Areas near Wright-Pat (Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville: renting, home, new construction)

[HIgirl]

Thanks for the input Jesse. However, we will also be transients (we are military), so we are not only looking for a good value - but also something that will be easy to sell in about 3-4 years. Therefore, we believe that a good school system is very important for our "future" buyer. Do you think your school system is getting better quickly - or is it more of a slow pace?

Also, just curious, what are your thoughts on Centerville?

[Crew Chief]

HIGirl, the middle school right next to us (in Centerville City Schools) was expanded last year and late enrollments over this summer have already put the # of students at capacity level (The two other middle schools in the district aren't quite as populated, but are also growing) At least some of the influx looks like military families (WPAFB is bulking up due to BRAC) If I were a betting man, I'd put the odds on a levy on the ballot to build another middle school in the next few years...

[wrightflyer]

Beavercreeks already gearing up for a bond issue to expand the schools. Most of the schools are at if not past (some over 500) their original capcity. Some have been out of school early from the heat since their buildings still don't have AC. That might change, but the grumpy voices of the "state minimums and no higher property taxes" group has started to appear agian.

Enough ranting. From what it sounds like, you'd be happy in 1.Centerville, 2. Beavercreek.

[smgpugfaw]

For the record, Beavercreek was just named one of the best 100 places to live in the USA in Money Magazine's annual list:

MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2007: Beavercreek, OH snapshot

Based on what you seem to be looking for I'd agree with wrightflyer except I'd put it as 1. Beavercreek 2. Centerville

Mostly because proximity to the base seems to be a big concern.

(Yes, I live in Beavercreek.)

[HIgirl]

I saw that article and it did push Beavercreek to the #1 choice for us. However, Centerville/Wash Township also sounds great. You are correct, closeness to the base is important as well as a good school system (resale reasons).

I have been looking at real estate sites and Kettering has some nice areas. Any comments on that area?

Also, what are the taxes like in Beavercreek/Centerville areas?

[dayton_ohio]

Kettering is a "town next to a town". It has a huge variety of homes -- from areas with Section 8 housing to $100,000 ranch homes to $150,000-200,000 family areas to reasonable older homes to $400,000+ estate homes. Mostly older homes. I think the schools were just rated below exceptional, in the next category down. The schools generally aren't as highly regarded as Centerville or Beavercreek.

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by HIgirl

Also, what are the taxes like in Beavercreek/Centerville areas?

HIGirl, IMHO,it's pretty much a wash; the townships have no income tax but have somehwat higher property taxes. (It still costs the same to put a fire truck, cop car on the street or provide other gov't services) Active duty personnel pay no city income taxes. But if they have a part job or the spouse works, income tax will be paid to the city where they work. We live in Washington Twp. I work in Tipp City, so they get 1.25% of my income. My wife's school building is physically in Washington Twp., so she pays no Centerville taxes. In Washington Twp, we pay about $4500 in property taxes on a house valued at $200,000.

[wrightflyer]

Roughly the same goes for Beavercreek. We live in a $260,000 home with $5000 in property taxes. Beavercreek doesn't have an income tax inside the city limits, thus if you work on base or in Beavercreek, you'll not have to pay a local income tax. Granted, Crew Chief is right again when it comes to higher property taxes due to an absence of an income tax. Some local residents are trying to levy a 1-1.5% income tax in Beavercreek. While there is vocal support for both sides, its not going to happen anytime soon since the last attempt failed in the spring before it even got to the ballet.

[HIgirl]

WOW - I am totally shocked. We have a house in FL that is valued at around $165k and we only pay $1,000 a year. We still like the idea of living in Centerville or Beavercreek; however, those taxes are hard to swallow. If you had to recommend a third area to live in - where would it be?

[Crew Chief]

HIGirl, not sure what to tell you; perhaps I'd better defer to the members that have lived here longer than we have. My general impression is that Ohio tends to have high property taxes everywhere, compared to other states. FWIW, that may be balanced out for you guys by active duty not being taxed on income. Just an educated guess, but I believe that tax rates in cities and townships with good schools and more expensive homes would be comparable to Beavercreek, Washington Twp, Oakwood, etc. Best of luck!