How is the Economy of Dayton?? (Columbus, Cincinnati: relocate, income, jobs)

[jonjlong]

Hi, I am considering moving to Dayton. How is the economy there now??? Will I find work?? Investment potential of buying a house there? Thanks, Jon

[Briolat21]

I'm new to the Cincinnati metroplex, so I can't help you too much on Dayton specifically. I will say, from an outsider's point of view, that the Cincinnati suburbs are growing towards Dayton (I work in WestChester and am buying (I think!) in Lebanon), and the Dayton Suburbs (Springboro, Franklin) are growing towards Cincinnati.

Cincinnati's manufacturing economy seems to have hit some rough patches, as has the whole of the country. But the number of companies headquartered in the Cinci / Dayton corridor is impressive: Federated (Macy's), Kroger, Cintas, Escort (Radar Detectors), Lexis-Nexis (number one law archive service in the country)... so they seem to be making a real go of switching the economy away from hard-line manufacturing.

I am working at a pharmaceutical company in WestChester, so there really is a lot of diversity coming to the area.

I would say just make sure that wherever the home is in Dayton, the neighborhood is a good one (all big cities have some poor areas) and then make sure you can wait out the current slump (which may last a couple of years)

Good luck!!

[Crew Chief]

My wife and I both have good jobs, so from our perspective, Dayton's GREAT! Now, having said that, the auto industry has seen better days, associated industries aren't doing as well as they could. And retail sales are off a bit, if my personal experience is any guage. On the bright side, Wright-Patterson AFB, headquaters for the Air Force's research and development arm, has seen a "bulking up" as functions have been relocated to "Wright-Patt" from other bases under Base Realignment and Closure. Overall, I believe the Dayton area is a great place to live.

[JefferyT]

If you are looking for work in computer programming and systems design, infotech in general, Dayton is pretty good. Also for engineering and health care.

If you are a tool and die maker you can also find work here.

The problem areas are autoparts manufacturing and industrial moldmaking.

[tanzall]

Yes, you can find a job in Dayton, particularly if you're educated or possess in-demand skills (i.e. nursing, IT, engineering, etc.) I was born and raised in Dayton and I don't think the economy is great. If you're set on Ohio, try Cincinnati or Columbus. If you're black, Cincinnati does have some race issues. I wouldn't recommend Cincinnati if you're black, particularly with sons, and if you'll live in a lower income area.

Check out this MSN article about Dayton being in top 10 worst cities for job growth.

MSN Careers - Best and Worst Cities for Job Growth - Career Advice Article

[UncleRando]

^I agree with the comments about either checking out Cincy or Cbus...but come on with the race thing. I don't consider Cincy to have any more race issues than any other city for the most part.

Sure there were the riots in 2001, but that could have (and has) happened just about anywhere. We have made great strides since then and have become much more accepting of different people. BTW, Cincinnati also has a much larger black population (percentage wise) than Cbus or most cities for that matter.

As for Dayton...it has gone through some VERY tough times lately in regards to jobs and their overall economy. Many places are moving from Dayton to far southern Dayton or northern Cincinnati. I would potentially look into jobs closer to Cincinnati since that seems to be the movement trend.

[JefferyT]

The tough times is in only one sector, auto parts and components manufacturing.

For infotech, the best location is not south, but east, in adjacent Greene County. This area has seen a big jump in computer programming and systems design work as well as in engineering and scientific R&D.

[JefferyT]

Race relations in the Dayton area are fairly civil. Maybe one of the best in Ohio outside of Columbus.

[wrightflyer]

Originally Posted by JefferyT

For infotech, the best location is not south, but east, in adjacent Greene County. This area has seen a big jump in computer programming and systems design work as well as in engineering and scientific R&D.

Thank you to good ol' Uncle Sam, Mr. BRAC, and Wright-Patt.