Downtown living (Dayton, Oregon, Jefferson: apartments, to rent, lofts)

[Sacheverell]

I'm relocating to Dayton this August, to take a job at UD. I've been reading through a number of threads here at this forum to get a sense of the place (this will be my first time living in the Midwest). I've concluded that the best option for me, given my preferences, would be to live in the downtown area. While housing in the area is clearly plentiful, I'm a bit concerned about the availability of downtown housing--I saw an article in the DDN about low vacancy rates in downtown buildings.

Here's my wish list: I'm looking for a 1 bedroom, preferably of decent size (ideally at least 700 square feet or more). I don't really care about "luxury" features like fancy appliances and so on. I'd like a secure place to park, and decent amenities, especially an exercise room/gym. Some good usable shared spaces (like a rooftop deck or courtyard) would be great, as would be a shared sense of community. I'll probably work from home occasionally, so I'd like a building with decently thick walls for noise insulation. I'm single, but not *that* young any more (early 30's) so ideally, I'd like a building with a bit of a community sense, where I could possibly meet/make friends (I know absolutely no one in Dayton) but not necessarily a building of 23 year old partiers. As far as how much I'm willing to pay, this is somewhat variable. I'd be willing to pay up to about $750 although ideally I'd like to pay a bit less than that. If some or most utilities are included and the place was just perfect, I'd consider going higher.

Any thoughts from the people who know downtown living--suggestions on buildings I should look at? I'm not completely wedded to being downtown; if a nearby historic district (Oregon, Grafton Hill, etc) has a good option I'd consider it. From my research, The Landing looks just about perfect for me, but I worry about being able to get in. Do the downtown buildings have/keep "waiting lists"?

[willabee]

DMM Forum - Index | Dayton MostMetro (http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/forum/index.php - broken link)

[Billy from Dayton]

Hi Sacheverell - welcome to Dayton! You might want to check out the Dayton Towers (between Oregon District & St. Anne's Hill. They kinda look like housing projects from afar but I know a few people that live there and enjoy it. Definitely within that price range and good location.

Jefferson Apartments (Jefferson & Second) is another building to check out. And First Place Apartments - those are very nice and they have a pool. The Landing is very popular, but it is big enough that I can't imagine it is 100% full - you should definitely ask.

Downtown Dayton Partnership has a nice listing of most downtown apartments and condos. There are plenty of other options in adjacent historic districts, but typically houses. Still worth checking out - especially South Park (close to UD), Oregon District, St. Anne's Hill and McPherson Town.

[Daytonnatian]

Dayton Towers is an EXCELLENT suggestion!!!Wonderful complex. The DDN recently ran an article on it, which I'll try to find later. I 'm pretty sure that I posted it here already.Anyways, City-Data will not be your best source of info. DMM will offer far superior advice. I post there infrequently seeing that I'm not as well informed about the city central as I should be, so basically that's my most-informed response. The Landing is a great option, right in town and close to the river, theaters, shops, etc along Main and Ludlow. Dayton Towers does not offer this convenience.Good Luck!!!

[Daytonnatian]

Apologies for the formatting above (stupid smartphone.....)

[Billy from Dayton]

Originally Posted by Daytonnatian

DMM will offer far superior advice. I post there infrequently seeing that I'm not as well informed about the city central as I should be, so basically that's my most-informed response.

Thanks for the plug, Daytonnatian (and willabee, of course). I like to think of City-Data as a forum for out-of-towners who might be moving here to get more info, but once you're here and want to get plugged into the community then DMM is the place to go.

[joe from dayton]

The Canery and St. Clair Lofts might be worth taking a look at. You might also find a place to rent in South Park, which is just north of UD.

[Sacheverell]

Thanks everyone! I'll check out the forums on DMM as well.

[Joelle1214]

What is DMM?

[JefferyT]

^
Dayton Most Metro. It is a local website..sort of an online "city magazine", and online forum.