Looking to retire... (Dayton, Kettering, Xenia: apartment, rentals, how much)

[Jasbud]

I presently live in New York city which I hate and will not be able to afford if I lose my job, which is possible or when I retire. I work at a real small newspaper that is struggling to stay in business. My question is this...

I have pretty much decided to move to Dayton when the time comes, but is there someone I can contact as far as getting information about safe neighborhoods, close to shopping etc. I know you have a chamber of commerce but that information is so general.

Any suggestions would help. I do not drive so have to live close to bus line and shopping, and looking for not cheap but affordable.

Also any help for us old folks if we have to find a job?? lol...

Again, will appreciate any information

Thank you so much....

[wrightflyer]

I'd recomend contacting a realtor. Though there are plenty of people on these threads that can give you specific information on certain areas of Dayton and the surrounding suburbs.

To really get good up-to-date and accurate info from the threads, however, it helps to provide what price point you are looking at in buying/renting a home. Coming from NYC, everything but the largest homes in the nicest suburbs can be considered "affordable".

Personally, if you are looking for affordable near a bus line(s) with shopping in walking distance of most neighborhoods, there are some decent neighborhoods in East Kettering (East of Far Hills Ave). It's a little blue collar and has seen some stuggles lately, but I would hardly classify it as a down and out place.

Depending on how much you can afford, there are some cheaper houses and rentals in Oakwood. I recommend Oakwood because there is a main bus line running north-south on Far Hills Ave, and it is the most walkable community within the Dayton metro. However, Oakwood is one of the more expensive communities in the Dayton metro.

[djphrenzy]

It's going to be different for sure.

We all drive everywhere here. My advice is buy a car and prepare to be surrounded by SUVs and minivans.

I think you'll enjoy the pace though... certainly quite a bit slower than NYC.

Kettering and Oakwood would be options with suburban feel.

Also, you may be able to find a rental in the Oregon District which may provide an easier transition, given that it's moderately urban.

[Jasbud]

Thank you for your information...I will keep it in mind...I did think of asking the realtors, but of course they have their own agenda...to rent or sell their properties. Real synic I am...lol

[Jasbud]

Thank you for your reply...and slower is definately what I am looking for. Have not had a drivers licsence for years, no need in New York..so that is out but I am sure there are neighborhoods that are suitable for that.

thanks again

[JefferyT]

The only places you can survive without a car without too much hassle would be the following since they are within reasonable walking distance of a supermarket and I suspect grocercies would be an essential need:

a) the southern part of Oakwood as it is within walking distance of the Dorothy Lane Market supermarket

b) A certain apartment/rental area in Kettering, where Shroyer intersects with Stroop and Far Hills as there is a Kroger supermarket at the intersection of Shroyer and Stroop and you can walk from the residential area to the Kroger because there are sidewalks.

c) The village of Yellow Springs as it has an IGA right on the old main street (called Xenia Drive) (but there is no public transit in Yellow Springs).

I'd look at the Oakwood and Kettering examples. These area are also on a bus line if you need to go further than the immediate neighborhood for things. In Yellow Springs you would be trapped, though I think Greene County has CATS, which is a paratransit service where you have to schedule the van to pick you up going and coming.