Full Citation

Title: Investing in the Middle

Citation Type: Working Paper

Publication Year: 2023

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI:

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: Introduction Middle Neighborhoods (MNs) are generally recognized for their safety, stability and affordability for residents. They also provide an important opportunity to give lower-income populations access to affordable housing and an overall higher quality of life, but the number of MNs is declining throughout the U.S. Recognizing these opportunities and challenges regarding MNs, the research team set out to fill in the existing knowledge gaps about which public policies and programmatic activities are effective at 1) stabilizing MNs and 2) providing equitable access for lower-income and marginalized populations to join and stay in MNs. A literature review revealed that there are not clear, consistent characteristics used to describe MNs and that they are not a nationally defined neighborhood type. A common way to define a Middle Neighborhood is by median household income, but this is only one dimension to consider. This report includes additional factors describing wealth, occupation, race, ethnicity, culture, and others. A strong class of middle-income households accompanied by low- and highincome groups is a quintessential feature of a healthy middle neighborhood. The neighborhood typology developed in this research study was intended to identify middle neighborhoods as a distinct neighborhood type. The factor analysis did not reveal any standalone middle neighborhood type. Because middle neighborhoods did not emerge directly from the typology, it became apparent that middle neighborhoods are more complex and complicated than researchers initially thought. This makes identifying them even more important if practitioners and policymakers intend to address the potential of these neighborhoods. This research furthers the work in identifying and defining middle neighborhoods by: 1) incorporating people- and place-based dimensions of neighborhoods beyond middle income and 2) expanding the geographical focus on middle neighborhoods outside of the traditional northeast and legacy city places. However, the creation of the typology was an exploratory effort, and further analysis and research that examines neighborhood change over time and incorporates regional and local dynamics should be conducted. Six regional case studies examined in this report help to illustrate the diverse forms middle neighborhoods can take, common challenges and concerns they face, and the efforts being made to preserve and develop them. The six cities selected were Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; South Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Charlotte, North Carolina; Plano, Texas; and Lakewood, Colorado. These case studies provide important information related to: 1) validation of the geographic delineation of using a census tract to categorize a neighborhood; 2) identification of essential information on the policy process in these areas; and 3) discovery of the best practices of each MN. 5 Trends  Inflation in real estate and tightening rental markets are national trends since the start of the pandemic. These are mirrored in most of the case studies.  While some neighborhoods that had very low housing acquisition costs before the pandemic rose but remain relatively affordable, other neighborhoods have seen homes in middle neighborhoods (or previously middle) skyrocket in price and become unattainable for many.  Most of the case study middle neighborhoods are experiencing population growth, but many are struggling to keep the cost of living affordable.  However, there are exceptions, with some neighborhoods—particularly those in the Midwest—staving off decline. Targeted policy is needed to maintain these areas. There are many policy options to strengthen these neighborhoods, many of which have proven effective in various neighborhoods around the country. While financial capital is necessary, the importance of social capital for preserving middle neighborhoods must also be included. Ultimately, the best policy solutions are as diverse as middle neighborhoods themselves.

Url: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2797&context=urban_facpub

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Schnoke, Molly; Yochum, Jack; Driscoll, Shannon; Flanigan, James

Series Title: Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs

Publication Number: 5-24-2023

Institution: The Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University

Pages: 1-87

Publisher Location:

Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Population Mobility and Spatial Demography

Countries: