Union offers quiet neighborhoods near Dayton’s airport and major roads
Union offers a relaxed residential atmosphere and a growing industrial landscape on either side of the Stillwater River. The river and the industrial district buffer neighborhoods from Dayton International Airport’s busy landing strips, while main roads keep residents connected to flights and nearby big cities. “People like that they can easily get to different amenities but come home to quiet neighborhoods,” says Denise Winemiller, the city clerk and assistant city manager. “We’re a small community with a low crime rate and rural-type living.” Union is part of both Montgomery and Miami counties, which influences school zoning.
Families live in mid-20th-century homes and newer infill housing
The city has several distinctly named subdivisions with wide roads, grassy lawns, large-bowed shade trees and well-maintained sidewalks. Each offers a range of housing, from brick homes from the 1950s and 1960s, condos from the 1990s and newer infill construction. Older homes are often smaller and come in ranch and split-level styles, while homes built within the past 25 years tend to have more square footage and New Traditional architecture. “We have a lot of people whose kids have grown up in the community, and now they are moving up into the city’s larger homes to raise their families instead of moving away.” The city’s median home price is around $200,000, about half the national median of roughly $420,000.
Union school zoning is based on where kids live in two counties
Union being split between two counties impacts school zoning. Most Montgomery County students live west of the Stillwater River and attend the Northmont City School District. Kids living east of the river attend the Vandalia-Butler City School District. Both districts earn B-plus ratings from Niche. Miami County students are zoned for the Milton-Union Exempted Village School District, which has a C-plus rating.
Highways guide drivers to Dayton, the airport and local jobs
State Route 48, also known as Main Street, is the Union’s central thoroughfare. It connects with Highway 40, which leads to Dayton International Airport directly west of the community. Winemiller says the flight paths are designed to cause less disturbance to residential areas. Interstate 70 is also 3 miles south, connecting drivers to Interstate 75 and Downtown Dayton in about 15 miles. The nearest hospital is Miami Valley Hospital North Campus, less than 4 miles away.
A growing industrial district is beside the airport. It houses mainly distribution warehouses and fulfillment centers for companies like Amazon, United Alloy, Frito-Lay and Crocs. “Right now, the current population of people working in the industrial park has surpassed the population of our residents,” Winemiller says. Residents who do not work within the industrial park typically commute to Dayton .
People enjoy river fishing, metropark trails and community baseball
The Stillwater River cuts through the center of Union. “A lot of the kids in the area like to ride their bikes down to the river and go fishing,” Winemiller says. River access points let people kayak, canoe and cast a line along the water. Englewood MetroPark North Park offers additional lakes to fish and paddle on, along with walking trails and picnic spots. Wellfield Park has a catch-and-release pond, while Martindale Park has a playground and tennis courts. The North Dayton Diamondbacks play baseball on four ball fields at Union Community Park.
The Stillwater River does experience seasonal flooding, but not in a way that impedes everyday life or warrants flood insurance. “Martindale and Old Springfield roads can flood during heavy rains, but it happens maybe twice a year and only for a brief time,” Winemiller says. “Flooding also doesn’t affect any homes because the conservancy district prevents people from building near the river.”
Main Street anchors the city’s small business scene
Main Street has a few commercial options and a manufacturing business park. CVS is the only pharmacy, while Toll House Tavern serves laid-back bar fare. Shoppers at the Covered Wagon Farm Market browse indoor and outdoor grocery aisles, which often have locally sourced items. Other supermarket options include IGA Foodliner in West Milton and A Bushel & A Peck Bulk Foods in Clayton .
Holiday events and home awards bring Union neighbors together
Most city events are holiday-oriented, like annual Easter egg hunts and Christmas tree lightings. In August 2025, the police department will host its first-ever National Night Out. Community members can connect with local law enforcement while enjoying bounce houses, food vendors and a dunk tank. A few times a year, the Park Board goes out into the community and awards outstanding homes with the Spirit of Union Award. It recognizes homeowners who beautify their properties with well-maintained landscaping, eye-catching florals or festive holiday decorations.
