Anyone from Dayton? (Columbus, Cincinnati, Kettering: transplants, apartment complexes, lofts)

[clark1707]

Giesela,
I would say a self-proclaimed "middle of the road pseudo intellectual with some old hippie leanings" might enjoy being somewhere near Yellow Springs. It's an expensive place to live, and it may go a little overboard with the anti-establishment stuff. But I find it refreshing. Most of the area is overwhelmingly conservative, particularly Greene County (east of Dayton). Yellow Springs is like a vocal minority out there in the sticks. Where I live in Beavercreek, it's about a 10-15 minute commute to Area B of WPAFB, where most of the R&D/acquistion functions are located. Yellow Springs is probably a little bit longer, closer to 20-25 minutes. If you want to go rural, I would tend to lean east or south. Don't go west unless it's WAY west. North could be a good choice, especially if you're north of I-70, like Vandalia, Englewood...but then you're right by the airport. Troy and Piqua are a bit further, but that would make your commute 30 minutes or more (one way). Personally, I'm hoping Downtown Dayton keeps up the improvements. I don't think it's quite as bad as a lot of folks on this thread claim it is, and there's a lot of potential there. Always remember to not listen too closely to the extremists on either side.

[Giesela]

Clark - thanks for the input. I will be working at WPAFB and yes I would like a break from the homogeneity of the DoD world. I had seen Yellow Springs mentioned in another thread, but have not seen a place nearby for sale though that could change.
Any other specific town recommendations?
You mentioned the airport - how does that cause a problem?
So, east, south or north.
Is there a difference in topography? Here in Omaha it is oddly hard to find a flat lot,which I like to live on, but do like trees, rivers, ponds, gently rolling hills around, i.e. places where you feel in touch with nature and wildlife, and which seem to be in short supply. I'm a bird watcher. I would like an area where I can cultivate a good backyard bird population and also have some nearby places to get out to after work and on weekends to do some mild hiking in. I went through a lot of threads and saw one reference about flat cropland and blowing snow causing problems on the highway.
Are there any particular area pockets that fit the bill? Pockets of topography areas to stay away from?
I may start another thread with these specifics but would love to hear your take here.
Thanks again

[clark1707]

Hi, Giesela: I sent you a private message...please advise. On to your other questions.

I only mention the airport because of noise. That's the only problem I can think of.

Yes, there is a major difference in topography around the area, mainly tied to the river/creek valleys, just like the river bluffs around Omaha. You probably already know the region is called the Miami Valley. The Great Miami River, flows north/south through downtown on its way to the Ohio River. The Stillwater and Mad Rivers also come into the downtown area. Smaller tributary creeks also provide some varied topography, like where I live in Beavercreek, named after a tributary of the Little Miami River. And speaking of the the Little Miami, I have to highlight its Scenic River status. It starts up in the hills near Yellow Springs, and some of the scenery over in that area (Clifton Gorge, John Bryan State Park) is as good as it gets for SW Ohio. And that's pretty damn good in my book.

This part of the state has lots of fields, but there are also a lot of trees, so expect to see a lot more here than in most of Nebraska. I know Omaha has a fair amount being right by the River, but you've probably noticed that the tendency towards forestation increases steadily from west to east across the High Plains and Midwest.

As you go from Downtown north of I-70 towards the airport, the elevation increases suddenly from around 700 to over 1,000 feet. This can have a dramatic effect on snowfall, which averages probably a foot more at the airport than downtown. Similar effects occur to the east with Yellow Springs, which is about the same elevation as the airport.

I have lots of opinions about lots of other things that I'd be happy to share -- just ask.

[Giesela]

Clark - I find this sort of discussion great and think it helps me in trying to relate to some of the real estate websites where I look at houses. Sure a house hunting trip would help but if I'm able to do one it would be nice for it to be somewhat targeted. I also find topography, geology, nature in any way, good to discuss. The possibility of moving is huge decision and if I do I want to stay awhile - without moving again. Where I live is very important - i.e. I mean the house, the yard, the immediate local area. Its quite hard to get right if your looking at long term.
BTW - I did not get an email. I am leaving town tomorrow for a week. Hope to pick this back up when I return.

[JefferyT]

If you are looking for small town life, but close enough for the amenities of a metropolitian area take a look at Germantown. It is quite nice, very quaint, and still surrouned by open country. There are two nature reserves and bike trail nearby too, and the land is more rolling and hilly as you are in a valley there. This is my favorite small town in the area.

Link to the following URL for a pix tour of Germantown

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9373.0

I would say drive to the base would actually be less a hassle now that US 35 has been opened to the west. You would just take I-675 to US 35 to Germantown Pike and shoot down Germantown Pike to G-town.

The areas north of the base, say New Carlisle and Enon, are somewhat redneck, true. The nicer small towns are more west and northwest. Places like Clayton, Brookville, and New Lebanon.

Link to the following URL for some pix of Brookville and vicinity. There is a big nature preserve between Brookville and Trotwood, and a bike path along an old railroad grade. This is a great area if you like to bike, as there are a number of bikepaths around the area

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=8075.0

The old town part of Trotwood is also sort of neat, with old houses (bungalows, foursquares, old victorians) clustered around a little buisness district. People will try to steer you away from this area as its integrated and people here are somewhat racist (though closeted about it), yet this is still a nice community.

Link to this for a brief pix tour of Trotwood

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=8073.0

[middyDJ]

Originally Posted by JefferyT

If you are looking for small town life, but close enough for the amenities of a metropolitian area take a look at Germantown. It is quite nice, very quaint, and still surrouned by open country. There are two nature reserves and bike trail nearby too, and the land is more rolling and hilly as you are in a valley there. This is my favorite small town in the area.

Link to the following URL for a pix tour of Germantown

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9373.0

I would say drive to the base would actually be less a hassle now that US 35 has been opened to the west. You would just take I-675 to US 35 to Germantown Pike and shoot down Germantown Pike to G-town.

The areas north of the base, say New Carlisle and Enon, are somewhat redneck, true. The nicer small towns are more west and northwest. Places like Clayton, Brookville, and New Lebanon.

Link to the following URL for some pix of Brookville and vicinity. There is a big nature preserve between Brookville and Trotwood, and a bike path along an old railroad grade. This is a great area if you like to bike, as there are a number of bikepaths around the area

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=8075.0

The old town part of Trotwood is also sort of neat, with old houses (bungalows, foursquares, old victorians) clustered around a little buisness district. People will try to steer you away from this area as its integrated and people here are somewhat racist (though closeted about it), yet this is still a nice community.

Link to this for a brief pix tour of Trotwood

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=8073.0

I loved the last part of your post LOL. So true so true. My wife grew up in G-town till we married. A nice place. Too far out for my taste I guess. When we were home searching we looked around the Carlisle/Franklin area. But I tell you. Some of those areas worried me. I like to take walks and I wondered how some of the locals would take to seeing me walking the sidewalks. Haha you should have seen some of the stairs we got when we would go look at a house.

Butler/Warren County is not used to anyone other than "them". Reason why is my worst fears being a grown man happened to me when I was taking a late night walk in my neighborhood down here in Butler county. Now I have not been in a fight since I was 14-15 yrs old. Well I almost got into one walking by a house with people who seemed to be uneasy with me walking on the side walks. I once time spoke to the Lady of the house and I was plained ignored. So I knew what to expect from then on. That night I saw her and her older nephew and I did not say a word to them. I was minding my own business when the man says some words to me and asks me was I lost. I told him no. I must admit I was a bit bothered by the comment and I said can't I talk a walk in my OWN neighborhood without being accused of doing something. Well words escalated between us untill I jumped back into reality and thought to myself this man could kill me over some silly misunderstanding. I quickly tried to turn the tide and make amends. In the end we hugged and shook hands.

But I still to this day have a funny feeling about that all. My neighbor across the street walks his dog down that way almost every night and not one time has he had a problem. But then again he looks like him too

Im now 35. Will things ever get better between races?

[smile42]

This seems to have become the general thread to post any/all info about the Dayton area, so I'll add my $0.02 here

Many posts about good neighborhoods tend to focus on the south (Oakwood, Kettering, Centerville, Springboro) and east (Beavercreek) sides of Dayton. I'd encourage you to also look at Miami County (especially the Tipp City, Troy, and Miami East school districts). You can find these using http://www.realtor.com or the free, public access portion of the Dayton MLS system http://dayton.rapmls.com/#FindProperties

I've lived in Tipp City on/off for 20 years and have just loved it. Miami County in general is a wonderful place. Though I've lived in California and Florida, I have yet to find a place with such a nice atmosphere and good mix of small town charm, convenience, and reasonable cost of living. Home buyers will tell you the #1 benefit is that Miami County offers lower taxes than Montgomery County. The county line runs between Tipp and Huber Heights / Vandalia, so you have to be on the Tipp side to take advantage of the lower taxes, utilities, etc. Our crime rates are incredibly low, and traffic is almost non-existent. Tipp is the sort of place you set out for a leisurely evening walk at 11:00 p.m. and think absolutely nothing of your safety. I've heard it described as Mayberry mixed with a little Napa Valley trendiness, and that's pretty close to the truth!

Tipp probably offers the best Miami County location because it's small with a historic downtown (lots of antique shops), yet it's so easy to access the shopping benefits offered in neighboring Huber Heights (Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Elder-Beerman, Marshall's, Kohl's, Staples, Lowe's, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.), Vandalia (new Kroger, restaurant row on Benchwood/Miller Lane), and Troy (Kroger, Meijer, Super Walmart, etc.). Tipp itself offers all the fast foods plus Bob Evans and a great list of locally-owned restaurants (Coldwater, Harrison's, 2nd Street Deli, coffee houses, Sherer's Ice Cream, pizza parlors, etc.). We are especially blessed with a wonderful community library, new YMCA, and a great parks system including a new aquatic center. Our high school is brand-new, too!

Speaking of schools -- you'll be hard-pressed to find a place where the full community is so linked with the school system. (A similar example in south Dayton is Oakwood.) We regularly get compliments on our huge traveling crowds for high school basketball games, and the local papers (Tipp Herald and The Independent Voice) do a good job covering school events.

I've also lived in Centerville and Kettering and really appreciate that Miami County offers a little more space compared to the south suburbs. It's far easier to find a house here with a bit of land and a view of something other than your neighbor's backyard

For those commuting to WPAFB or Wright State, remember that you don't have to take the freeways. I'm always amazed at the number of Tipp & Troy residents who faithfully drive straight down I-75 and across I-70 every day -- often hitting significant construction traffic. While working at Wright State, I preferred to take the country roads and got there in less time. SR 571 (our Main Street) goes east, turns at New Carlisle, and becomes I-675. You can also take 40 or shortcuts on country roads to 235 and sneak into WPAFB and Wright State through their back entrances. Cuts out tons of traffic and allows you to enjoy a really peaceful drive to & from work. Drive time is 20-25 minutes to WPAFB using these routes. Drive time to Downtown Dayton via I-75 is 15-20 minutes. Drive time to the Dayton International Airport is 5 minutes or less.

Going out on a limb, I'd also suggest the unincorporated areas near Tipp. Elizabeth Township in eastern Miami County is on the National Register of Historic Places (yes, the entire township), and it's a beautifully peaceful rural area with some lovely old homes.

So, there's my add for ye olde Tippecanoe! Good luck, and please post back if you have further questions!

[smile42]

Having just read middyDJ's post, I should probably add this caveat to my "Tipp City is Wonderful" post. If we have a weakness, it's that we have absolutely, positively, no diversity. As of the 2000 census, Tipp was 98.2% white.

Then again, this doesn't make us much different than the other suburbs recommended in this thread. Oakwood: 98.1% Centerville: 93.3% Kettering: 96.3% Beavercreek: 94.5%.

[RedeNTired]

Originally Posted by islandFever

RedeNTired, what is wrong with well water? I'm looking at a few homes and they happen to have well water. Is there anything I should know?

Hi Island,

According to my husband who is in the Environmental field (and maybe a little more paranoid), the problems with well water are;

Possible contamination from nearby sources
Harder water
Different taste and odor problems from naturally occurring minerals and metals
If there is contamination at a later date it could be costly to clear the problem

He also suggest that you check with the local Environmental Agency for conditions of the well water, drinking water in your area.

Well water can be a good source of drinking water as long as there are no contaminants.

Good Luck with your house search.

[RedeNTired]

Hi,

Its sad to even have to ask this question. But here goes.

My husband and I are African/American in our 50s and 60s, both retiring from professional positions and are just looking for a quiet area. We actually don't care what the white - black ratio is. Having been raised in NY and currently living in San Diego we're both used to diversity.

How closeted is the racism in the area? If it closeted enough that everyone just leaves us alone, we're fine with that.

We just don't want to wake up to burning crosses or racial slurs on our property.

I welcome complete honest answers to this question (without trying to start a huge controversy).

Thanks for any help you can give.: