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Monday, June 11, 2007
The Cincinnati-Middletown area improved its rank from 92 to 38 in the second edition of Cities Ranked & Rated.
Columbus rose from 110 to 36, while the ranking for Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor area stayed dismal, dropping from 264 to 285.
In the first edition of Cities Ranked & Rated that came out in 2004, the Dayton-Springfield metropolitan area ranked 41st in America and first in Ohio as a desirable place to live. In the latest edition of the book, which went on sale last month, Dayton has slipped to 84th nationally and third in the state.
The authors, Bert Sperling and Peter Sander, couldn't be reached to explain what changed so radically in the past three years, but Dayton wasn't the only community that moved up or down significantly in the rankings.
Extras
Ranking studies, such as the one that created Cities Ranked & Rated, are often accused of being arbitrary, subjective and unscientific, and such profound changes in a period of only three years implies the study may not be reliable enough for making major decisions such as where to live.
The rankings of 373 metropolitan areas in the United States were based on measures in 10 categories covering economics, climate, crime, education, arts and leisure.
In a section describing reasons for some of the changes, the authors said one factor was that the boundaries of some metropolitan areas changed. Dayton and Springfield were studied as one area in 2004 when the region was ranked 41st. Now part of separate reporting areas, Dayton and Springfield ranked 84 and 87 respectively.
The Dayton score that changed the most between 2004 and 2007 was "economy & jobs." Dayton-Springfield's economy ranked better than 32 percent of metropolitan areas studied in 2004, but Dayton beat out only about 14 percent in the latest study.
The Dayton area unemployment rate listed in the 2004 was 5.7 percent in 2004 compared to 6.1 percent for the rest of the country. In the 2007 study Dayton's unemployment rate had increased to 6.0 percent while the rest of the country dipped to 4.7 percent, indicating Dayton hasn't benefitted as much as other areas in an overall improvement in the national economy over the past few years.
On other criteria, Dayton's scores in 2007 were similar to those the area received in 2004.
The cost of living in the area continues to be attractive. For example, the median house price in the Dayton metropolitan area is $120,600 in the latest study compared with $220,000 nationally.
Dayton's most outstanding showing in the 2007 ratings was in the "arts & culture" area. The region ranked above the national average in the number of public libraries and in the ratings for its classical music, dance and museum offerings. The area's professional theater rating was the only arts measure that was below average.
In terms of communities with dramatically changed rankings, the book said the biggest move was in Flagstaff, Arizona, which climbed from a ranking of 244 in 2004 to a ranking of 18 in the latest volume. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington was the biggest loser dropping from number 28 to 262.
Comments
By hayan
June 25, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it. Albuquerque residents said they were only second to Phoenix, AZ for being desired to live in. There is something that is not true.
By Irvin
June 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
I remember the days (late 40’s and early 50’s) when all the surrounding cities were attracted too Middletown. They came from Cincy, Columbus, Dayton and other surrounding cities, to our tennis court dances. Douglas pool and the Armco center were a constant attraction: Let us not forget Rob’s corner! There were so many great things to do in Middletown then and now it is just a ghost of what it has been. Middletown did not have an attractive work environment and that is why I left…
By j-dub
June 11, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
shut the hell up all of you…who cares..If you dont like where you live take your dumb f**king asses elsewhere.besides what are you doing productive for our community anyway?,obviously nothing besides getting on your computers and fighting about stupid s**t rather taking it upon yourself to change middletown and make it a beter place.Its not just up to the “mayor”………………
By j-dub
June 11, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
shut the hell up all of you…who cares..If you dont like where you live take your dumb f**king asses elsewhere.besides what are you doing productive for our community anyway?,obviously nothing besides getting on your computers and fighting about stupid s**t rather taking it upon yourself to change middletown and make it a beter place.Its not just up to the “mayor”………………
By j-dub
June 11, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
shut the hell up all of you…who cares..If you dont like where you live take your dumb f**king asses elsewhere.besides what are you doing productive for our community anyway?,obviously nothing besides getting on your computers and fighting about stupid s**t rather taking it upon yourself to change middletown and make it a beter place.Its not just up to the “mayor”………………
By gary
June 11, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
what were they smoking???
By Front end alignment needed
June 11, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Coming off I-75 into Middletown would make you think it is a pretty nice place to live. And there are a lot of NICE people from Middletown. But these nice people can’t keep their automobile front ends aligned for the crumby roads. And this isn’t something that happened because AK was out on strike. The roads from Barbara Drive all the way down to Engles corner are deplorable and have been for a few years. Once I moved to the Springboro/Centerville area I dreaded driving in Middletown
By I got out
June 11, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Whether your on the inside looking out or the outside looking in…it’s about choice…if you don’t like the city LEAVE IT! I did and I am doing swell! Take some advice from a FORMER Middletonian…GROWTH IS NO LONGER IN THAT TOWN! GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN! Don’t be swept away with lie after lie after lie.
By I got out
June 11, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Whether your on the inside looking out or the outside looking in…it’s about choice…if you don’t like the city LEAVE IT! I did and I am doing swell! Take some advice from a FORMER Middletonian…GROWTH IS NO LONGER IN THAT TOWN! GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN! Don’t be swept away with lie after lie after lie.
By Terry
June 11, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
So the Mayor says that good times are just around the corner, eh?? If it is, it won’t be this group of people to make it happen. Can anyone remember when this group made a decision that made a significant difference in this town? If so, what was it? We get “pit bull dog changes” but no major announcements about a major employer bringing $20/hr jobs to town. We get pools to open comments but no major economic news for Midd. Do something for Midd., council. Stop getting in the way of progress!
By Terry
June 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
We have passed numerous tax levies in the past. The Midd. city government has demonstrated that they can not use the money wisely that we have given them-Lake Middletown, City Centre Mall, BiCentennial Commons,the 5 lanes on Manchester Road, the Airport purchase,the new hospital, etc. What indication has the city government given us, that would change the perception that they wouldn’t make another blunder with our money, whether it’s an income tax, a city tax, or any other tax they can think of?
By JM
June 11, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
It is a shame that people do not understand MONEY. If you want things to get upgraded you have to pass the INCOME TAX increase. You cannot fix anything without the funda to do so. You are all in the dark ages.
By JM
June 11, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Well Aaron. Move on out.
By Terry
June 11, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
The surrounding area is ok. The problem, unfortunately, is that Middletown is a “land that time forgot”. The previous city councils and the current council has and is doing the old “hide the head in the sand” routine where they are not wanting to know how to bring Middletown up to speed with the rest of the area. Most of the surrounding towns have something to offer that attracts interest and growth. This city government seems to be in denial that the city needs some progressive thinking to grow
By AARON
June 11, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
WAIT I FORGOT SOMETHING ELSE OHIO SUCK AN I CANT WAIT TO GET OUT OF HERE AN GO TO VA BEACH VA WHERE THEY CARE ABOUT EVERYTHING NOT JUST THERE POCKETS LIKE OHIO AN MIDDLETOWN
By AARON
June 11, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
you have got to be out your mind aparently those who ranked this has never lived here sorry MIDDLETOWN SUCKS
By bob
June 11, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
all lies.. its not a good place to live or make a living. did you see how many houses are for sale in middletown? and numbers climbing? i see it like rats leaving a sinking ship… also the air quality is awful. also i say kick everyone out of office and start new.. we need some new liars to raise taxes. and i bet to tax hike will go trough. no i dont have the answers, but i CAN see the problems! ..dont trust the media for truth! google it!
By WHATEVER
June 11, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
all lies.. its not a good place to live or make a living. did you see how many houses are for sale in middletown? and numbers climbing? i see it like rats leaving a sinking ship… also the air quality is awful. also i say kick everyone out of office and start new.. we need some new liars to raise taxes. and i bet to tax hike will go trough. no i dont have the answers, but i CAN see the problems! ..dont trust the media for truth! google it!
By loloopy
June 11, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
overall this area is a great place to live.you are close to everything.middletown has some issues,hopefully they’ll be resolved soon.most areas you can still leave your doors unlocked.i’m proud to be from middletown!!
By Cinplify.com
June 11, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
I can tell that your first commenter, Bill is an outsider to Cincinnati, he can’t even spell the city name right. While I am not usually one to correct spelling, anyone who misspells Cincinnati loses any credibility to criticize it.
When did slumping sports teams dictate the quality of life in the region? I moved here 4 years ago and find Cincinnati to be a great city. It seems every weekend there is something going on for young professionals, families and hipsters. If you don’t know what
By doug.bowling,franklin,ohio
June 11, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
iam,fromvermont,godbless,youall
By doug.bowling,franklin,ohio
June 11, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
iam,fromvermont,godbless,youall
By doug.bowling,franklin,ohio
June 11, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
iam,fromvermont,godbless,youall
By doug.bowling,franklin,ohio
June 11, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
iam,fromvermont,godbless,youall
By Quit Lying to Middletown
June 11, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I agree with what Middie Pride said. Mayor you need to go back and read the article AGAIN! Stop it! Middletown has had it and you know it! My Aunt was there over the weekend visiting from out of state and she went to the “Towne mall” and said she was in shock at how many stores were actually closed! The town looks so OLD and EMPTY! It is not growing! MONROE, WEST CHESTER, now there is were all the growth is going! GO SIT DOWN MAYOR! GIVE IT UP!
By doug.bowling,franklin,ohio
June 11, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
iam,not,from,here,godbless,youall
By Bill
June 11, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
I’m an outsider to the Cincinatti area, and I wouldn’t live here on a bet! You have to be kidding me! You’ve got a baseball team that’s terrible! A football team that doesn’t know who it is! And a bunch of people that haven’t got a clue what’s going on in the rest of the world. I may live in southern Ohio, but I know there is a world outside Hamilton County!! Wake up people, the rest of the world is growing and getting smarter everyday! Why don’t you try it?
By Reba
June 11, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Think about it. Cox Publishing owns the Hamilton Journal, the Middletown Journal and the Daily Daily News. Cox does not own a Cincinnati newspaper. Does that answer your question?
By Carolyn
June 11, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks for putting this in our local newspaper. What goes on in our surounding communicaties, also has an impact on us. It is nice to know and newsworthy enough to be informed of the improvements enough to make such a change in prefferences for people to live or relocate. Maybe Hamilton will be inspired and we can bring in a possitive change here too.. Change c
By Shawnda
June 11, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I’ll tell you why it’s important to reflect these articles in the Hamilton Journal - Do you realize that our potential to grow and sustain our economy comes from a large workforce and quality of life? Butler County is very fortunate to be in the middle of both Cincinnati and Dayton. Combined the numbers and you’ll see the benefit. An employer can locate in Butler County and draw a highly educated workforce from Dayton and Cincinnati, not to mention a great place to live. Not only can you work in Butler County, but if not, and you live here, you can work in Cincinnati and your wife can work in Dayton, and the both of you only have to travel 30 minutes - check out ButlerCounty.Biz to see the numbers.
By Shawnda
June 11, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I’ll tell you why it’s important to reflect these articles in the Hamilton Journal - Do you realize that our potential to grow and sustain our economy comes from a large workforce and quality of life? Butler County is very fortunate to be in the middle of both Cincinnati and Dayton. Combined the numbers and you’ll see the benefit. An employer can locate in Butler County and draw a highly educated workforce from Dayton and Cincinnati, not to mention a great place to live. Not only can you work in Butler County, but if not, and you live here, you can work in Cincinnati and your wife can work in Dayton, and the both of you only have to travel 30 minutes - check out ButlerCounty.Biz to see the numbers.
By Shawnda
June 11, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
I’ll tell you why it’s important to reflect these articles in the Hamilton Journal - Do you realize that our potential to grow and sustain our economy comes from a large workforce and quality of life? Butler County is very fortunate to be in the middle of both Cincinnati and Dayton. Combined the numbers and you’ll see the benefit. An employer can locate in Butler County and draw a highly educated workforce from Dayton and Cincinnati, not to mention a great place to live. Not only can you work in Butler County, but if not, and you live here, you can work in Cincinnati and your wife can work in Dayton, and the both of you only have to travel 30 minutes - check out www.ButlerCounty.Biz to see the numbers.
By Middie Pride
June 11, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Mayor Schiavone, you show your knowledge of facts is missing constantly. The arrticle states the ranking is based upon the area encompassing Cincinnati to Middletown (suburds), which includes Mason, Lebanon, West Chester, Hamilton, Hyde Park, Indian Hills, etc. This is NOT a ranking of Middletown. Yeah…this shows Middletown is turning around. Man, please resign, we can’t take anymore of you and your inability to think (or read). The spin stops. Quite a huge area of coverage Mr. Schiavone.
By Cinti
June 11, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
This article should have been about Hamilton & Cinti, & not about Dayton. Most of us who live in Hamilton get the Cinti Enq & the HJN & NOT the Dayton Daily. Please, fewer stories about Dayton, & more about the areas we actually live, shop, visit & care about. Hamilton is a good place to live. We have several historic districts, museums, places to shop, & many different restaurant choices. If we can’t find it here, we can find it close by in Cinti. Enough about Dayton!!!
By Bob
June 11, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Hey Appauled, Chill out.
Chances are people in Dayton don’t care about you, either.
Shift to decaf, dude.
Bob in Wisconsin
By appauled
June 11, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
WHY IS THIS ON JOURNAL-NEWS.COM??????? IT SHOULD BE ON MIDDLETOWNJOURNAL.COM. I LIVE IN BUTLER COUNTY AND COULD CARE LESS ABOUT DAYTON. PLEASE GIVE ME NEWS OF MY AREA ONLINE. THE NEWSPAPER SUCKS BAD ENOUGH. GIVE ME A BREAK!