Montgomery County

Montgomery County is the heart of the Dayton metro, offering the widest variety of housing and lifestyles in the region, from urban lofts in downtown Dayton to historic estates in Oakwood and family suburbs in Centerville. The cost of living runs well below the U.S. average, and job access is excellent near Wright-Patterson AFB. Glasshouse Realty agents know every community.

Oakwood City Schools ranks first in Montgomery County and among the very best in Ohio, while Centerville and Kettering also earn top A ratings and are perennially strong. Dayton Public Schools rates lower, so district matters considerably, and magnet options like Stivers School for the Arts stand out. Glasshouse Realty agents can confirm assignments.

Oakwood leads on schools and prestige, Centerville offers top-rated schools and 51 parks, Kettering provides a central location with strong schools, and Huber Heights and Vandalia deliver strong value for first-time and military buyers. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you compare every option.

The cost of living in the Dayton metro runs roughly 7% to 20% below the U.S. average, with housing the biggest bargain. Median home values range from under $150,000 in parts of Dayton to $400,000 and up in premium Oakwood and Centerville neighborhoods. Glasshouse Realty agents can find value at any price point.

Safety varies sharply by community. Oakwood, Centerville, and Kettering rank among the safest suburbs in the region, while Dayton proper carries overall crime rates above national averages and safety differs by neighborhood. A Glasshouse Realty agent can share neighborhood-specific data.

Most Montgomery County cities levy a local income tax, with rates of 2% to 2.5% common, including Dayton and Oakwood at 2.5%. Property taxes fund local schools, and total bills vary by city and district. Glasshouse Realty agents can estimate the full tax picture.

Wright-Patterson sits northeast of Dayton, spanning parts of Montgomery and Greene counties. Most Montgomery County communities are about 15 to 30 minutes from the main gates, with Huber Heights and Vandalia among the closest major suburbs. Glasshouse Realty agents can optimize your commute.

Wright-Patterson AFB is the largest single-site employer in Ohio, with more than 30,000 military and civilian jobs, joined by Premier Health, Kettering Health, CareSource, the University of Dayton, and Wright State. Metro unemployment sat near 3% in mid-2026. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you find a home near work.

Yes. Top-rated districts in Oakwood, Centerville, and Kettering, extensive Five Rivers MetroParks parks and trails, and some of the safest communities in Ohio make Montgomery County a strong family market. School and commute priorities vary by neighborhood. Glasshouse Realty agents can match families to the right community.

For buyers, Huber Heights and Vandalia deliver the best value, with median homes roughly $200,000 to $280,000, larger lots, and easy access to Wright-Patterson AFB and the airport. Parts of Dayton offer even lower entry prices. School districts and commute are the main trade-offs. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you compare.