhood.
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Playgrounds in local parks, a country club and events in Smith Park near the river
Although there are no parks specific to Prospect, many households are within walking distance of Oakland Park. In 2024, the city announced plans to restore playground equipment and basketball courts. To the west of Verity Parkway, there's Old South Park, which also has a playground, and Forest Hills Country Club. Next to the Great Miami River, Smith Park hosts most of the city's annual events. There's Light Up Middletown around Christmas, as well as hot-air balloon rides, firework shows and food vendors at The Great Ohio Challenge in July.
Residentts of Prospect enjoy the new basketball courts at Oakland Park.
Smith Park offers a variety of activities for the residents of the Prospect neighborhood.
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Football in Barnitz Stadium and the Early College Academy at Middletown High
According to local Realtor Steve Owens of Plum Tree Realty, Miami University's Middletown Campus is one of the city's most notable features. Middletown High School, which earns a C grade from Niche, partners with the university for the Early College Academy (ECA) program. Barnitz Stadium, where the Middletown Middies kick off during football season, seats over 9,000 fans and is less than a mile from Prospect. Beginning in prekindergarten, students can attend the C-minus-rated Rosa Parks Elementary, which is within walking distance for many. Highview 6th Grade Center and Middletown Middle School also receive C-minus grades.
The AP® participation rate at Middletown High School is 10%.
The student population of Rosa Parks Elementary School is 582 and the school serves PK-5.
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Central Avenue small businesses and regular customers at The Swire Inn
Residents live less than a mile away from generational establishments on Central Avenue. According to co-owner Valerie Slamka, Central Pastry Shop has used the same cinnamon square recipe for the better part of a century, and Erin Allen, assistant manager at the Swire Inn, highlights entertainment opportunities in downtown Middletown. "Central [Avenue] is where everything is poppin'," she says. "Downtown, we have the Sorg Theater across the street from our restaurant." Theater-goers often come into the Swire for food and drink after performances, and, according to Allen, "On Tuesday night, we have a full bar full of our regulars. They all hang out and eat together." On the menu, diners will find blonde ales, Reuben sandwiches and burgers. Shoppers can visit Needler's Fresh Market for groceries or drive along Roosevelt Boulevard to find big-box options.
Stop by for delicious, freshly baked goods at the Central Pastry Shop near the Prospect neighborhood.
Residents of the Prospect neighborhood get groceries and household essentials at Needler’s Fresh Market.
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A midway point between larger cities and a modern-day steel plant
In explaining the area's appeal, Owens makes sure to highlight its central location. "It's right by the highway off of [Interstate] 75… You're half an hour from Dayton and a little longer to Cincinnati." According to the Realtor, some residents will commute to work in Dayton. There are also remnants of the steel industry that are still alive and well in Middletown. Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works, for instance, is a little over a mile from Prospect. Four bus lines service the city, and an express line sstops at the Middletown Meijer on its way to Cincinnati, 35 miles away. More than 50 direct flights are offered from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and residents can access emergency medical care at Atrium Medical Center.
Community resources at Hope House Mission and MidPointe Library
Hope House Mission, a homeless shelter on Grove Street, offers several dozen beds, daily hot meals and counseling services. There's also a free breakfast and lunch program available for students within the Middletown City School District. About a mile from the neighborhood, the MidPointe Library has more resources. Case managers visit several times a week to provide mental health assistance, and there are English conversation circles for non-native speakers.
The Hope House Mission, located in the Prospect neighborhood, provides housing and hot meals to people in need.
MidPointe Library in Church offers educational services to the community.
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Information about crime in Prospect
The neighborhood's CAP Index Crime Score is 6 out of 10, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4. Some violent crimes rate as high as 9.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Lori Hall Pollard,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Smith Park
Sunset Park
Old South Park
Douglass Park
Bicentennial Commons
Bike Trails
Events
River
Crawford Park
Playground
Oakland Park
Basketball
Tennis
Pickleball
Washington Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
James M Cox Dayton International
53 min drive
Bus
Yankee Rd & 14th Ave
Bus
Curtis St & Parkview Ave
Bus
Yankee Rd & Curtis St
Bus
Curtis St.
Bus
Curtis St And Woodlawn Ave
Bus
Curtis St And Girard Ave
Bus
Woodside Blvd & Garden Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Prospect
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Prospect Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Prospect, Middletown sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Prospect, Middletown over the last 12 months is $100,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$100,000
Median Sale Price
$100,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$100,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$103
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
462
Median Year Built
1919
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,158
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,635
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Lori Hall Pollard,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,244
Median Age
37
Population under 18
28.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,749
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,450
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.3%
College Graduates
7.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
% Population in Labor Force
55.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
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®
47/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
33/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
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.
