New Job at the Dayton VA Area housing? (Trotwood, Green: rentals, houses)

[bpmoffit]

I will Be starting at the VA in Dayton In a Few weeks.
I am looking for a Safe, quiet, rental. I won't have any Kids or pets. My wife may visit at times but mostly just my self.
I require little assistance, I am self sufficient and able to handle myself in most situations so A little tuff neighborhood is not a turn off.
I come from a farm near a Small village in Northern Michigan, But have lived in European cities, South Mississippi, Metro Milwaukee, and Green Bay to now in rural PA.
I have no need for fancy Schools or pools or all that.
I like rural, small town living, but can live in a walk around City area.
I have a transit time of 45 min to an hour now.

Thanks

[wrightflyer]

45 minutes to an hour from the VA puts you in a number of areas. This will focus on those west of downtown Dayton.

For urban:
Check out some of the historic districts, namely Oregon District, St. Anne's Hill, and South Park. Oregon District is the most gentrified by far and houses a number of restaurants and bars along its main drag of East 5th Street between Patterson and Wayne. St. Anne's Hill is more rough around the edges but has seem some positive development over the last 10 years. Some of its northern borders can be rough though. South Park is mostly hit-or-miss when it comes to where you are. There are some cool restaurants and taverns scattered around its neighborhood.

There are a few more historic districts worth a look, but cannot remember their names right now. Downtown Dayton may be another option. Biggest disadvantage to most of those areas is access to everyday shopping (i.e. grocery). There is a Kroger southeast of downtown at Wayne and Wyoming, but not the best selection or area.

Small town living:
Germantown, which is slowly becoming a suburb, but is in its own right a small town, would be a great choice as it sits down OH-4 which runs towards the VA Hospital. It is towards the southwest of Dayton and the VA Center. Brooksville, which is northwest of downtown and the VA is another small town in a similar boat as Germantown. Always been a small town but some small developments have cropped up for commuters looking for a smaller town lifestyle. These two towns will probably have the best selection of rentals.

Eaton, which is probably the furthest away and due west of Dayton and the VA would be another option. It truly is a small town with a quaint downtown and pretty streets. Of course, as you move further away from Dayton and Wright-Patt AFB, rentals become harder to find less you hit the streets looking for the "For Rent" signs.

Scattered between Dayton, Eaton, Brookville, and Germantown lie a few small hamlets. They are New Lebanon, Gratis, Famersville, and West Alexandria. A couple other places around there include the western suburb of Trotwood, which can be hit or miss on quality of life. Parts sit right next to some poorer areas of West Dayton including Drexel, which sits on the west side of the VA. For Trotwood, I would stay more towards the north and west. More basic shopping up there as well.