Midland

Midland lives between the Ohio River and wooded hills quintessential of Beaver County. Its neighbors regard this community for its robust Independence Day celebrations, replete with a parade and carnival, and its modest housing prices. “You can still get a home in Midland for less than $100,000. It may be older and require updates, but it’s still an affordable place to live,” says Susan Daniel, a certification negotiation expert living in nearby Hanover County. Many of Midland's residences were built in 1917 to house workers of the township’s bygone steel industry. The area lost some of its stride upon the steel mill's closure in the 1980s, but it now grows steadily with new opportunities.

Passing into Midland you’ll notice two recent developments less than a mile from its welcome sign: the Midland Innovation and Technology Charter School on 12th Street and the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center on 10th Street, which also contains a charter school. Both serve the community by offering alternative educational paths for students seeking specific trades. The performing arts center also brings cheer to the community year-round through plays like “The Little Prince,” “Footloose” and “The Nutcracker” come Christmas. “It's harnessed the talents of people in the area and become something truly amazing,” Daniel says. Another addition to Beaver and thus Midland is the new Shell plastics plant in the Potter-Shippingport Township. “It’s opened up a lot more jobs in the area,” says Carol Miller, a Realtor of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who specializes in Pennsylvanian neighborhoods.

Route 168 — a 90-mile, east-west highway — bisects the township and draws a line between two distinctive areas. On one side, near the river, you have industrial warehouses and the old steel mill. On the other are two grid-style subdivisions, one with mostly American Foursquares, and the other with townhomes. A one-bedroom property on a centrally located street with opportunities for updates may sell for as low as $50,000, and a three-bedroom for less than $80,000. Given that many properties could be considered fixer-uppers, they rarely list for more than $90,000. Homes have small front yards with intersecting sidewalks and pathways. The average annual snowfall is 38 inches and Midland’s winters take their toll on its roads, which are regularly patched. Due to their modest price points, Daniel says homes here are snatched up quickly.

The township is served by both the Midland Borough and Beaver Valley Area school districts. Students begin their education at the combined Midland Elementary-Middle, the only school in Midlands bounds, before moving on to Beaver Area Senior High. The elementary-middle school earns a B-minus score from Niche, while the Senior High School gets a B rating. Despite being the only school within the township’s boundary, the elementary-middle school still has an impressive 13-to-1 teacher-to-student ratio.

The Carnegie Free Library of Midland on 9th Street, just opposite Lincoln Park with its flat grassy area with benches for reading, offers a quiet place for kids to study after school. For a much larger green space, locals can head 16 miles south to Raccoon Creek State Park via Route 168. Considered one of the most epic parks in Pennsylvania, Raccon Creek comprises 7,000 multiuse acres that contain a campground, lakeside lodging, wildfire preserve and even a hidden creek said to have healing properties. The creek has been visited by locals for its relaxing effects since the 19th century.

Small retail spots and eateries line Route 168, including #1NK Tattoo Parlor, Dollar General, Subway, Wunder Bar & Restaurant and Sali Mari’s Sub Shop. Aside from serving fresh subs, Sali Mari’s also sells “anti-pasta” and potato salad at its deli counter. Once you’ve exhausted Dollar General or just want a bigger shop, travel to Beaver Valley Mall, 9 miles via PA-68 west, where you’ll have your pick of chain stores. For groceries, visit Giant Eagle Supermarket, 8 miles away via Smith Ferry Road. There’s no public transportation in Midland, but you’ll be close to the highway for long trips. Some places are within walking distance of homes, but you’ll often drive a car here. Pittsburgh International Airport is also only 20 miles away via PA 376 west.

Maybe you’ll make your home in Midland.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Danny Lambert

Video By

Curtis Newkirk