Firstly why Dayton, Ohio?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Dayton
• State: Ohio
• Population: 140,640 people
• Dayton’s quick summary would be Known for its significant contributions to aviation history, including the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 13,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,200
• Number of Homeless people: 1,500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a rich aerospace industry attracting workers in aviation

Perk #1: Dayton Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $48,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Dayton is $49,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Dayton’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,857
• Property Tax %: 2.15%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Oregon District
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Dayton, Kettering, Miamisburg, Huber-Heights, and probably could include Vandalia
• Avg. Age of Homes in Dayton: 86 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Dayton’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Dayton are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Education
• Dayton Job Scene: growing job market in healthcare and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily focused on aerospace and manufacturing , ,
• Dayton Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Dayton: 7.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 18

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Dayton

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-75 runs through Dayton serving as a key corridor
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: bottlenecks on I-75
• Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Dayton: 130,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Dayton: bmv.ohio.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Dayton International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Dayton’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Dayton is best described as experiences cold winters and warm summers with considerable annual rainfall
• Winter Weather in Dayton i’d describe as cold with some snow
• Spring Weather in Dayton can be described as mild with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Dayton are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Dayton is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 48 days in summer
• Days in a row in Dayton below Freezing: 21
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by heavy traffic
• Dayton Winter Air average air quality with local emissions affecting

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Dayton Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Dayton 10
• While the number of trade schools inside Daytons’s city limits are 6
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Dayton Metro Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Dayton Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Dayton only Doctors is about 200
• Local Hospitals here is  10
• Full-time Dayton only Police Officers is about 500
• Crime Rate Index: 80/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Dayton’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Dayton’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Dayton’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Dayton

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city with aerospace industry and a rich history
• You might enjoy local events at the Victoria Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Dayton  features a mix of clubs bars and restaurants that appeal to a wide range of tastes and creative events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Dayton

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a mix of diners and fast food chains
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Dayton
• The Popular Sports Team is Dayton Dragons
• Top Level Political Climate in Dayton can be described as politically mixed city with strong working-class influences
• Dayton’s Longer standing religious establishment is Dayton First Church of the Nazarene

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Dayton Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Dayton has 60 Parks?
• Dayton Art Institute Gardens is Dayton’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Dayton Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, walking trails, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Dayton Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Dayton can be described as steady urban lifestyle known for its cultural and historical contributions
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Dayton sports in parks picnicking at lakes community events
• The Cities people commute to from Dayton are Cleveland 23 miles away Canton 17 miles away Barberton 9 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Dayton or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: bottlenecks on I-75. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Dayton’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Oregon District is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Dayton are Cleveland 23 miles away Canton 17 miles away Barberton 9 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 80 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Dayton has 21 days in a row below freezing and 48 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Dayton people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,500 homeless people living in Dayton. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city with strong working-class influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Dayton.

Retiree & Senior Life in Dayton

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from tax programs targeting property tax reductions
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Dayton Senior Center provides wellness resources social events and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Dayton, Ohio?

If Dayton, Ohio ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Dayton, Ohio, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!