Her Reputation Precedes Her . . . Read Guide >
Home to the University of Dayton and the Dayton Art Institute, tens of thousands of folks call this area home - and keep the occupancy rate at a steady 90%. No matter what area you zero in on, expect some competition for vacant units. Serious prospectors should arrive early to open houses and bring along the necessary paperwork (ie: checkbook.) Also, be advised that many historic buildings do not allow pets. Big city transplants will find most area rents to be obscenely low, but should bear in mind the fact that many of Dayton’s older properties have not been renovated or restored and can often lack modern upgrades.
Oregon District $$$$ This sub-section of southeast Dayton is the city’s current arty “hot zone” for renters. Chock full of galleries, pubs, coffee shops and shopping opps - it’s walkable, hip and by Dayton standards, expensive.
Grafton Hill Historic District $$ This super-diverse neighborhood offers single-family homes and “doubles” (local slang for two-family homes) in the Queen Anne, Classical Revival, Craftsman, and Victorian styles as well as a smattering of totally non-historic apartment complexes.
South Park $$-$$$ This area was especially hard-hit by foreclosures during the recent housing downturn, so can be hit-or-miss on a block by block basis. On a more positive note, the area offers easy access to practically everything, along with a wide array of both rentals and renters.
St. Anne’s Hill $$$ With 40% of residents falling in the 25-44 age range, and only 35% of the area’s housing stock in rentals, competition is moderate in this up-and-coming ‘hood. If an available unit seems “too good to be true” it’s probably on the neighborhood’s far eastern border and best avoided due to high crime.
Twin Towers $ This historically low-income neighborhood has suffered from a recent wave of property abandonments, business closures and um, hookers. As you’d probably expect, rents in the area are low.
Hope these Dayton tidbits help, best of luck in your apartment search!