Alright, I'm single, late 50s, and Average temperature is around 55°F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 137K, Dayton is a mid-size city. The unemployment rate is 5.7%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider — Dayton sits at 962.1 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
52 upvotes
7 Replies
Naomi Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Jacob F.
it depends on the neighborhood
31 upvotes
Ezra Adams
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Kenneth C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Hunter
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Camila Gonzalez
Moved here from Seattle about 5 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to traffic but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Matthew
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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