Santa Clara is a quiet neighborhood with aging but historic homes
Santa Clara is a small neighborhood shaped by its older housing. Streets reveal homes dating back to the early and mid 1900s, and while some have been updated, others show their age or sit vacant. The community is largely renter occupied yet anchored by longtime residents working to reverse its historic decline. It's a low-key residential area along Main Street not far from Downtown Dayton, where many of the closest employers and businesses are.
Santa Clara has a wide variety of historic home styles.
The neighborhood is a quick drive from the bustling downtown Dayton.
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Explore early 20th-century houses in varying stages of upkeep
The neighborhood mainly has early- to mid-20th-century homes, including bungalows, Cape Cods, two-story Craftsman-style houses and American Foursquares. Some have unique details, like bay windows, half-timbering and bright paint jobs. Duplexes are also common. The condition of homes varies from street to street. Some have been renovated, and others are moderately well-maintained. Still, decades of disinvestment in the area have also left many properties vacant or in poor condition.
Many homes are ready for renovation or a complete remodel.
Duplexes are common throughout the community.
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How low prices and incentives are bringing buyers back
Over 70% of residents are renters, with not many people investing permanently in the community. "We took a real hit during the recession," says Gloria White, president of the Santa Clara Neighborhood Association. "But I feel positive about our neighborhood. We're working our way back and need good people to join us." The area's relatively affordable home prices are slowly attracting:
First-time homeowners buying on a budget
Rehabbers looking for a project
Investors wanting to enter the rental market
Prices usually range from less than $10,000 to the mid $200,000s depending on a home's condition and size. "There aren't many other places where you can live 10 minutes from downtown and buy homes for around $40,000," says Tammy Murphy, broker and owner of RH2L Real Estate. The community is also an opportunity zone. "There are tax incentives for investors, and if you are looking to occupy the property, there's a way that you can get 100% financing, grants or even down payment assistance if you purchase in the area," says Curtis Babio, Realtor with ManCo Property Services. "The city is allocating a lot of funds to rehabilitate the area because it has been looked over in the past."
Longtime homeowners add stability in this mostly renter area
Although more people rent than own, the neighborhood does have longtime residents. "There are people that have lived here for 20 to 30 years and won't leave because they have worked hard on their homes," Murphy says. The neighborhood doesn't host many social events, but neighbors usually get to know one another and welcome newcomers.
Dominion Academy of Dayton is a private school option near the community.
Dayton Public Schools serve the area with private choices nearby
Most students attend Dayton Public Schools. Kids can walk or bike to Edwin Joel Brown Middle School in neighboring Hillcrest. Nearby private options include the highly rated Dominion Academy of Dayton in Riverdale, a faith-based kindergarten through 12th-grade school. "We have our classical core, then we focus on core enrichment, which includes the arts and STEM," says admissions coordinator Elizabeth Furst.
Main Street offers easy access to downtown Dayton.
Main Street offers an easy commute to downtown and I-75
Traffic is generally low inside the neighborhood. Main Street leads commuters straight to downtown Dayton, where most major employers are. It also connects to Kettering Health Dayton, another big employer, and Interstate 75.
Gem City Market provides fresh groceries to northwest Dayton.
Few local businesses remain, so people travel elsewhere for basics
Santa Clara used to have a thriving business district in the 1950s, but most of its historic buildings are now boarded up. Gradual improvements to Main Street and Salem Avenue are slowly attracting new businesses, but many people travel to other neighborhoods to shop and dine. "We're in a bit of a food desert here," White says. "There isn't much for us right here in our neighborhood, and that makes a lot of our shopping more difficult." Gem City Market in Old Dayton View is the closest grocery store, and downtown offers boutique shops and entertainment venues.
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Santa Clara Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Santa Clara, Dayton sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Santa Clara, Dayton over the last 12 months is $91,450, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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