From sweeping views of the Miami River to a bustling entertainment scene, Downtown Dayton takes on the self-proclaimed title of "everyone's neighborhood." It's the city's beating heart, offering diverse cuisine, career opportunities and a thriving arts community. Riverfront parks overflow with recreation, and the neighborhood is home to more than 130 restaurants and bars only a few blocks from homes. "You've got everything you need within walking distance; that's a huge appeal of it," says Jes Sands, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Downtown Dayton Partnership and longtime resident. "We have big city amenities with a small-town feel." Annual festivals and weekly events keep residents busy, as the city has plenty of them. "When my clients come to town, I tell them, 'If you're bored, it's your own fault,'" says Kerry Santiago, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors who has sold all over Dayton. "There's so much to do. You cannot want for anything Downtown."
The Miami River gently flows around the hustle and bustle of Downtown Dayton.
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is an iconic 2,300-seat theater in Downtown Dayton that presents music, dance, and theater.
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Artisan fare, weekend markets and live shows
Downtown's commercial scene offers a myriad of shops and restaurants. "Most businesses are locally owned by people who have lived here for years," Sands says. Shelves stuffed with $1 books and themed trinkets overflow at Rabbit Hole Books. Morning coffees brew at Teapot Cafe Lounge, and Flying Pizza specializes in cheesy slices. Historic bars scattered around the neighborhood usher in the community's nightlife. Tipping into the neighboring Oregon District, Salar Restaurant and Lounge blends Peruvian and French fare, while The Trolley Stop's tavern dates back to 1839. Sands shares that CULTURE is a personal favorite; "It's comfort food, but the chef is very creative. He does these wonton nachos that are more inspired by traditional Asian dishes." Downtown also has a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which allows people 21 and over to open-carry alcoholic beverages within a defined boundary. Shoppers pick up groceries at Stop-N-Save or Kroger, but 2nd Street Market is the go-to on the weekends. This indoor merchant square buzzes with conversations and live music as the smells of aerating wine and freshly baked bread waft by. Vendors sell made-to-order meals, handmade jewelry, homemade jams and locally sourced produce. Outside of shops and restaurants, Downtown has all sorts of entertainment venues. The Neon screens a mix of modern, international and indie films in a retro-style cinema. The Dayton Convention Center hosts everything from anime conventions to traveling exhibitions. Bands jam out at Levitt Pavilion Dayton, and the fine arts are displayed at the Victoria Theatre and Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. One historic landmark, the Dayton Arcade, preserves significant city architecture while creating a supportive space for artists and innovators.
Rabbit Hole Books spread the wonders of reading to Downtown Dayton residents.
Saturate your senses in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Celtic heritage at Dayton Celtic Fest.
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Recreation and celebrations along the Great Miami River
Set on the banks of the Great Miami River, RiverScape MetroPark blooms with life. Brightly colored perennials and tropical plants greet visitors from hanging baskets and manicured gardens. Murals, reflecting pools and a seasonal fountain add even more visual gusto. Paddling rentals and watercraft launch points let boaters hit the river's smooth water and whitewater waves. A covered pavilion hosts concerts in summer and an ice-skating rink in winter. RiversEdge Park, also along the Great Miami, offers a more relaxed vibe. People lay out on the grass or cruise down the bike trails to enjoy unobstructed river views. The park also has kayak and canoe launch points. The YMCA of Greater Dayton offers indoor facilities for year-round exercise. Residents are within walking distance of the Day Air Ballpark, where thousands cheer on the Dayton Dragons, the city's minor league baseball team. During spring, basketball games at the University of Dayton are just a short drive away.
Residents of Downtown Dayton can learn to skate at RiverScape MetroPark.
You can get close to the wildlife at RiverScape Metropark in Downtown Dayton.
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Seasonal events bring Santa's sleigh and Irish step dance
Events happen year-round in Downtown Dayton. The Downtown Dayton Partnership orchestrates most events and offers information on each on its website. Activities range from music bingo at breweries and grand openings of special art exhibits to city-wide cultural celebrations. The annual Dayton Holiday Festival involves a festive tree lighting and parade, and Sands says the activities continue through December. Families take kids to meet Santa and his live reindeer, while groups enter gingerbread home contests and catch horse-drawn wagon rides. Sands also shares that The Celtic Fest, which takes place at RiverScape MetroPark, is one of their biggest events. Bagpipes sing and Irish step shoes clack as attendees enjoy live performances, parades and traditional pub grub. In summer, Levitt Pavilion opens its doors for a free summer concert series, and Courthouse Square becomes a hub for local markets and small-scale shows.
Discover the magic that keeps people returning to Dayton’s Celtic Festival year after year.
Individuals dress to the nines in their Irish kilts and gear for the Celtic Fest.
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Historic buildings see new life as lofts and condos
The community's homes are different than the single-family houses in surrounding neighborhoods. "A lot of young people don't want lawns. They don't want to deal with all that, so they're gravitating toward the condo living," explains Santiago. "It's the lifestyle with the doorman and all the activities in Downtown they're looking for." Renters make up the majority of people living in the neighborhood, so options for rent are the most common. Yet, the community still has homes that are owner-occupied. "We have a huge demand for housing right now," says Sands. "At the beginning of this year, there was a 96 percent occupancy rate Downtown." Townhouses, condos and historic factories converted into lofts are dominant. Typical features include brick exteriors and modern yet industrial interiors with granite countertops, exposed pipes and concrete ceiling slats. Prices range between $200,000 and $480,000, but higher-end condos and multifamily properties occasionally cost between $600,000 and $850,000. Owners pay monthly homeowners association fees for services like maintenance and trash pickup, and luxury offerings have perks like added security and balconies with sprawling riverfront views. Private parking is typical, even for less expensive properties, enticing people to leave their ride at home and explore Downtown's streets on foot.
Apartments are a popular option among residents of Downtown Dayton.
Brick townhomes with garages can be found in Downtown Dayton.
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Home to Sinclair Community College
Dayton's school district has an open enrollment policy, but most students living downtown attend River's Edge Montessori School. This prekindergarten through sixth-grade school, located across the Miami River, has a C grade from Niche. Next is Wright Brothers Middle School, followed by either Belmont High School or Stivers School for the Arts. The schools receive C-minus, C-plus and B-plus scores, respectively. Students must apply and be accepted into Stivers's programs, which teach performing and visual arts skills in various environments, like specialized studios and a 600-seat auditorium with an orchestra pit. Downtown is home to Sinclair Community College's main campus. The college has some of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and serves about 30,000 students online and in person at its various satellite locations. It earns a B score, and Niche rates it as the fourth-best community college in the state. The University of Dayton is within 2 miles of downtown. The university is an A-rated Catholic institution with community partners throughout downtown, creating distinct ties between the two areas.
Students walk to class on a brisk winter day at Sinclair Community College in Downtown Dayton.
Downtown Dayton students finish their academic careers at Roosevelt High School.
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Walkable streets but transit options abound
Most residents get around by foot, bike or rentable electric scooter within the neighborhood, as the infrastructure supports pedestrian traffic. Bus stops are along almost every street, and a free shuttle called the Flyer makes several stops between Downtown and the University of Dayton. A few highways lead drivers to essential destinations, like Dayton International Airport and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the city's largest employers. Highway 35 connects to Interstate 75, which splits from Ohio State Route 4. Kettering Health Dayton and the Miami Valley Hospital are within a mile of the neighborhood. Dayton International Airport is about 12 miles away.
Crime
CAP Index gives the area a crime score of 9 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10. The area has higher-than-average scores for both property and violent crimes.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Stylish Condo Living in the Heart of Downtown! Welcome to 18 S Saint Clair, Unit 201 located in the Lofts on St. Clair — where historic charm meets modern comfort in this beautifully updated 1-bedroom unit. Featuring brand-new Renewal by Andersen windows with a transferrable warranty, this condo is filled with natural light and energy efficiency. Step into a spacious great room with high
Exceptionally well maintained unit ideally located in the Lofts of St Clair You will be impressed the moment you enter the lobby of this historic building with modern updates. The open, studio concept is perfect for entertaining highlighted by wood flooring, soaring ceilings and an abundance of windows for natural light. The large great room offers unlimited possibilities for living and dining
POPULAR END UNIT TOWNHOME - MOVE IN READY! Looking for a place that puts you right in the heart of all the action? Welcome to this stylish, urban townhome in Downtown Dayton’s buzzing Ballpark District! This premium end unit offers nearly 1,200 sq ft of modern living space with an added bonus live/work area, an attached 1-car garage, plus a second deeded parking spot in a private lot—hard to find
Modern Downtown Living | 2 Bed, 1.5 Bath Condo with Stylish Garage Level. Welcome to city living at its best! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo is nestled in the heart of downtown Dayton, Very near Fifth Third Field, Riverscape, and your favorite dining and entertainment spots. The main (second) level features an open layout with generous natural light and a seamless flow between the
Welcome To This Nearly Half Acre Parcel Of Unrestricted Land For Your Future Homesite! Lightly Wooded And Nicely Compacted Gravel Road. Utilities Are Unknown. Located In An AE Zone. No Survey Available. Priced To Sell! Use The Pin In HAR Maps To Locate As Mapping Apps May Not Locate Accurately.
Welcome to the heart of downtown. Dining, Levitt Pavilion, Dayton Dragons, the Oregon District, the Fireblocks district, Schuster Performing Arts Center, The Victoria Theater and so much more at your feet in this three story, 2 bed, 3 bath condo. Enter on the first floor through your garage or gated front patio. First floor in unit laundry room for your convenience. On the second floor there is
Look no further than St. Clair Lofts, where we've curated stunning one- and two-bedroom apartments with the perfect blend of style, convenience, and luxury in the heart of Downtown Dayton. Featuring large windows that flood your living space with natural light and bold architectural details that set us apart.Our esteemed community offers a wealth of amenities that cater to your lifestyle.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Stewart,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,289
Median Age
38
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,804
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,854
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85%
College Graduates
32.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
53.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
21''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
85/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
84/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
