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Middletown, PA

Frequently asked questions

Middletown, PA

Middletown is a borough in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River, 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Harrisburg. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 9,550. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Middletown was founded in 1755 along the left bank of the Susquehanna River and was incorporated as a borough in 1828 after a sudden boom in development and population occurred as a result of the construction of the Union Canal, connecting Lancaster to Middletown. In 1824, Pennsylvania's state legislature authorized and funded the canal construction as part of the broad sweeping commercial initiative called the Main Line of Public Works; a forward-looking project designed to connect Philadelphia to Pittsburgh by canals and river navigations and Philadelphia to challenge New York City and the Erie Canal for emerging mid-western markets beyond the Allegheny Mountains.

Middletown was selected as the western terminus of the Union Canal, and it was named from its location halfway between Lancaster and Carlisle, where an ascent exists to a low pass allowing easier wagon-era travel among the barrier mountains of the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians giving access into north-central Maryland and the valley of the Potomac River. It is the oldest incorporated community in Dauphin County and is located within a rich agricultural area forming the western edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Middletown is located in southern Dauphin County at 40°11′55″N 76°43′46″W (40.198491, -76.729326). Its southern border is along the Susquehanna River, and its eastern border is formed by Swatara Creek, across which is the borough of Royalton. Pennsylvania Route 230 (Main Street) leads northwest 10 miles (16 km) to the center of Harrisburg and southeast 8 miles (13 km) to Elizabethtown. Via the PA 283 expressway, it is 28 miles (45 km) southeast to Lancaster. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) passes through the northern part of the borough, but the nearest access is 4 miles (6 km) west near Highspire.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²), of which 2.0 square miles (5.3 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 2.33%, is water.

Middletown places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. PA Fitness Clubs offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Middletown Area Recreation Alliance (MARA) provides diverse fitness classes and recreational sports programs for all ages, promoting community engagement and physical activity. For those seeking a serene escape, Middletown Community Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and green spaces ideal for relaxation and outdoor exercise. Black Bear Fitness combines fitness and wellness with gym facilities and health coaching. For a relaxing experience, Tranquility Salon and Wellness Center offers massages, facials, and other spa treatments. Giant Fitness offers a comprehensive range of fitness equipment and classes.

Top sites in Middletown, PA are Hoffer Park, Hershey Gardens, and ZooAmerica

Population: 9,608 (2023). ZIP Code: 17057. Area code: 717. Elevation: 360 ft (110 m). Area: 2.08 sq mi (5.40 km²)

FAQs

Is Middletown, PA a good place to live?

Middletown is in Dauphin County. Living in Middletown offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Middletown, there are a lot of parks. The public schools in Middletown are above average.

What is Middletown, PA known for?

During the American Revolution, Middletown was an American Army supply depot and boat-building center. The borough is mainly residential with some light industry. Middletown Air Field (formerly Olmsted Air Force Base), adjacent to the west, is on the site of a former pickle farm. The upper-division campus of Capital College (Penn State Harrisburg), part of the Pennsylvania State University system, is in Middletown.

What is the crime rate in Middletown, PA?

Middletown has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Middletown is 1 in 105. Middletown's crime rate is lower than approximately 42% of Pennsylvania communities. However, compared to other communities of similar population size, Middletown has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average. This means that for comparably sized cities all across America, Middletown is actually safer than most according to NeighborhoodScout's exclusive analysis of FBI crime data.

Sources

Wikipedia

Borough of Middletown

Niche

Britannica

Neighborhood Scout

Hoffer Park

Hershey Gardens

ZooAmerica

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

PA Fitness Clubs

Middletown Area Recreation Alliance

Middletown Community Park

Black Bear Fitness

Tranquility Salon and Wellness Center

Giant Fitness

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