Centerville (Dayton, Fairfield, Beavercreek: for sale, HOA, townhomes)

[HIgirl]

After all of your comments, etc. I really think that Beavercreek sounds like a great place. However, as a "back-up" area, I was thinking about Centerville. Any specific thoughts on that area? Do they have newer housing (built after 1995)? Any nice, decently priced sub-divisions that I can look into? From what I have read, the school system is excellent - so no need to report on that. If there is another area that you think I should look at - then please let me know. One more question for you . . . is it not common to have a fenced in backyard? I have been loooking on realtor websites and from the pictures that I have seen in both areas, it does not look like it. Also, yards look huge!

Thanks in advance for any advice !!!!

[dayton_ohio]

Fenced yards don't seem really common, but it really depends on the neighborhood. Centerville has a lot of new developments (around the Yankee Trace area in particular) -- you can find something, but the newer homes tend to be more expensive. Springboro or Beavercreek might work better if you are price-sensitive.

Are you just looking at newer homes?

[HIgirl]

We are thinking of anything newer than 1995. I guess we would be looking at anything between $100k-$170k. Is that reasonable given the the 1995+ requirement?

The reason for the fence question is becuase we have a dog and would really like for him to have a place to run around free.

[dayton_ohio]

Your best bet may be to contact a realtor in Dayton. They can search for listings with fences, in your price range, across multiple areas. I have no doubt that you'll find something -- though maybe not in Centerville at that age and price point.

You probably could find a really nice older ranch -- updated with newer features -- in Centerville at that price.

[wrightflyer]

Areas near the Mall at Fairfield Commons include 'Hickory Ridge' and 'Wagner Trace' by Gold Key Homes, Kings Gate/Queens Gate/Royal Gateway neighborhood by Ryan Homes, and Reserves of Beavercreek by Ryan Homes (townhomes). Also, a realtor probably could find you an updated ranch (or that fence) with a larger lot with trees if you don't like the high density around the mall.

Btw, that's all Beavercreek. I'm not familiar with Springboro, but those builders have communities in all three suburbs.

[dayton_ohio]

MLS is good... but it's tough to find fenced properties only.

[HIgirl]

This may be a stupid question but - Is the lack of fenced-in yards more of a personal choice [since yards look pretty big and a fence would be costly] or is there a city ordinance that does not allow it?

[Crew Chief]

HIGirl, we live in a subdivision in Washington Twp(adjoins Centerville and shares many services) that was built in the late 70's. Houses (ranches and tri-levels) in our subdivision average $200K and we LOVE it here. Some of our neighbors have fences, some don't. I believe it's more of a personal preference thing. For the most part, houses newer than '95 are upwards of $250K. Our home is on a large corner lot with the house sited closer to the rear of the lot, so our backyard is small (but perfect size for us!) There are many other houses in our subdivision that have large back yards big enough to be fenced in, though.

[wrightflyer]

Usually a fence is personal preferance. Most homes (built '94-present and average 300K) in our neighborhood have 1/3rd+ acre lots with the occasional picket or cross-beam wood fences for dogs. You may encounter restrictions in neighborhood homeowner associations but that is not as prevalent in subdivisions built prior to the '90s. Those restrictions usually prohibit privacy fences but allow 42' or 48' fences. Of course, that's only in our neighborhood and is subject to differences between subdivisions, actual enforcement, and whether your plat has a HOA or not.

[gentlearts]

My daughter lives in the Pelway Drive area of Centerville and there are several modest ranch houses for sale in the neighborhood. It is a tidy, older neighborhood, with nice mature lanscaping, and a nice park nearby. I believe there are a few fenced backyards.