Middletown/Goshen - Middletown, NY

While early settlement in Goshen began around 1714, settlement of Middletown likely began a little later, around 1744. Goshen was established as a town in the late-18th century, however did not see the economic boom that Middletown would later see with the growth of the Erie Railroad and the New York, Ontario and Western Railway. Middletown officially became a city in 1888. By the 1960s, most of the businesses bolstered by the railroads had closed and were replaced by the large motor plants, creating tons of opportunity for local employment. Those plants later closed down or were downsized, ultimately decreasing the area's industrial involvement.

Goshen's Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame showcases the town’s long history in the Standardbred industry, providing many educational opportunities and public exhibits. Every July, Goshen also holds their Great American Weekend, a large event full of crafts, games, and food vendors.

While both cities present different options in terms of restaurants and pubs, residents generally prefer Middletown for its variety of eateries and larger nighlife. Something Sweet Dessert Cafe presents exactly what its name suggests: a fresh, friendly atmosphere with a diverse menu from lunches to dinners, and of course a huge selection of coffees and desserts. In the heart of Middletown, one might stumble across Holy Dog. This isn't a place for fine dining, but it's a local favorite and a perfect spot for a quick lunch, no matter what kind of topping you prefer on your dog. Looking at live music and late night life, Brian’s Backyard BBQ and Blues provides exactly what’s needed, serving Southern-style food and live blues music that keep locals coming back time and again.

Moving over toward the Goshen area, Catherine’s Restaurant provides a more upscale atmosphere — along with a higher price range — while also maintaining a classic pub atmosphere for those sitting at its basement-level bar. From Tuesday to Saturday, Catherine’s serves lunch, dinner and dessert, and the bar carries a menu with traditional pub-style foods.

Middletown provides several options for local bus service as a means to get around the immediate area. Its bus line runs throughout the day until about 5 p.m., stopping at approximately eight different locations throughout the city. The Main Line bus service runs between Middletown, Goshen, Chester and several other nearby towns.

Accessing the area via car is a snap via Route 84 and State Road 17, which crosses through Middletown and Goshen. The city of Middletown does not typically charge for parking, and Goshen harbors an accessible lot for commuters. While these towns maintain few to no bike lanes, most Middletown streets provide sidewalks for pedestrians. Local taxi services should be called ahead for a pick up and sadly ridse sharing options like Uber do not operate in the area.

Just north-east of Middletown, the Highland Lakes State Park maintains a lively natural environment for residents and visitors to take a hike, a bike-ride, or a drive through the country. Small parks spot the city of Middletown itself; natural locations such as Thrall Park and Watts Memorial Park show a lively, natural side to the city environment. The local college, SUNY Orange, also maintains a large number of athletic fields.

Goshen has many options for smaller local parks, such as the Land O Goshen Park, which harbors a series small and large sports fields. The Good Time Park provides a more untamed location, less suitable for a children’s play area but perhaps perfect for a nature walk.

Middletown also sponsors a free summer concert series running from early May to late August, with most events setting up in Festival Square. This provides a fun, free opportunity for entertainment for any age rage, and hosts many acts whose musical style include folk, rock, and soul.

The average rental rate for the Middletown/Goshen area sits higher than that of Orange County New York, running around $1,200 per month. One-bedroom apartments in the heart of Middletown have been known to rent for around $900 per month, however most rentals will run over $1,000 a month, with that number decreasing as distance from the city center increases.

A pubgoer in Middletown can expect to typically pay $5 to $6 for a beer at a local pub. The gas prices in the area run about 9 percent higher than the national average, a typical rate for this part of New York.

The Galleria at Crystal Run stands as one of the most prominent shopping centers in the region, drawing in customers from all over northern New Jersey and the surrounding New York towns. Located just east of the Middletown's city proper, the Galleria holds the title as the Hudson Valley's second largest shopping mall. With over 250 different stores, a food court, and a 16-screen AMC theater, any family or individual shopper should enjoy a day at Middletown's mall. Elsewhere in the downtown and surrounding areas of Middletown, one may find smaller and perhaps more varied shopping experiences. The Alto Music stores provides a great selection for any music enthusiast, while the Lovely Ladies Consignment Shop that houses women's clothes for all price ranges. While ShopRite serves the Middletown area, other more unique grocery stores can be found in the area, such as Tom's Market or Kwik Stop Foods in Goshen. Opening in May, Goshen Farmers Market serves from 10am to 5pm in the Church Park. From June to October, Middletown provides the Middletown BID Farmers Market on Cottage Street.