Are you planning a move to Dayton, Ohio, but unsure which suburb would be best for you and your family? We’ve compiled this helpful guide to the top 5 suburbs in the Dayton area for 2025, using five important metrics that matter most to new residents.
How We Rated These Suburbs
To create this comprehensive guide, we evaluated each suburb based on these key factors:
- Schools – Quality of education and school ratings
- Affordability – Average home prices and overall cost of living
- Available Housing – Inventory and options for homebuyers
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment – Access to restaurants, stores, and activities
- Overall Buyer Demand – How many homes have sold in the past year
Let’s dive into the top 5 suburbs that make Dayton such a wonderful place to call home!
Dayton Suburbs at a Glance
Suburb | School Rating | Avg. Home Price | Notable For | Best For |
Kettering | A- | $201,000 | Central location | Affordability & convenience |
Oakwood | A+ | $365,000 | Top-rated schools | Education-focused families |
Beavercreek | B+ | $305,000 | Shopping & entertainment | Military families, shoppers |
Springboro | A- | $387,000 | Newer homes, larger lots | Families, Cincinnati commuters |
Centerville | A+ | $305,000* | Central location | Balance of amenities |
*Average based on market data
1. Kettering
- Schools: A- on state report card, 83% graduation rate, 8,000 students, 18:1 student-teacher ratio
- Affordability: Average home price of $201,000
- Available Housing: 26,000 residential properties with 33 on the market at time of analysis
- Housing Age: Most homes built between 1940-1970, with limited newer construction
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment: A+ rating – centrally located to downtown Dayton and minutes from The Greene shopping center
- Overall Buyer Demand: Over 1,000 properties sold in the last 12 months
- Why Choose Kettering?
Kettering offers an excellent balance of affordability and amenities. Its central location makes it perfect for those who work downtown but want a suburban lifestyle. While the housing stock tends toward older builds, the charm and established neighborhoods make it a perennial favorite among Dayton homebuyers.
Local Insight
Kettering’s proximity to The Greene shopping center gives residents easy access to dozens of restaurants, shops, and a movie theater without the long drive. The established neighborhoods feature mature trees and genuine community feel that newer developments can’t replicate.
Moving Tip
Most Kettering homes have established yards and traditional layouts. When planning your move to Kettering, keep in mind that some older homes may have narrower doorways or staircases than modern builds. Our Dow Moving team is experienced with navigating these older home layouts efficiently!
2. Oakwood
- Schools: A+ on state report card, 92% graduation rate, 2,100 students, 17:1 student-teacher ratio (ranked among top 10 school districts in Ohio)
- Affordability: Average home price of $365,000
- Available Housing: 3,500 total homes in the community with only 17 on the market at time of analysis
- Housing Age: Most homes built between late 1800s and early 1900s
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment: A+ rating – close to downtown Dayton and various shopping centers
- Overall Buyer Demand: 252 homes sold in the last 12 months (impressive considering there are only 3,500 total homes)
- Why Choose Oakwood?
Oakwood is a unique, tight-knit community with tremendous charm and character. With one of the highest-rated school systems in the entire state, this small suburb is perfect for families prioritizing education. The historic homes feature distinctive architecture that you won’t find in newer developments. While the price point is higher than some other suburbs, many residents believe the schools and community atmosphere are well worth the investment.
Local Insight
Oakwood is known for its community pride and walkability. Many residents enjoy strolling to local shops and restaurants. The community hosts several annual events that bring neighbors together, creating that small-town feel despite being minutes from downtown Dayton.
Moving Tip
Oakwood homes often feature unique architectural elements and historic details. When moving to Oakwood, plan for specialty furniture protection to safeguard both your belongings and the home’s historic features like built-ins, wood trim, and vintage fixtures. Our team at Dow Moving specializes in protecting these character-rich homes during transitions.
3. Beavercreek
- Schools: B+ on state report card, 94% graduation rate, 8,000 students, 20:1 student-teacher ratio
- Affordability: Average home price of $305,000
- Available Housing: 20,000 residences in the city with 67 available at time of analysis
- Housing Age: Mix of older and newer homes, with new construction still available
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment: A+ rating – home to The Greene shopping center, close to Fairfield Mall and the Nutter Center
- Overall Buyer Demand: Strong sales activity throughout the year
- Why Choose Beavercreek?
Beavercreek is one of the largest suburbs in the Dayton area, offering diverse housing options from established neighborhoods to new builds. Its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base makes it particularly popular among military families. With excellent shopping options including The Greene, residents enjoy plenty of restaurants, entertainment, and retail therapy right in their backyard.
Beavercreek is also conveniently located near Wright State University, making it an excellent option for faculty or students looking for nearby housing.
Local Insight
Beavercreek’s location adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base means you’ll find a diverse community with residents from across the country and around the world. The area around The Greene has become a hub of activity with year-round events and gatherings.
Moving Tip
If relocating to Beavercreek for a military move, ask about our military discounts and flexible scheduling to accommodate changing orders or timelines. We understand the unique challenges of military relocations and offer specialized services to make your PCS move easier.
4. Springboro
- Schools: A- on state report card, impressive 98% graduation rate, 6,300 students, 24:1 student-teacher ratio
- Affordability: Average home price of $387,000
- Available Housing: 6,600 homes in Springboro proper with 42 available at time of analysis
- Housing Age: Many homes built after 1990, with new construction continuing today
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment: B+ rating – close to Austin Landing, but further from The Greene and downtown Dayton
- Overall Buyer Demand: 678 home sales in the last 12 months
- Why Choose Springboro?
Springboro offers newer housing stock with larger lots compared to some of the older Dayton suburbs. Its location between Dayton and Cincinnati makes it perfect for households where family members commute to different cities. While shopping and entertainment options aren’t as plentiful as in some other suburbs, the growing Austin Landing development is bringing more restaurants and retail to the area.
For families seeking newer homes in an excellent school district, Springboro delivers quality living with room to grow.
Local Insight
Springboro’s strategic location makes it ideal for families who want access to both Dayton and Cincinnati job markets. The community has grown significantly in recent decades but maintains a strong sense of community with excellent schools and family-oriented neighborhoods.
Moving Tip
Springboro’s newer homes typically feature larger rooms and more open floor plans, which can be great for larger furniture pieces. However, many neighborhoods have homeowners associations with specific moving guidelines or restrictions. Our team can help you navigate these requirements and schedule your move accordingly.
5. Centerville
- Schools: A+ on state report card, 90% graduation rate, 8,400 students, 18:1 student-teacher ratio
- Affordability: Competitively priced homes averaging around $305,000-$320,000
- Available Housing: 11,000 residences with 74 available at time of analysis
- Housing Age: Mix of homes built after 1950, with new construction still available
- Proximity to Shopping & Entertainment: A rating – central location provides easy access to The Greene, Austin Landing, and both Dayton and Cincinnati
- Overall Buyer Demand: 1,182 homes sold in the last 12 months (highest on our list)
- Why Choose Centerville?
Centerville offers the perfect middle ground for many homebuyers. Its central location allows for easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment in all directions. The housing stock includes everything from established neighborhoods to new construction, giving buyers plenty of options.
With stellar schools and steady property values, Centerville continues to attract families looking for an excellent quality of life in the Dayton region.
Local Insight
Centerville combines the best of all worlds – excellent schools, diverse housing options, and a convenient location. The community features several beautiful parks and recreation areas, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Moving Tip
Centerville neighborhoods vary widely in age and style, from mid-century homes to brand new developments. When planning your Centerville move, let us know the specific neighborhood you’re moving to so we can prepare accordingly. Our experienced team has moved families to all parts of Centerville and understands the unique needs of each area.
Best Time to Move to Dayton
While Dayton can be enjoyed year-round, many families prefer to move during the late spring through early fall when weather conditions are most favorable. The Dayton area experiences all four seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing.
If you’re moving with school-aged children, trying to time your move for summer break can make the transition easier. Most Dayton-area school districts start the new school year in mid-to-late August.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Dayton Suburbs
Q: Which Dayton suburb is closest to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?
A: Beavercreek is the closest to Wright-Patterson AFB, making it a popular choice for military families. Kettering and Centerville also offer reasonable commutes to the base.
Q: Which suburb has the newest housing options?
A: Springboro and parts of Beavercreek have the most new construction, while Oakwood and Kettering feature predominantly older, established homes.
Q: Are these suburbs good for young professionals without children?
A: All these suburbs have appeal for different lifestyles. Young professionals might particularly enjoy Kettering or Centerville for their central locations and proximity to entertainment options.
Q: How do commute times compare between these suburbs?
A: Kettering and Oakwood offer the shortest commutes to downtown Dayton (approximately 10-15 minutes). Springboro is furthest but provides good access to both Dayton and Cincinnati for those with longer commutes.
Ready to Move to Dayton?
Each of these suburbs offers unique advantages based on your priorities—whether that’s top schools, newer homes, or proximity to shopping and entertainment.
When you’re ready to make your move, Dayton moving company Dow Moving is here to help. With our local expertise and experience in all these neighborhoods, we’ll ensure your transition to Dayton is smooth and stress-free.
Contact Dow Moving today for your upcoming relocation to one of Dayton’s fantastic suburbs!
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