Take Their Word for It: What It’s Really Like Living in Dayton, OH
Dayton stands out as a dynamic place to live, work and thrive, thanks to its steady economic momentum, high quality of life, affordable cost of living and strategic geographic location. For anyone considering moving to Southwest Ohio, learning about living in Dayton, OH, directly from local community leaders offers an insider perspective on what makes the region so special.
Here is what a handful of key executive, civic and educational leaders have to say about their home region.
Economic Opportunity and Two Degrees of Separation
“There are so many reasons people choose the Dayton region. We have an affordable cost of living, easy commutes, an abundance of outdoor recreation, great professional and college sports, a performing arts community and educational institutions that can make sure you have access to the training you need. But the best reason is our community. I often joke that the Dayton region is two degrees of separation. That means it’s easy to make connections and easy to have an impact.”
Jeff Hoagland, president and CEO, Dayton Development Coalition
World-Class Waterways and 350 Miles of Trails
“The Dayton region offers an exceptional quality of life. It’s affordable, connected and rich in natural assets, with a strong sense of community and innovation. The Great Miami River and its tributaries are central to the region’s identity, offering residents and visitors opportunities to paddle, bike and fish more than 200 miles of accessible waterways and access more than 350 miles of connected trails. The Great Miami Riverway includes beautiful public spaces, supports physical and mental wellness, and draws people to live, work and spend time here.”
Ginger Clark, manager, Great Miami Riverway
Family Lifestyle and Major League Access
“The Dayton region is a great place to raise a family, and Winsupply has leaned into this as one of the larger corporate citizens in the area. The Dayton community has several active arts programs, including The Schuster Center, and sporting venues such as Day Air Ballpark and University of Dayton basketball. Dayton is only a short trip to Cincinnati for the Bengals and Reds, or Columbus for the Blue Jackets hockey team. Plus, a large network of Five Rivers MetroParks exists in the region for outdoor recreation.”
Robert DiTommaso, president, Winsupply Support Services Group
Hands-On Discovery for Growing Families
“The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a great place for families with young children to play and learn. It is amazing to have this type of feature in a city the size of Dayton. We curate our exhibits and experiences to meet the needs of families. Through guided activities in our Do Lab, Planetarium and education programs, there are never-ending moments that spark curiosity and creativity, and introduce industries and content areas that may become someone’s hobby or career.”
Tracey Tomme, president and CEO, Dayton Society of Natural History
Aligning Education with Career Pathways
“Dayton Public Schools prepare students by aligning education with real-world opportunities through career pathways, hands-on learning experiences and strong partnerships. Our academy model allows students to pursue their interests and graduate with college credits, industry certifications and credentials, and connections to employers. Strong schools create strong neighborhoods, attract and retain families, and ensure that our local economy has a steady pipeline of skilled, capable individuals who are ready to contribute in meaningful ways.”
Dr. David Lawrence, superintendent, Dayton Public Schools
Serve Here. Stay Here.
The career opportunities are vast for local military personnel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base transitioning into their next stage of civilian life. To learn more about what makes the Miami Valley an excellent place for military members and veterans to establish long-term roots, check out our guide to living in Dayton, OH, for military families. Learn more: livability.com/dayton-military.
Get to Know Dayton, OH
Want to learn more about living, working and exploring the Greater Dayton, OH, region? Check out the latest edition of Livability Dayton, Ohio, to browse local neighborhood guides, housing data and insider community tips.
