Village traditions remain as West Milton prepares for development
For most of West Milton’s existence, village leaders have worked to preserve its small-town atmosphere. The community remained insular by turning away change, but growth became inevitable as people looked for quieter places to settle within the Dayton metropolitan area. “By the next census, we’ll no longer be a village,” says Jeffery Sheridan, a five-year resident and West Milton’s municipal manager. “We’ll be over 5,000, which under Ohio law will make us a city, so we’re pretty actively working on upgrading all our infrastructure.” Housing options have expanded, and new recreational and mixed-use developments are underway. But while West Milton won’t stay the way it’s always been, Sheridan says the community won’t let its traditions fade. Residents continue to bond over their Milton-Union Bulldogs pride, and locals stay involved through annual events and consistent recreation. As new construction comes in, historic architecture is protected and maintained with care.
Residents are proud to call themselves Milton-Union Bulldogs
Students attend the Milton-Union Exempted Village School District, which has a C-plus rating from Niche. School athletics are an important part of the community. “Everything revolves around Milton-Union sports,” Sheridan says. “On Friday nights, the downtown football stadium is always full, and it’s very common to hear people say they’re a fourth or fifth generation Bulldog.” Sheridan also says homecoming is a major event, with the parade lasting about an hour and blocking several streets.
Voters recently approved an additional tax that will go directly to schools to prevent further education budget cuts.
Municipal park stays popular as recreation upgrades come in
The Milton Union Recreation Association helps local kids get involved in different sports programs inside and near the community. West Milton Municipal Park offers a large playground, sprawling green fields and a frisbee golf area. People fish at the park’s catch-and-release pond or rent canoes to paddle along the Stillwater River. In winter, people sled down snowy slopes. Sheridan says the village received a $1 million grant to build its first trail, which will stretch from downtown to developments east of the river. Construction will start in spring 2026. River’s Edge Wildlife Preserve has the Cascades Loop Trail, a ½ mile forest path that caters to hikers and bird watchers. The area also has river access.
Elevation levels in West Milton help protect homes and parks from seasonal flooding. A local conservancy district has also helped prevent flooding by integrating dams and retention areas along the river.
New construction across the river joins early 20th-century homes
Neighborhoods near the village’s core typically have small grass lawns, short driveways, detached garages and narrow sidewalks. Further from downtown, yards grow larger, creating more space for gardens, attached garages and mature shade. Ranch, New Traditional and bungalow styles are typical across the community. Homes from the early 20th century are more architecturally diverse, sporting Craftsman, Victorian and National Folk design influences. The community also has contemporary new construction east of the river and manufactured homes. The village’s median price is around $230,000, less than the national median of about $420,000.
Miami Street preserves a historic downtown and welcomes new business
West Milton has an old-fashioned downtown along three blocks of Miami Street. Vintage lampposts stand in front of weathered brick buildings with tall arched windows and Italianate eaves. Inside are locally owned offices, restaurants and boutiques. Cafés and taverns face antique stores, ice cream parlors and gift shops. Auto shops, fast food chains, dollar stores and an IGA Foodliner are outside downtown. Sheridan says two large mixed-use developments are under construction to accommodate more businesses and housing.
Annual summer carnival and concerts draw thousands to West Milton
One of the most popular community events is the four-day Fourth of July Carnival at West Milton Municipal Park. “It brings about 10,000 to 15,000 people from all over,” Sheridan says. The municipal park also hosts Rock the Hill, where people enjoy a beer and wine garden while listening to local bands. West Milton is known for its Fireman’s Waffles event. Locals line up at the fire department to buy sugar waffles every Friday from July to September. September also brings the Fall Fling Cruise-In, which features over 400 custom and vintage cars.
Residents use state routes to commute in the Dayton metro area
Although the community is growing, residents still travel to nearby cities for work. “For the foreseeable future, most of the employment will always be outside the village,” Sheridan says. State Route 48 is a direct line into Englewood and Dayton, while SR-571 connects drivers to Tipp City and Interstate 75. The village is also within 10 miles of Dayton International Airport and Miami Valley Hospital North Campus.
