📍 About DAY & Dayton
Dayton Tower is located at Dayton International Airport (DAY), just outside the city in Vandalia, Ohio. Known for its aviation heritage, vibrant local arts, and affordable cost of living, Dayton offers a balanced lifestyle with both urban amenities and small-town charm.
🏡 Where to Live
Best Neighborhoods – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Dayton – Revitalized, historic, walkable with bars and restaurants
- Oregon District – Trendy, artsy, great for young professionals
- Vandalia – Very close to airport, quiet and affordable
Best for Families
- Beavercreek – Great schools, suburban feel, lots of shopping
- Centerville – Family-friendly with excellent schools
- Tipp City – Small-town charm, great schools, 20 minutes to DAY
🚗 Commute Times to DAY (Dayton International Airport)
- 5–15 min: Vandalia, Tipp City, Englewood
- 15–25 min: Dayton (Downtown, Oregon District), Huber Heights
- 25–35 min: Beavercreek, Fairborn, Centerville
🎓 Top School Districts
- Beavercreek City Schools – Highly rated for academics and safety
- Centerville City Schools – One of the best in Montgomery County
- Tipp City Schools – Great test scores, community involvement
- Vandalia-Butler City Schools – Very close to the airport, strong academic programs
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌳 Outdoor Activities
- Five Rivers MetroParks: Hiking, biking, kayaking, and nature centers
- Great Miami River Trail: 80+ miles of biking and walking paths
- Carillon Historical Park: Outdoor museum with Dayton’s aviation history
- Eastwood MetroPark: Boating, paddleboarding, and fishing
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: Largest military aviation museum in the world
- Schuster Performing Arts Center: Concerts, Broadway shows, and ballet
- Dayton Art Institute: Collection of American and European art
- Wright State Nutter Center: Sporting events, concerts, and conventions
- Breweries: Warped Wing, Dayton Beer Company, Toxic Brew
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Dayton International Airport (DAY): On-site — regional service via Delta, American, and Allegiant
- John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH): ~1.25 hours northeast – more flight options
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG): ~1.25 hours south – full-service airport
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Vandalia & Tipp City: Safe, quiet suburbs with low crime rates
- Beavercreek & Centerville: Very family-friendly and secure
- Downtown Dayton: Improving, but varies by block — check neighborhood data
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Home Prices: Median in Dayton area: $180,000–$275,000
- Rent: 1-bedroom apartments average $850–$1,200/month
- Utilities: ~$160–$210/month depending on season
- Groceries: Slightly below national average (milk ~$3.20, eggs ~$2.75)
- Gasoline: ~$3.30/gallon
- Taxes: Ohio has state income tax (up to ~3.99%) and local city tax (varies)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Oregon District: Unique architecture, local bars and restaurants
- Beavercreek: Great shopping, schools, and parks
- Tipp City: Historic downtown and excellent schools
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold with snow and ice — average highs in the 30s
- Spring: Mild and rainy — prepare for thunderstorms
- Summer: Warm and humid — highs in the 80s and 90s
- Fall: Crisp and colorful — highs in the 50s to 70s
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- RTA: Greater Dayton RTA serves limited routes in the metro area
- Driving: Most residents drive — minimal congestion
- Parking: Plentiful and generally free or low-cost throughout suburbs
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Miami Valley Hospital: Major regional hospital in Dayton
- Kettering Health Network: Locations throughout Dayton and suburbs
- Premier Health: Includes Good Samaritan North Health Center
- Urgent Care: Premier Health, Kettering Urgent Care, Walgreens Clinics
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Breweries, downtown events, co-working spaces
- Families: Parks, seasonal festivals, great school involvement
- Faith & Service: Strong church networks and Rotary/volunteer options
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Eats: The Pine Club, Corner Kitchen, Lucky’s Taproom
- Breweries: Warped Wing, Fifth Street Brewpub, Branch & Bone
- Specialty: Dayton-style pizza (square cut), classic diners, and global cuisine
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Close commute: Vandalia and Tipp City are ideal for quick access to DAY
- Shifts: Rotating — plan housing location and noise control accordingly
- Tower culture: Friendly team atmosphere, moderate complexity airspace
📦 Moving Tips
- Snow gear: Invest in snow tires or AWD if living in rural areas
- Moving trucks: Reserve early, especially in PCS season (May–August)
- Best lease deals: August–October as college move-in season slows
❓ FAQs
- Is Dayton affordable?
Yes — it’s one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the Midwest - How busy is DAY?
Moderate — mostly regional jets, general aviation, and cargo - Can I live in a small town nearby?
Yes — Tipp City and Beavercreek are great options within 20–30 mins