A peaceful South Ward spot gaining long-term momentum
Dayton is a quiet, residential neighborhood in Newark ’s South Ward, offering a calmer, suburban atmosphere within the city. Set between Weequahic Park and Newark Liberty International Airport, the area features both peaceful residential enclaves and stretches of industrial activity. Recent community-driven improvements, along with major developments like the upcoming Lionsgate Newark television and film studio, are revitalizing Dayton and strengthening its long-term potential.
Dayton homes offer both charm and affordability, with a mix of single-family and multi-family options.
Newark's $12 million plan will provide Dayton residents with direct access to the AirTrain station by 2026.
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How home styles and prices compare across Dayton’s market
The housing market in Dayton offers a distinct suburban feel within the city limits, characterized by a mix of single-family colonial-style homes, spacious duplexes and small multi-family residences, many of which were constructed in the mid-20th century. These properties often have open or enclosed front porches, driveways and yards set along tree-lined streets, something you won’t see in many other parts of Newark. Prices for single-family homes generally range from $400,000 to $550,000, and multi-family units can reach up to $800,000, making Dayton’s real estate market both competitive and appealing to buyers seeking comfort and community in an urban setting.
Dayton’s duplex homes provide spacious and flexible living options for families in a growing neighborhood.
Dayton’s multifamily homes provide spacious living options, ideal for families and investment opportunities.
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How new transit projects will shorten commutes in Dayton
Commuters, rejoice! Public transit and transportation are a major draw to Dayton, with routes to Manhattan typically taking 20 to 30 minutes. Convenient options include:
Nearby highways, including Route 22, Route 21, Interstate 78 and the Garden State Parkway
NJ Transit Bus Routes such as 24 and 37, with direct connections to Elizabethport and Downtown Newark
Newark Liberty International Airport, less than a mile away
AirTrain and Rail Access, slated to begin in 2026
In 2024, the city announced a $12 million investment towards the EWR Station Access project, which would give Dayton residents direct access to the Newark Liberty International Airport train station. With construction slated to finish in 2026, this initiative is expected to cut commute times to the airport and Newark Penn Station to about 10 minutes. Augusto Verissimo of Weichert Realtors expects it will attract more prospective residents and continue to support neighborhood development: “Once they start building it, then people start moving, because they know there’s going to be a spike in prices,” he says. “But until then, it’s just slow going.”
Trails, sports fields and community events around Weequahic Park
Dayton’s recreation is anchored by Weequahic Park, a sprawling green space that serves as a cornerstone for Dayton and surrounding neighborhoods. The park features an 80-acre lake with a 2.5-mile walking trail, a specialized rubberized jogging path and a public 18-hole golf course. You can also access numerous athletic fields for baseball, softball, football and track. Residents enjoy community events such as Fourth of July fireworks and the annual Weequahic Park Music Festival, which brings together live local music, dancing, and a vendor marketplace. Nearby, the Training Recreation Education Center has multiple indoor basketball courts, further enhancing recreational opportunities in the neighborhood.
The playground in Weequahic Park offers a fun and safe space for children to play in Dayton.
Weequahic Golf Course in Dayton features an 18-hole layout, offering a scenic and challenging experience.
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Local eateries and nearby retail spots for everyday needs
Dayton’s shopping and dining scene keeps things simple and close to home, matching the neighborhood’s laid-back, residential vibe. Locals enjoy spots like Dayton Steakhouse, where you can grab tasty Portuguese-style BBQ, and Manny’s Deli & Restaurant, a go-to for Dominican breakfasts and hearty sandwiches. For everyday essentials, you’ll find plenty of corner stores and mom-and-pop shops nearby, and Twin City Supermarket and Stop & Shop are just a quick drive away for additional grocery needs. For a wider selection of stores and restaurants, you can travel to nearby destinations like The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth —the state’s largest outlet mall—as well as shopping centers along Route 22, the Ironbound for international cuisine, or downtown Newark for more diverse dining and nightlife options.
Dayton Steakhouse Bar & Grill serves flavorful steaks with Portuguese influences in a welcoming setting.
Manny’s Deli & Restaurant in Dayton offers fresh Spanish cuisine with a variety of flavorful dishes.
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School choices range from public to top magnet and charter options
Dayton offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, including traditional public, charter and private schools. Families are served by the Newark Public Schools district, with several elementary schools just a short walk away. Weequahic High School provides a robust career and technical education program that focuses on hands-on, practical experiences. Schools within the district generally perform below the New Jersey state average on standardized tests, and many Dayton families seek out alternatives. The area is conveniently located near several highly rated magnet and charter schools in the South Ward, offering specialized curricula and smaller class sizes:
North Star Academy, one of Newark’s most sought-after charter schools
The Gray Charter School, ranked in the top 10% of New Jersey’s charter schools
Science Park High School, among the state’s most competitive public magnet schools
Technology High School, specializes in career- and technology-focused programs
Weequahic's Peshine Avenue Elementary School earns a C from Niche and serves students from pre-K to eighth grade.
Ivy Hill School's students will conduct research, substantiate arguments, and communicate.
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
Are you familiar with the Dayton neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Dayton
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Dayton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dayton, Newark sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Dayton, Newark over the last 12 months is $401,000.
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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.
