7 Best Places to Live in Dayton, Ohio

When you think of the best places to live in Ohio, you might first think of the big cities of Cleveland or Cincinnati. Think again! Dayton, Ohio, was ranked number one in the US News and World Report as the best place to live in Ohio and almost cracked the top 50 places in the US.

Dayton’s attractiveness is rising because it features an excellent public school system and affordable housing options in the suburbs and the city. The culture has deep roots in aviation history, but it has a growing craft beer scene and plenty of parks for recreation. Living in Dayton should be on your radar if you want a well-rounded lifestyle with a lower cost of living.

If all that sounds good, why not try the “Gem City” on for size? Explore why people are moving here and a few of the top neighborhoods in Dayton to call home.

Why Live in Dayton?

History

The city’s aviation ties go all the way back to the beginning, as it was the hometown of Orville and Wilber Wright. Sure, they may have made their first flight in Kitty Hawk, but the spark for flight and planning happened right here in Ohio.

Besides the Wright Brothers National Museum, Dayton is best known in Ohio for its National Museum of the US Air Force and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. These two stellar exhibitions with hundreds of aircraft will impress the whole family. It even has a retired Air Force One used by President John F. Kennedy.

Things to Do

But if you prefer to keep two feet on the ground, don’t worry. Carillon Historical Park is about Dayton’s industrial achievements. It’s the star of the parks system, with a blend of historical attractions set in a beautifully landscaped park right in downtown. Ride a historic steam train engine, see reenacts of early settler life, learn about the Great Flood, or simply walk the Carillon Park trails.

Speaking of parks, the Dayton Metro Parks system includes 350 miles of biking trails, ample parklands, and recreation fields. It even has a bike-share program for getting around the historic district. The Great Miami River runs through Dayton. The Island Park is one of the best places in Dayton, Ohio, to access the meandering waters that continue to Cincinnati, where they meet the Ohio River. The Island Metro Park and nearby Riverscape Metro Park have water play and fountain features.

Dayton also has an arts scene, centered around the Dayton Art Institute. It’s among the best art museums to take children and one of the highest-rated in the United States. The art scene supports the Dayton Ballet.

If you like beer, then living in Dayton will appeal to you. The annual BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing is one of the most popular events in the city. There are 17 and growing craft brewers in the Dayton area.

Jobs in Dayton

In the past, Dayton has been named a top place to live for recent graduates starting a career, for mid-career professionals, and one of the happiest places to work. The top industries are aerospace research and development, manufacturing, information technology, and health care. The concentration of aerospace-related industries shouldn’t be a surprise, as nearby is the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The University of Dayton supports these industries with degree and training programs.

Cost of Living

Dayton ranks highly for its overall affordability. Its cost of living is 20% below the national average. Of Ohio’s major four cities, it’s the cheapest. The median list price for a home in Dayton during July 2024 was $180,000, with 1,245 homes on the market.

Even though Dayton classifies as a city, it’s considered midsize. That brings fewer traffic problems. In fact, the ease of getting around is one of the things locals love about living in Dayton. The commute averages 10-24 minutes, and that’s to get to downtown attractions. It never feels too crowded, even when you’re at a busy summer festival.

Best Places in Dayton, Ohio

Around the city, you’ll find charming suburbs and urban living. To help narrow down your home search, we’ve picked a few of the top neighborhoods to live in Dayton. Our list includes surrounding suburbs.

Oregon Historic District

As Dayton’s oldest part of town, the Oregon Historic District is full of beautiful 19th-century architecture and tree-lined streets packed into 12 city blocks. It runs from Fifth Street to the Route 35 Expressway, between Patterson and Wayne Avenue. Settled by mostly German-speaking immigrants into the 1830s, it became a place for high-society Daytonians of the day to build their homes.

Events and festivals happen regularly along Fifth Street. During Out on 5th, the street shuts down to vehicles, creating a bustling street festival between the unique, independent shops. Visitors come to check out the food, nightlife, and entertainment in the DORA district. The avenue has a theater and a comedy venue, bistros and brewers. For residents, Newcom Park is a focal point of the neighborhood where the locals host welcoming picnics.

This neighborhood is a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and modern living all in one place. Walk along tree-shaded brick sidewalks adorned with lamps mimicing gas lamps of the 19th century.

Webster Station

Webster Station is the perfect locale for a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to downtown Dayton. Bordering the Miami River, Mad River, Main Street, and Oregon Historic District, it’s another historic part of town with old architecture. The city and developers have been investing in redeveloping the community, so you’ll find new urban lofts and construction.

RiverScape Metro Park runs along the river and the canal. This park is one of the best places in Dayton, Ohio, for a leisurely walk along the waterfront or to let the kids cool off in summer. Locals also have a collection of breweries and bars opening in the historic warehouses. The 2nd Street Market fills one such warehouse with fresh-baked breads, farm-fresh produce, and locally crafted goods. Inside the neighborhood is Fifth Third Field, the home of the minor league baseball Dayton Dragons.

The housing market trends towards townhomes and rowhouses. Some are of newer construction.

Oakwood

Oakwood is an independent suburban city of around 9,000 people near the downtown area and University Park. Residents like the community feel and low crime rates. The high safety marks and tight layout mean kids can walk and bike to school. The city prides itself on its high walkability. Its interlocking neighborhoods are surrounded by schools, parks, and community services.

Additional amenities include the Oakwood Community Center, which has a popular swimming pool on hot summer days. On the westside is the popular Hills & Dales Metro Park. Its walking trails meander through the dense forests and around creeks, connecting into the greater system along the Great Miami River.

Oakwood wants to create a community feel. To that end, the town hosts new resident breakfasts, ice cream socials, holiday season Lighting Up, and other fun events. Activities and perks like these helped give Oakwood the Best Place to Live in Ohio ranking on Niche.com.

Oakwood had 47 homes for sale in July 2024, with a median list price of $399,900.

Kettering

Kettering is another one of the independent cities near Dayton, Ohio, that are suburbs. Situated south of Dayton and Oakwood, it spans from near Interstate 75 across to Interstate 675. Having these major roadways makes commuting into Dayton or around Ohio easy.

Kettering Health Main Campus is a significant employer and healthcare provider for the Dayton region. The flagship hospital and parts of its Kettering Health Network is near the town center. Others move to Kettering to work with GE Money, Reynolds and Reynolds, or Berry Company. The northeast corner’s Miami Valley Research Park holds corporate headquarters and regional offices. Some who live in Kettering are stationed at the nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The convenient commute makes Kettering a natural choice to find a home.

Kettering has parks and attractions to kick back and relax when done with work. Features include an outdoor pavilion for concerts, a children’s theater, and an arts center with classes and exhibitions. Families cool off on humid summer days at the local water park or the IMAX movie theater. The Kettering Ice Arena hosts hockey and ice skating groups. If you enjoy a round of golf, the NCR Country Club and Moraine Country Club are your two fairways in Kettering.

Housing here is diverse, with apartments up to single-family homes. As of July 2024, it had 143 homes for sale at a median price of $245,000.

Patterson Park

This southeast Dayton suburb is about 10 minutes from downtown and next door to Oakwood. Life here has a more laid-back feel. While primarily residential, nearby doctors’ offices, restaurants, grocers, and more tick all the boxes for your daily needs.

Nurturing the tight-knit community vibes is an active civic association. It runs events like the annual Garden Tour, home decorating contests, and picnics. Some of these are at Jane Newcom Park, which borders the southern end of the community.

Housing here was primarily developed in the 1930s and 1940s, with around 1,200 square feet. Expect to see Tudors and brick homes along curving landscaped streets.

Shroyer Park

Shroyer Park is another Dayton neighborhood promising a beautiful setting with a convenient commute to downtown. Lush green spaces and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities attract residents. Tucked beside Oakwood and the University of Dayton, the community isn’t as naturally walkable as other areas of Dayton. However, you can still hoof it to the restaurants along Shroyer Road. An elementary school is inside the community, so it’s convenient for families with younger kids to walk to school.

Homes here predominantly mix Cape Cod and Craftsman architectural styles, with an average of 1,372 sq ft.

Beavercreek

The rolling farmlands of the Beavercreek have long attracted people to settle and call home. Today, its entire eastern border is protected by parkland and nature preserves–23 in total! Another claim to fame for Dayton’s second-largest suburb? The city’s public golf course achieved 4.5 stars on Golf Digest.

Locals have name-brand shopping and dining options at the Mall at Fairfield Commons and Greene Town Center. North of town is Wright State University, which attracts over 7,000 students each year to the area, including Beavercreek.

Interstate 675 runs north-south on the western side. Miami Valley Research Park is also on the west. That gives locals easy commutes to Dayton’s top employers. The north side also has part of the Kettering Health Network. With Kroger markets, a mall, and so many parks, the suburb has all locals need for a well-rounded life.

Beaver Creek has over 45,000 residents. It had 214 homes for sale in July 2024, with a median list price of $340,000.

Living in Dayton, OH

No matter your lifestyle preferences, the best places in Dayton, Ohio, can meet your needs. Its affordable housing options are paired with a laidback culture, growing dining options, outdoor recreation, and a strong public school system. With amenities like these, it’s easy to see why people choose Dayton as their home!

Updated July 2024