Montgomery County

Yes. 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 roughly 17% below the national average, and job access is excellent near Wright-Patterson AFB. Glasshouse Realty agents know every community.

Montgomery County's major cities include Dayton (the county seat), Kettering, Centerville, Oakwood, Huber Heights, Englewood, and Vandalia, plus Miamisburg and townships that share the county's schools and services. With roughly 537,000 residents, it is the most populous county in the Dayton metro. Glasshouse Realty agents serve every corner of the county.

Niche's 2026 rankings put Oakwood first in the county with A+ schools, followed by Centerville with A+ schools and 51 parks, with Kettering, Bellbrook, and Springboro also rating highly. Oakwood carries a notable price premium over Kettering, Beavercreek, and Centerville. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you compare every option.

Centerville City Schools ranks first in Montgomery County on Niche for 2026 with an A+ grade, followed closely by Oakwood, while Kettering, Huber Heights, and Vandalia-Butler also earn strong ratings. Dayton Public Schools rates lower, so district matters considerably. Glasshouse Realty agents can confirm assignments.

The cost of living in the Dayton metro runs roughly 17% below the national 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, with the southeast part of the county widely considered the safest, while Dayton proper carries overall crime rates above national averages. A Glasshouse Realty agent can share neighborhood-specific data.

The county median value of owner-occupied homes is about $181,000, with recent median sale prices around $232,000 and the September 2026 metro median sale price at $271,500 (Dayton REALTORS). City of Dayton homes are far cheaper, while Oakwood pushes $370,000 to $397,000. Glasshouse Realty agents can match any budget.

Most Montgomery County cities levy a local income tax of 2% to 2.5%, with Dayton and Oakwood at 2.5% and Vandalia at the low end with 2.0%. Property tax effective rates average around 1.7% to 2.0%, funding local schools. 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.

Yes. Montgomery County offers some of the best first-time-buyer value in Ohio, with entry homes across Dayton and Huber Heights, OHFA down payment assistance up to 5% of the purchase price, and City of Dayton programs for qualified buyers. School district and commute drive the best neighborhoods for each budget. Glasshouse Realty agents specialize in first-time buyers.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 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. The metro passed 400,000 jobs in 2026 for the first time since 2005. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you find a home near work.

The city of Dayton has seen modest population declines while the metro around it grows, and the Dayton area passed 400,000 jobs in 2026 for the first time since 2005, anchored by Wright-Patterson AFB and healthcare. Downtown revitalization keeps adding lofts, restaurants, and cultural venues. Glasshouse Realty agents can point you to the neighborhoods with the most momentum.

The pros: the widest variety of housing in the Dayton metro, a cost of living roughly 17% below the national average, top-rated districts in Oakwood and Centerville, and unmatched access to jobs at Wright-Patterson AFB and the region's hospitals. The cons to research: crime rates vary sharply by community with Dayton proper above national averages, and most cities levy a local income tax of 2% to 2.5%. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you weigh the trade-offs.

Yes for buyers who act on well-priced homes. The county remains a seller's market with the metro at roughly 2.3 months of supply versus a 4 to 6 month balanced mark, and the Miami Valley median sale price was $271,500 in September 2026, up 7.8% year over year. Prices range widely across the county, from under $150,000 in parts of Dayton to $400,000-plus in Oakwood and Centerville. Glasshouse Realty agents can match any budget to the right home.