Hispanics in Middletown, NY: An Analysis of Mexican and Puerto Rican Settlement Patterns Using Socieconomic Status, Neighborhood Characteristics and Institutional Role

The influx of Hispanic immigrants arriving each year and the migration of Puerto Ricans in particular are affecting the geospatial patterns of settlement in different locations in the United States. Recent studies suggest that Hispanics are moving from established Hispanic places, such as gateway cities and long-term barrios, to new destinations outside major metropolitan areas. In this paper, I examine the case of Middletown, NY, a city located about 1.5 hours north of New York City that has seen major changes in its population settlements due to the large influx of Hispanic groups in recent decades. I focus on characteristics of Hispanic immigrants and migrants to better understand their settlement patterns and processes that create types of Hispanic settlements in Middletown. I also highlight the role of specific institutional policies that influence their experiences.