Long Read
Relocating to Dayton: A Step-by-Step Expat Checklist
i moved to dayton last fall and i still can't decide if it's a hidden gem or just a place people forget exists. but hey, if you're thinking about relocating here, let me break it down for you like a friend who's already made all the mistakes.
the quick facts (because who reads long paragraphs?)
- *average rent: $850/month for a one-bedroom (yep, you read that right)
- job market: healthcare, aerospace, and logistics are the big players
- safety: some neighborhoods are chill, others... not so much. do your homework.
step 1: finding a place to live
look, dayton's got neighborhoods, but they're not like new york or la. oakwood is fancy, st. anne's hill is artsy, and westwood is... well, it's affordable. i rented a place in the Oregon District because i heard it was "hip," but honestly, it's just a bunch of bars and brunch spots. still, it's walkable, and that's a win.
step 2: getting around
you'll need a car. public transit exists, but it's not exactly reliable. i tried biking for a week until i got caught in a rainstorm and looked like a drowned rat. lesson learned.
step 3: meeting people
this is where dayton shines. the community here is tight-knit. i joined a local hiking group (shoutout to Five Rivers MetroParks) and met some of the coolest people. also, the Dayton Art Institute is a hidden gem if you're into that sort of thing.
step 4: eating your way through the city
oh man, the food. Butter Cafe has the best pancakes i've ever had, and Corner Kitchen does a mean brunch. but don't sleep on the local breweries-Warped Wing is a must-visit.
step 5: surviving the weather
it's ohio, so expect all four seasons in one week. i've seen snow in april and 80-degree days in february. pack layers and invest in a good umbrella.
step 6: embracing the culture
dayton's got history. like, a lot of it. the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is free and mind-blowing. and if you're into live music, The Brightside Music & Event Venue is where it's at.
step 7: budgeting like a pro
this is where dayton wins. everything is cheaper here. groceries, rent, even a night out won't break the bank. i went from paying $1,500 in rent to $850 and still had money left over for concert tickets.
random tips from a local (aka me)
- don't skip the Dayton Dragons game. it's a minor league baseball team, and the atmosphere is electric.
- check out the 2nd Street Market. it's like a farmer's market on steroids.
- if you're into vintage, hit up Hawthorn Vintage.* i found a killer leather jacket there for $40.
final thoughts
moving to dayton was one of the best decisions i've made. it's not flashy, but it's real. the people are friendly, the cost of living is low, and there's always something to do if you know where to look. so yeah, give it a shot. you might just fall in love with this underrated city.
p.s. if you see a guy with a camera and a coffee in hand, that's probably me. say hi.
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- https://topiclo.com/post/samarindas-green-scene-can-a-city-on-the-mahakam-river-actually-go-eco
- https://topiclo.com/post/relocating-to-sagamihara-a-stepbystep-expat-checklist