Dayton is a growing railroad town 40 miles from Houston
Dayton is a small railroad town about 40 miles from Houston with fewer than 10,000 people. Even as Dayton grows with new master-planned communities and improved roadways, it keeps its rural Texas feel. As an official Old Spanish Trail City, Dayton traces its history back to the 1930s trail route, now U.S. Highway 90. “Dayton has a country feel, but it’s growing. It’s a family-friendly community with hometown parades and festivals," says Kelly Swartz, a Realtor with JLA Realty who grew up in nearby Crosby. "The people here are very community-focused, and I love that." New developments are taking shape around River Ranch and Highway 146, yet many locals still raise livestock and sell goods at the farmer's market.
Dayton’s economy has always revolved around transportation. The Union Pacific Railroad is a huge industry, and projects like Gulf Inland Logistics Park and the Grand Parkway expansion are paving the way for growth. While lacking prominent industries, locals commute to manufacturing sites like Enterprise PDH Plant and ExxonMobil's Baytown Refinery. "The oil refinery is a big part of why Highway 146 is seeing development," Swartz says.
Dayton continues to grow while maintaining its charm and open spaces.
Dayton embraces its rural roots with livestock thriving across open pastures.
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Developing River Ranch Community and acres of land for sale
Dayton is home to mid-20th-century homes, master-planned communities and expansive acreage with a median home price of $329,350. The city’s growth has spread from downtown, where 1950s and 1960s ranch homes sit on quarter-acre lots. "Oaks of Trinity, White Oak Trails and Encino Estates are popular areas. The homes there sit on acreage, and it has a peaceful, rural vibe," Swartz says. The rural areas around Dayton include properties ranging from half an acre to more than 40 acres. These parcels, priced between $25,000 and $4 million, are primarily used for cattle raising and homesteading. To the south, River Ranch is a 7,000-acre development featuring over 7,000 homes. It includes a recreational lagoon and plans for schools within the community.
Dayton features homes on acreage offering spacious living with room to grow.
Smaller, quaint homes can be found throughout Dayton offering cozy living.
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Food Truck Fridays at The Crossroads Plaza
Dayton residents value downtown of family-owned businesses, where murals brighten the city’s historic brick buildings. “Dayton still has that charm, with a quaint town square surrounded by local shops,” Swartz says. The Downtown Dayton District is home to The Crossroads Plaza, which opened in 2020 near Dayton City Hall. Conceptualized by the Dayton Enhancement Committee, it serves as a central gathering spot with events throughout the year. The Dayton Farmers Market occurs in the morning on the second Saturday of each month. The plaza also hosts Food Truck Friday monthly. Livestock is a big part of life, and the Dayton Livestock Show and Rodeo has been held every May for over 70 years. While the city lacks big-box retail, it’s just a drive away for shopping. “You can drive in any direction for about 30 minutes to places like New Caney to reach bigger stores," Swartz says.
Crossroads Plaza in Dayton hosts events that bring the community together.
Dayton City Hall serves as the center of local government and community services.
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Dayton's splash-pad filled summers and the new Angel Lagoon
Dayton has five parks that span over 50 acres. Parker Park is home to the city’s splash pad, open from spring to fall. Henderson Day Park is the woodiest of the parks and offers soccer goals and paved trails. The Dayton Community Center is the site of a senior center and the Jones Public Library. Liberty Sand Bar is located 5 miles along the Trinity River for fishing. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge is 10 miles away, popular for game and waterfowl hunting. Dayton is also home to Splash Haven, one of the country’s largest inflatable water parks. Angel Lagoon opened to the public in 2024 in the River Ranch community, offering kayaking and paddleboarding surrounded by white beaches.
The Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a peaceful escape with diverse wildlife.
The community center and Jones Library in Dayton offer spaces for learning and gathering.
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Dayton Independent School District partners with Lee College
Dayton Independent School District (DISD) serves nearly 6,000 students and has a B-minus rating on Niche. DISD received a Districts of Innovation designation for 2022 to 2027, which allows the district to enhance its curriculum, programs and services. In partnership with Lee College, high school students can take dual-enrollment and CTE courses through the Lee College Education Center – South Liberty County.
Fuel ambition at Woodrow Wilson Jr High School.
Ignite curiosity at Dayton High School, where knowledge thrives.
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I-69, Grand Parkway and access to Houston
Dayton is less than 40 miles from Houston via I-69, and thanks to the city’s expanding roadways, it is easy to access. Traveling to Houston is straightforward, and in 2022, Grand Parkway, a 184-mile toll road connecting surrounding counties, made the trip even easier. The Brazos Transit District has fixed routes throughout the city. Dayton is less than 30 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Dayton is home to Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center.
Crime and weather in Dayton
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Uniform Crime Reporting System, Liberty County saw increased overall crime from 2023 to 2024. However, crime rates remain lower than those in neighboring Harris and Polk counties.
Dayton experiences long summers and mild winters. Like Houston, Dayton is vulnerable to flooding and tropical storms. Due to its proximity to the Trinity River, the city also faces a high flood risk.
Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dayton, TX sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dayton, TX over the last 12 months is $425,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
With 1785 Square feet, the Lexington plan is a 4 bedroom/2 1/2 bath with the following features included: Large kitchen with large island, 42" Kitchen Cabinets with Crown Molding, Granite Countertops, Undermount Sink, Stainless Steel Appliances that include Whirlpool gas range, microwave oven that is vented outside and dishwasher, Elongated toilets, Tankless water heater, Dual sinks at owners
Aspire at River Ranch Trails is a master-planned community featuring Looks, a stylish collection of interiors professionally curated by our design team. This charming one-story Goldenrod II with Elements Look home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 car attached garage. Palatial kitchen with Sinclair Sarsaparilla cabinets, spacious island, and Valle Nevado granite countertops. Cozy dining area &
Aspire at River Ranch Trails is a master-planned community featuring Looks, a stylish collection of interiors professionally curated by our design team. Charming two-story Honeysuckle II home in our Loft Look, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 car attached garage. Welcoming foyer with feature wall. Stunning kitchen with dark stain cabinets, Cararra Miksa quartz countertops and stylish
This conveniently located lot is just over 1/2 an acre and ready for you to build your dream home! Nestled towards the back of Encino Estates, you will have the opportunity to clear it and keep the trees you want, to create your perfect retreat. Electricity and water are available, and a septic system will be needed. Two adjoining lots of the same size are for sale as well, creating an
This conveniently located lot is just over 1/2 an acre and ready for you to build your dream home! Nestled towards the back of Encino Estates, you will have the opportunity to clear it and keep the trees you want, to create your perfect retreat. Electricity and water are available, and a septic system will be needed. Two adjoining lots of the same size are for sale as well, creating an
This expansive lot, just under an acre, presents a rare opportunity to create a private estate tailored to your vision. The property offers ample space for a custom luxury residence, additional driveway, or a detached structure such as a workshop or guest quarters. For those seeking even more possibilities, this lot is also available to purchase together with the neighboring homes, allowing for
Welcome to this like new home in River Ranch Meadows! 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with 3 car wide garage on premium corner lot, wow! Charming Elevation with Front Porch! Impressive Foyer Opens to Gourmet Island Kitchen with Shaker-Style Cabinetry, Quartz Counters, & Stainless Appliances - Plus Spacious Dining Area & Large Living Room! Privately Located First Floor Primary Suite - Lovely Garden Bath with
Located near the community's entrance, on a prime lot with over 1 ACRE of land, The house offers an open floor plan, modern interiors, and expansive living areas, including a flow-through living/dining area and a home office. The spacious kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a large island, custom cabinetry, recessed lighting, a built-in pantry, a microwave, and a gas
Located 45 minutes outside of Houston, Dayton Parks pet-friendly apartments for rent offer access to the citys employment and attractions with the space and comforts of suburban life. Dayton Park offers 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments in a garden-style setting with community amenities that expand everyday living beyond your front door. Dayton Park Apartments is pleased to offer affordable
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