Dayton’s vibrant downtown grows on the Tennessee River bank
The Appalachian Mountains peer over Dayton, a city along the Tennessee River, home to Bryan College, a lively downtown and expansive properties. “Dayton is a small town with amazing people who are very friendly. It’s got that southern hospitality, is vibrant and growing,” says Janet Goins, a Realtor with simpliHom who has about 5 years of experience. “There’s been a resurgence of downtown Dayton, which has been nice to see, because I grew up in the area. Many homes have been sold recently, and businesses are moving in, or people are remodeling them and moving in, because of the walkability to parks, hiking trails and local restaurants.”
Athletic facilities, bass fishing and a local play area
Pendergrass Park is home to BlueCross Healthy Place, a play area with a splash pad, an outdoor fitness station and playgrounds. Six pickleball courts are adjacent to the park, and an additional six are near the futsal courts at the intersection of Church Street and Alabama Avenue. On Washington Street, the Dayton Walking Track connects a dog park to Swinging Bridge Park’s natural open space. Delaware Sports Complex has tennis courts in addition to tennis and soccer fields. In Dayton’s northern region, Laurel-Snow State Natural Area spans over 2,200 acres with trails ranging from about 2 miles to nearly 5 miles. According to Goins, bass fishing is popular in this region, particularly at Watts Bar Lake and the Tennessee River.
From downtown cottages to subdivisions and waterfront custom homes
Cottages are common downtown, and their prices range from nearly $70,000 to $350,000. Subdivisions include ranch-style homes, some on sloping terrain, and New Traditionals. Prices range from around $100,000 to $640,000, and New Traditionals are priced between approximately $290,000 and $780,000.
Many cabins and custom multi-story homes, some with Cape Cod features, occupy sprawling waterfront properties. Their prices can range from around $360,000 to $2.4 million, depending on factors such as home and property size.
Waterfront homes have an elevated flood risk, and many have green space between them and the water.
Local businesses in downtown Dayton and retail on Able Drive
Downtown Dayton has gift shops, boutiques and sporting goods stores, including Harvest Archery Pro Shop and Downhome Outdoor Addiction. Local restaurants include 1st Avenue Pizza, Books and Treats, where the smell of Italian spices wafts from the back pizza counter to the bookstore at the front entrance. “A staple of Dayton is the Dayton Coffee Shop; it’s been there for decades. It’s still great, like a southern home cooking place with great service,” Goins says. Food City and Tractor Supply Co. are on Able Drive in the area’s southern region.
Tennessee Strawberry Festival features pageantry and a parade
The Tennessee Strawberry Festival, a downtown event, occurs in early May. A classic car cruise-in and block party kicks off the event, and other event features include a pageant and parade. The festival dates back to 1947, when the community gathered to celebrate the county’s successful harvest of the berries.
Education within Dayton’s city limits and across Rhea County
Residences within the city’s limits are zoned for Dayton City School, a Niche B-minus graded kindergarten through eighth-grade institution. The remainder of Dayton spans the Rhea County School District’s boundary. Several elementary schools are in the county district, such as Frazier Elementary, which earns a B-plus grade. The Rhea County Middle and High schools both receive B grades. The high school building has a wing dedicated to career and technical education courses, including those in criminal justice and agriculture. Bryan College offers a Christian liberal arts education near downtown and requires all full-time students under 22 years old who are unmarried to live on campus. An exception to this rule is if students commute from a parent's or a relative’s residence.
Chattanooga is a highway away, and medical facilities are in town
Major employers, including La-Z-Boy and Nokian Tyres, are in Dayton’s industrial area north of downtown. Railroad tracks travel through the area, and passing trains may cause traffic at intersections and noise. Rhea Medical Center is on Rhea County Highway, a segment of U.S. Route 27. The highway connects Dayton to Chattanooga, about 40 miles away. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is located at a similar distance, just outside Chattanooga’s city center near Interstate 75.
