A community with industrial roots and an artsy future
U.S. Route 10 and Michigan Route 20 intersect inland from Saginaw Bay to form the crossroads of Midland. U.S. Route 10 winds from west to north, forming an artificial divide between Midland’s residential and industrial pockets. The city’s southern portion is mostly industrial, a key component of the area's economy. “Mainly industry is what’s drawing people over there,” says Realtor Herbert Saenz of Modern Realty. Dow Chemical is the most well-known, which was founded there in 1897 and remains a prominent employer of about 4,000 residents. Midland is arguably just as popular with artists; the Midland Center for the Arts regularly hosts everything from comedy to orchestral performances. On top of all that, Midland has a proud spot on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to its West Main Street Historic District.
Midland's West Main Street Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Founded in 1897, Dow Chemicals has always been the largest employer in Midland.
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Midland has all sorts of home styles
Much of Midland’s housing was built on the north side. In town, a three-bedroom home on a tenth of an acre is commonplace, while larger homes on up to an acre are more likely in the fringes of the city. The city's $245,000 median price is about $200,000 below the national figure but has climbed about 9 percent in the last 12 months. Homes in the West Main Street Historic District, between Revere and Ripley streets, sell for a range of their own -- from the low $200,000s into the $600,000s with some restrictions on renovations and updates in keeping with the late 19th century to mid-20th century origins. Prices of newer condos farther east on Main Street rise into the $800,000s. “I would say anywhere in town is still selling well,” says Realtor Jamie Broderick of eXp Realty. “Midland is known for its midcentury moderns.” Classic ranch-styles, stately Colonial Revivals and quirky split-levels can also be seen here.
Midland is known for its variety of homes, including ranch and bungalows.
Midland's West Main Street Historic District has late 19th-century homes.
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Exploring the Dow Gardens
Plymouth Park’s playground makes it ideal for an afternoon outside with the kids. The Tridge, an arched pedestrian bridge that connects to a trio of riverbanks at the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers, is great for a view of downtown and the two waterways that flow under its intersecting spans. Dow Gardens, a 110-acre park that sees some 175,000 visitors each year, displays thousands of flowers and decorative shrubs. Also, there's a rope bridge for visitors to cross the property suspended in the treetops.
Your kids will love the playground at Plymouth Park in Midland.
Dow Gardens in Midland is known for its canopy walk.
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Catching a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts
The Midland Center for the Arts, adjacent to Dow Gardens, is the cornerstone of community engagement. The calendar is packed year-round with live music, standup comedy acts, special movie screenings and musicals.
The Midland Center for the Arts has year-round events in Midland.
The Midland Center for the Arts has a museum and two auditoriums in Midland.
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A little bit of everything to eat in Midland
Midland has a bit of everything for foodies to try. Barbecue, Italian, sushi and steak are all on the menu across the city’s restaurants. One of these gems is Café Zinc, an upscale bistro in the heart of downtown.
Cafe Zinc in The H Hotel in Midland is very popular with locals.
Midland locals head downtown to Molasses Smokehouse and Bar for the best barbecue.
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Midland Public Schools
Midland Public Schools earns an overall A-minus from Niche. Midland Public Schools consistently ranks among the state’s top 50 school districts. Some 7,500 students go to class each day at one of the area’s 11 schools.
Midland High School, where teachers inspire students to reach their full potential.
Plymouth Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
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Commuting to Downtown Midland is short and sweet
Residents who commute downtown for work travel a maximum of 4 miles, provided they live in the city. Reaching Downtown Midland from the Costco Wholesale on the far east side, for example, takes 10 minutes with good traffic. While Midland doesn’t have a dedicated bus line, residents with disabilities can contact the Dial-A-Ride service after submitting their ADA verification. For out-of-town trips, residents head 13 miles southeast to the MBS International Airport, with flights to Chicago and Detroit. A drive there takes 16 minutes with good traffic.
Crime and dioxins
Crime in Midland has remained significantly lower than both Michigan and the United States overall, relative to population. This is especially true of aggravated assault, which occurs at about one-third or half the rate of the country’s figure. The same is true for the city’s rate of burglary.
Midland is not susceptible to natural disasters. Instead, the key environmental concern for this city and county is the presence of dioxins. Dioxins, or toxic byproducts of manufacturing, were discovered at levels higher than normal in the city’s soil, the Tittabawassee River and, most importantly, residents themselves. A 2008 study concluded that there is a correlation between the elevated dioxins in the soil sampled closest to the river and higher rates of breast cancer among Midland women.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Gott,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Midland, MI sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Midland, MI over the last 12 months is $257,800, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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