Housing Prices Up in Metro Cincinnati

Today, the National Association of Realtor (NAR) reported that the median price of homes in metro Cincinnati are up from year-over-year first quarters. That said, prices have dropped from 2009's fourth quarter. In the first quarter of 2010, the price of a home in the Cincinnati-Middletown area was $121,900. Compare that to 2009's first quarter, when houses were $106,500. That's a 14.5% difference. In the last quarter of 2009, the median home price was $125,000.

The median home price for the entire country is $166,100, which is down 1% from 2009's first quarter. The NAR looked at 151 metro areas across the country. 91 of these saw higher prices in the first quarter of this year compared to that of 2009 and 29 even saw a double digit percentage increase.

Even so, NAR's chief economist said this is a positive sign for the economy. "This flattening in home prices is something we’ve been seeing in all of the home price measures lately, and quite clearly in this metro area price report. The tax credit has been very effective in drawing down excess inventory, with about 1 million additional sales resulting directly from the stimulus," Yun said in a press release.

The state of Ohio as a whole saw prices rise from 2009's first quarter. In Akron, the median price of a home jumped an astonishing 90%, while the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor area saw an increase of about 54%. Dayton saw a 23% increase from 2009, while Toledo saw a 13% jump. Even Columbus, whose housing market wasn't as bad off as other cities in the state, saw a 6% increase.

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Ohio Attracts the Most New Businesses

For the fourth year in a row, Ohio beat out every other state in the country in attracting new businesses. This according to Site Selection Magazine, who has awarded the state its annual Governor's Cup Award for "leading the nation in new and expanded facilities in 2009."

The Ohio Business Development Coalition, which is a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, says the award, "demonstrates that Ohio's purposeful redesign of its business climate is making the state an ideal location for businesses to compete in a 21st century global economy," according to a press release.

The March issue of Site Selection Magazine highlights Ohio's achievements. Not only does it show how the state leads development and expansion in both the micropolitan and metropolitan categories, but it also points out the state's overall achievements in economic investments.

Governor Ted Strickland believes the award can be attributed to a number of efforts made by the state, including lower taxes, less regulations, and more, "One of the reasons I believe in Ohio is that companies know Ohio is a great place to do business. We have reduced taxes and regulations, we have increased the skills and education of our workforce, and we have been recognized once again by setting the pace for the nation in new and expanded capital investments."

The magazine arrived at the ranking by looking at the number of private capital investments for new or expanded facilities. They had to have an investment of at least $1 million, create at least 50 new jobs, or added at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area. Ohio had 381 of these types of projects. Texas came in at a close second with 374 projects, followed by Michigan with 371, and Pennsylvania and Tennessee rounded out the top five with 333 and 234 respectively. Ohio has won the award eight times, in the years 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Ohio Business Development Coalition Executive Director Ed Burghard had this to say about the award, "Winning the 2009 Governor's Cup for the last four years in a row means that, after completing due diligence, CEOs decided Ohio was the ideal location for their business more often than any other state in the country. What's also appealing is the lack of congestion in Ohio allows executives and employees to enjoy professional success without having to sacrifice personal aspirations. Ohio provides people the opportunity for a life in perfect balance."

In addition to winning the award, Ohio had a number of cities that ranked in the top ten metropolitan and micropolitan categories. Cincinatti/Middletown ranked sixth among metropolitan areas with a population over one million. For the second year in a row, Dayton came in second in the mid-sized metropolitan areas with a population between 200,000 and one million category. In the category for micropolitan cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000, Wooster, Ashtabula and Findlay ranked 2nd, 6th, and 10th respectively.

For more information, visit SiteSelection.com

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

Middletown Has 2nd Highest Jobless Rate in the Region

According to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the area's unemployment rate continues to stay at 9.9%. This area, which includes the Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky, consists of Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties in Ohio; Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Kenton, Grant and Pendleton Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn, Franklin and Ohio Counties in Indiana.. Even though the number of workers filing for unemployment declined in November 2009, December 2009 saw an increase of of 3,700 people who are out of work or actively seeking employment.

In December 2008, the unemployment rate in the region was only 6.7%. The good news is that 9.9% is actually lower than the 10.3% rate from July 2008. The highest unemployment rate for the area on record is 12.5% from January 1983. The rates do not take seasonal hiring into account, which can affect the numbers.

For the state of Ohio as a whole, the unemployment rate for December 2009 was 10.7% and for Kentucky, it was 10.4%. This is higher than the national average which was 9.7%.

The region did see a growth in jobs in the service industry, with a small bit of growth in the finance, professional, and business services, as well as leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing lost only 200 jobs, and goods-producing industries were down only 100 jobs.

Looking at the various Ohio counties in the region, Clermont took the lead with a 10.6% rate, followed by Butler County with a 9.9% rate, Hamilton County with a 9.5% rate and Warren County with 9.3%. As a matter of fact, 84 of Ohio's 88 counties saw an increase in unemployment with Southeast Ohio's Morgan County registering a whopping 17.5% rate. The lowest rate was 7.4%, which occurred in Holmes County, which is considered part of Amish Country.

As for cities, Hamilton had the highest unemployment rate in December, 11.5%. Middletown followed close behind with 11.3%. Both Cincinnati and Norwood had 10% and Fairfield and Mason came in next with 9.3% and 7.2% respectively. As for cities in the entire state, Youngstown had the highest rate with 14.6% and Cleveland Heights had the lowest rate with 6.1%.

Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

Middletown is 4th Best Place to Buy a House

If you've been thinking about making the jump from renting to home ownership, now is the time to do so. Or so says Forbes Magazine. Middletown was named one of the top cities (number four to be exact) for renters to become buyers. The government has been encouraging this kind of behavior by introducing and extending a tax break for first-time homeowners, as well as keeping federal tax rates at their lowest rates since the 1940's.

According to Forbes, the premium to buy - the spread between what they'd spend to rent and what they'd pay for a mortgage - is a lot lower than the fifteen-year average in a number of cities. To compile the list, Forbes computed the premium and combined that with locations where economists predict home prices will go up the most in the next five years.

Below, you'll find the rest of the top ten:

1. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Massachusetts

2. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, North and South Carolina area

3. Chicago-Naperville-Jolet, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin area

4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana area

5. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colorado

6. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin area

7. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area

8. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Oregon and Washington area

9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, California

10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia area

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

February Fun in Southern Ohio

There is a lot to do in South and Central Ohio in the month of February. Whether you are looking for some family fun, an educational experience, or just a romantic day with your significant other, there's something for everyone!

Valentines by Candlelight (Ohio Village, Columbus, February 12-13) Enjoy what is one of the most romantic times of year with dinner for two at the Ohio Village and greeting at the American House Hotel by costumed interpreters. Before dinner, the Ohio Village singers will present a concert of historic love songs, including songs performed on the violin and hammered dulcimer, and humorous songs, as well as romantic poetry readings. You will also receive a handmade valentine. Call 614-297-3200 for more information. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

United States Air Force Band of Flight: Hearts, Heroes, and Heritage Concert (National Museum of United States Air Force, Dayton, February 13) The United States Air Force Band of Flight presents a concert to celebrate three holidays at once: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, and President's Day. Enjoy the patriotic music, along with a free tour of the museum. The concert is free but seating is first-come, first-served. The concert starts at 7:30 PM.

Sweethearts Hike at Ash Cave (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13) What better way to spend Valentine's than hiking with your sweetheart? Hold hands as you enjoy the beautiful landscape as dusk sets. The hike includes a stop at the famed Ash Cave, as well as refreshments and a cozy fire afterwards.

Appalachian Culture Fest (Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, February 13 - 14) Celebrate the unique Appalachian culture with skilled mountain crafters selling their handmade wares, traditional arts demonstrations, storytellers, bluegrass performances, and more! Learn about the music, folklore, crafts and other aspects of the Appalachian culture with hands-on experiences or purchase woodcrafts, jewelery and art to take home.

Maple Sugaring in the Hills (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13-14) Behind the Hocking Hills' Old Man's Cave Visitor's Center is the Naturalist Cabin which will be hosting this year's Maple Sugaring event. Watch the process of maple being extracted from the trees and boiled down to make syrup. Learn about how maple syrup is made and try a free sample before you go!

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show (Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, February 27 - March 7) This year's theme is "Art in Bloom" which is appropriate considering the event features full-size gardens! Enjoy over 400 exhibits, events, attractions, yards, and gardens, and tons of home decorating tips along with cooking demonstrations, workshops, and several celebrity appearances.

Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend (throughout Cincinnati, February 20-21) For the 24th year in a row, the Fine Arts Fund offers a weekend of over 100 free events. The take place throughout Cincinnati and most of them are at popular area attractions. Free admission or free events are available at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and more.

For more ideas on how you can have fun in South Ohio in February, visit DiscoverOhio.com!

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

2010 Census Portrait of America Tour Comes to Middletown

The 2010 Census Portrait of America tour will be in Hamilton and Butler Counties this week. It will begin on Monday, at 7:00 AM, at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati. Displays will help people become familiar with the significance of the census form that should begin arriving in mailboxes in March. The tour will also be promoting jobs, according to even coordinator, Theresa Brundage, "We want to make sure people are hired to work in their own neighborhoods." Each location will offer testing to see if people qualify for a job.

Brundage says it's about, "political power and money." The census results determine the number of congressional seats in Ohio and how federal dollars will be distributed to states and communities.

NBC's "The Today Show" plans to broadcast live from the convention center and it has been described as a two hour "pep-rally." Speeches will be made by a number of local celebrities and dignitaries, including Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and funk bassist Bootsy Collins.

Once the tour leaves the convention center, it will stop at Cincinnati State college on Monday afternoon before making three various stops in Butler County on Tuesday, January 4, 2010. The first event is at 9:00 AM at the Richard Allen III Academy in Hamilton. A fire truck will then escort the tour into Middletown around 1:50 P.M. The trailer will make a brief stop at the Area Senior Citizens Center on Central Avenue before heading to the Middletown Community Center on Lafayette Avenue. Exhibits open at 4:30 P.M. at the Community Center and 5:00 P.M, a parachutist will drop from an airplane into Douglas Park.

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

Middletown Haunted House Voted One of the Best in the Country

With fall officially here and October just around the corner, people are already starting to make their Halloween plans and what better way to scare yourself silly than attending one of the best Haunted Houses in the nation? According to Hauntworld Magazine, Middletown's own "Land of Illusion" is one of the top 100 Best Haunted Attractions in the United States. Land of Illusion came in at number 31. Cincinnati's "Dent Schoolhouse" also made the list whose top honor went to "13th Gate Haunted House" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

This is not your average haunted house! Attractions include the Middletown Haunted Trail, "one mile of night terror;" the Temple of Terror a "winding catacomb of suspense;" Dr. Psycho's Haunted Estate, "a demented dwelling of madness;" 3-D Killer Klowns, a "maze of madness" and much, much more! Every Saturday, from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, you also can experience live music and entertainment.

Land of Illusion is located at 8762 Thomas Road in Middletown and is open until November 1, 2009. Hours are dark until 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday, and dark until 11:30 PM on Sunday, rain or shine. Visit their website to learn more about ticket prices and the various attractions they have to offer: Land of Illusion Haunted House

Cincinnati's UFC Champ Rich Franklin to fight overseas in Ireland

A high school math teacher from Cincinnati, Rich Franklin probably isn't the first person you would think to be stepping into a fighting ring and going toe-to-toe in an all out brawl with fighters from all over the country and the world. Even with a master's degree in education and a bachelors degree in mathematics from the University of Cincinnati, Rich Franklin decided to drop teaching and become a full time Mixed Martial Arts fighter.



Rich "Ace" Franklin has a very impressive track record in the UFC. Franklin had an amazing record of 17 victories and only 1 defeat on his way to his fight for the title. His only loss was against Lyoto Machida by TKO in the second round. However his road to the title was anything but a simple one. Going head-to-head with such well-known and respected fighters like Evan Tanner, Jorge Rivera, Edwin Dewees, and Ken Shamrock, Franklin proved himself to be worthy of the title fight, which he won. Franklin also defeated Evan Tanner a second time for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 53 which also lead to him landing the spot of coach on the second season of the t.v. series The Ultimate Fighter.

Franklin has defended his title twice so far, once on November 19, 2005 against Nate Quarry who he knocked out in the first round and again on March 4, 2006 against David Loiseau. After breaking his left hand in the fight with Loiseau and sitting out for seven months, Franklin returned to fighting only to be dethroned of his title by Brazilian Anderson Silva on October 14, 2006. But, eager to win back his title, Franklin stepped up against middleweight contender Yushin Okami on June 16, 2007 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This victory named Franklin the number one contender for Anderson Silva's middleweight championship. Franklin won and regained his title. However, Franklin's Victory was short lived. On October 20, 2007, Franklin faced Anderson in a rematch for the middleweight championship and unfortunately lost by TKO in the second round.

On January 17, 2009, Franklin will be competing in the biggest fight of his career. Sporting a 24 win and 3 loss record, Franklin steps overseas once again in his fight against former PRIDE Fighting Championships 183lb. and 205 lb. champion Dan Henderson at UFC 93 in Dublin Ireland. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill fight however. It is the first UFC event of the year, Franklin is the first person to main event a UFC show in Ireland, and the winner of the fight will be given the job of coach for the American Team on The Ultimate Fighter season 9 US v.s. UK.