Nice areas near WPAFB (Cincinnati, Dayton: new house, neighborhoods, top schools)

[5flags]

I've made a first pass on researching areas around WPAFB (we're relocating there in about 1.5 yrs). I received lots of good info and advice from forum members. Was able to travel up for a visit in April. Centerville, Bellbrook (and surrounding townships), Oakwood and Beavercreek are all still in the running, based on schools, housing, amenities, etc.

I didn't have time to visit some other areas, but have since seen positive comments here about Springboro, Miamisburg, Northmont, Vandalia, and Germantown. How are the commute times to WPAFB area B from these (don't mind 30 min, but don't want longer)? Also, I've seen good things about Springboro and Northmont schools. How are the others? How are ameneties such as shopping, parks, and youth sports in these areas compared to the aforementioned areas in the east/southeast burbs? What other good points do these have that the others may not.

Thanks for any help.

[Daytonnatian]

Generally for public schools around here, Oakwood, Beavercreek, and Centerville are regarded as the top schools, along with the Stivers School in the Dayton Public School System. The other districts you mentioned are nipping at their heels.

However, for Germantown, Miamisburg, Northmont area, and Vandalia, the commute times are probably a little too long for your liking. The other areas you mentioned are excellent choices, though, and I would also add Ceaderville if you want a smaller excellent district.

[5flags]

Thanks Daytonnatian. I'll check out Cedarville.

[dayton_ohio]

If you are at WPAFB, there really isn't a reason to move to Springboro unless you want a brand-new house or want to live closer to Cincinnati. Likewise, there isn't much reason to look at Vandalia unless you want to live in a brand-new house or want to live closer to the airport or marginally closer to Indianapolis. Commutes likely would be close to or above your target.

Most of the areas you mentioned are close to shopping, hospitals, etc., but are convenient to different things. There are very few places in the Dayton metro that are truly inconvenient -- almost everything is within a 30-40 minute drive, and almost any suburban neighborhood is within 10-15 minutes of some major shopping or medical facilities. Housing costs vary, but generally you get what you pay for.

You also could look at Yellow Springs for a funkier lifestyle.

[JefferyT]

Yellow Springs has a pretty good school district, too.

[wckdstepmother]

how is south park?

[Daytonnatian]

^It's awesome, great urban neighborhood, has won numerous awards and has a great community. I'd suggest PM'ing the city-data poster TGasper for more info, as she is deeply involved in the South Park community.

You could probably reach a better informed crowd at this site:

www.daytonmostmetro.com/forum

[JefferyT]

Only caveat about South Park is the city school system has a bad rep. You'd have to send yr kids to private school if you lived in the city...but there are some good ones. If you are OK with that, or dont have kids in school, South Park is a good choice as an up-and-coming city neighborhood.

[wckdstepmother]

Thanks - nice little house in south park on realtor.com I do have to think about resale though so schools play a part even though we don't have kids that would attend school so thanks for that info as well. We've got about two weeks before we head out of Fl for Oh

[JefferyT]

I think the Oregon, Fairgrounds, Stonemill (near UD and Oakwood), and South Park are the neighborhoods in Dayton proper that would be a safe investment.