Dayton is a riverfront community on the rise
The Ohio River drove much of Dayton’s early growth and even once turned it into a tourist destination. However, the river’s flooding led many to leave the city before and after World War II. But what was once a deterrent is now one of Dayton’s leading draws. The city put up a levee system in the 1980s. Decades later, it got the Manhattan Harbour, a riverside development with a marina, upscale homes, luxury condos and apartments. “It’s kind of rebounding now to be a more desirable city than it has been over the last decade,” says Kim Hermann, a Realtor with Huff Realty. “I think there was just a big drive of people from out of town wanting to buy for city and river views. ” Despite its new housing, Dayton still has many homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “The properties are more appealing to first-time homebuyers because they’re more affordable,” Hermann says. “They’re very quaint, older homes.”
Housing ranges from Victorian-era homes to riverside condos
Dayton has dense blocks, where homes are just a few feet apart. In these neighborhoods, cars are parked on both the streets and sidewalks. Victorian-era homes are common, and they include ones with Queen Anne and Second Empire designs. The city also has Cape Cods, bungalows and narrow gablefront homes. The newer housing includes New Traditional and contemporary homes and condos overlooking the river. Depending on size and condition, most homes sell between $110,000 and $390,000. A few homes that are about 3,000 square feet or more go from $440,000 to $840,000. Condos away from the river run between $240,000 and $440,000, while those near the water go from $550,000 to $690,000. Also, nearly half of Dayton rents.
Sixth Avenue offers many dining options
Sixth Avenue has several vintage buildings housing cafes, restaurants, bars and small shops. The area also gets frequent foot and bicycle traffic. Staples along this thoroughfare include Unataza Coffee, which is popular for its espressos and Honduran fare. Restaurante Domingo offers more Latin foods, including tacos, tortas and Mexican street corn. Galactic Fried Chicken offers a casual spot with space-themed and retro decor. Dining spots along the river include Blue Catty’s Bar & Grille at The Marina at Manhattan Harbour. Options there include cocktails, catfish nuggets and various kebabs. Kroger in neighboring Bellevue is the nearest grocery store. Dayton is also 3 miles north of Newport Pavilion, where the chains include Target.
Recreation amenities include parks, riverfront trail and marina
Many cyclists, joggers and walkers have direct access to the Riverfront Commons trail, a nearly 12-mile path that runs on a hill by the river. The trail continues to nearby cities like Newport, where the path connects to the Purple People Bridge. The bridge leads to downtown Cincinnati. Boaters may rent a slip at The Marina at Manhattan Harbour, which provides convenient river access. The marina is a launch point for events like Rock the River, a charity boat race. “The marina was full of gorgeous speedboats,” Hermann says, recalling the event in 2025. “I’m not really a boating person, but to see these boats coming into Bellevue and Dayton was something.” Dayton also has a few smaller parks with amenities like unpaved walking trails, spaces for outdoor yoga and playground equipment.
Dayton has its own schools
Dayton Independent Schools serves the city and receives a C-plus from Niche. The district’s two schools are Lincoln Elementary and Dayton High. Lincoln Elementary gets a C, while Dayton High gets a B-minus. The high school also serves students from seventh to 12th grade. Recent district projects include the 2025 opening of a new high school football stadium. The stadium is part of a larger, multi-million-dollar complex that will also open to elementary-level students.
Community celebrates autumn and easily sees Labor Day fireworks
City events include October's Dayton Fall Fest at Monument Park. Children may get their faces painted, paint pumpkins and get twisted balloons. Attendees may also dress up as their pets as part of a contest. Dayton also offers easy views of Cincinnati’s Labor Day fireworks show. The Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks and Riverfest is one of the largest shows of its kind in the Midwest.
Commuters have quick access to TANK buses and I-471
TANK provides several bus stops for residents without cars. The city is also close to Interstate 471, which commuters can take to go to downtown Cincinnati and other communities in the area. Dayton is less than 5 miles east of downtown Cincinnati. About 20 miles west, the Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights. Residents here also don’t need to travel far for medical services. Dayton is less than 5 miles north of St. Elizabeth Healthcare Ft. Thomas Hospital.
