Kettering Ohio
Real Estate
Family-First Living with Top Schools
Kettering is one of the most popular suburbs in the Dayton metro — a city of roughly 58,000 residents that consistently delivers on the trifecta homebuyers want: top-rated schools, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to jobs and entertainment. Situated just south of Dayton along the I-675 corridor, Kettering blends established tree-lined neighborhoods with modern amenities, including the Kettering Town Center and Fraze Pavilion, one of the region's premier outdoor concert venues.
Living in Kettering
Kettering offers the suburban experience done right. The city is known for its mature tree canopy, well-maintained parks, and a genuine sense of neighborhood identity. Areas around Far Hills Avenue and Stroop Road provide easy access to shopping, dining, and the Fraze Pavilion concert series. The housing stock is diverse — mid-century ranches and split-levels sit alongside updated colonials and newer construction. For families, the combination of Kettering City Schools, strong community infrastructure, and extensive parks make it one of the most desirable addresses in the Dayton metro.
Want to see what's currently available? Find your next home in Kettering on Glasshouse Realty — view active listings, pricing trends, and neighborhood details.
Popular Neighborhoods in Kettering
Explore the neighborhoods that make Kettering unique. From historic districts to newer developments, each area has its own character and appeal.
Forest Ridge
$200,000–$280,000Forest Ridge is an established Kettering neighborhood with mature trees, well-kept homes, and a strong community-oriented atmosphere. Its central location provides easy access to parks, schools, and the Far Hills Avenue corridor.
Far Hills Avenue Corridor
$190,000–$300,000The Far Hills Avenue corridor is Kettering's most walkable commercial and residential mix, with shops, restaurants, and a range of home styles from mid-century ranches to updated colonials. It captures the heart of Kettering's village-like character.
Indian Ripple Area
$240,000–$350,000Near the Beavercreek border, the Indian Ripple area features newer developments and modern homes with contemporary floor plans. It appeals to buyers who want newer construction within Kettering's school district and community.
Kettering Moraine
$200,000–$300,000Kettering Moraine offers diverse housing options, from mid-century to contemporary, in a well-served area with good schools and nearby parks. It is a practical, well-rounded choice for professionals.
Kettering at a Glance
Population
~58,000
Median Home Price
$208,000–$247,000
Median Household Income
$72,000–$85,000
Avg Commute to Dayton
15–20 min
School District
Kettering City Schools
Cost of Living
8–10% below national average
Real Estate in Kettering
Kettering's market is competitive, with median prices between $208,000 and $247,000. Homes in the southern sections near Centerville tend to command higher prices due to school district overlap and proximity to Cox Arboretum. The market moves quickly — well-priced homes in desirable pockets often go under contract within a week. Glasshouse Realty agents know every subdivision and can help you find value before it hits the open market.
Top Reasons to Move to Kettering
Schools in Kettering
Fairmont High School
One of the largest and most comprehensive high schools in the region, with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs.
Alter High School
A private Catholic college-prep school known for academic rigor and competitive athletics, serving Kettering and surrounding communities.
Indian Ripple Park Elementary
A well-regarded elementary school within Kettering City Schools, known for engaged families and strong academic outcomes.
Kettering Middle School
Serves the district with a solid academic program and a range of extracurricular activities.
Things to Do in Kettering
Fraze Pavilion
One of the premier outdoor entertainment venues in the Dayton metro, hosting national touring acts and community events from May through October.
Kettering Recreation Complex
A state-of-the-art facility with indoor pools, fitness courts, walking tracks, and programming for all ages.
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
A 175-acre park on Kettering's western border featuring themed gardens, a butterfly house, and miles of nature trails.
Lincoln Park
A community anchor with playgrounds, athletic fields, a community center, and seasonal events for homebuyers.
Frazer's on Far Hills
A local dining and nightlife hub along Far Hills Avenue with a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kettering
Is Kettering Ohio a good place to live?
Yes. Kettering is one of the top family communities in the Dayton metro, rated A overall on Niche and among the best places to live in Montgomery County. Kettering City Schools earn strong ratings, violent crime is among the lowest in the region, and the cost of living runs about 12% to 20% below the U.S. average. Glasshouse Realty agents know every Kettering subdivision.
Is Kettering safe?
Yes for a mid-sized suburb. Violent crime runs very low, around 1.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, well below the national average of about 3.6, though property crime reports vary by source. The southeast area near Centerville is generally considered the safest. A Glasshouse Realty agent can share neighborhood-specific data.
How much do homes cost in Kettering?
Zillow put Kettering's average home value near $239,000 in mid-2026, up about 3.6% year over year, with Redfin reporting a median sale price around $247,000 on a competitive market. Most homes fall in the $200,000 to $400,000 range across mid-century ranches, two-stories, and updated colonials. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you find value.
What is the cost of living in Kettering?
Kettering scores roughly 88 to 90 on cost-of-living indexes, about 12% to 20% below the U.S. average, with housing well below national figures and median household income around $62,000 to $75,000. It is one of the more budget-friendly suburbs in the metro. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you budget a full move.
How good are the schools in Kettering?
Kettering City Schools earns an A- on Niche and ranks about third in Montgomery County, with strong reading proficiency and graduation rates that stack up well statewide. Fairmont High School serves as the district high school. Glasshouse Realty agents can confirm school assignments for any address.
What are the best neighborhoods in Kettering?
Family favorites include the Indian Riffle Park area, the Van Buren and East David neighborhoods near Fairmont High School, and the tree-lined streets east of Far Hills Avenue. Homes range from mid-century ranches to larger two-stories on established lots. Glasshouse Realty agents can match you to the right pocket.
What is the commute from Kettering to Dayton and Wright-Patterson AFB?
Kettering is one of the most centrally located suburbs in the metro. Downtown Dayton is about 5 miles away, roughly a 10 to 12 minute drive, and Wright-Patterson AFB runs about 20 to 30 minutes. Average commute times hold around 18 to 20 minutes. Glasshouse Realty agents can find homes optimized for your work commute.
Does Kettering have a local income tax?
Yes. Kettering residents pay a 2.25% city income tax on earned income, with a credit for taxes paid to an employer city, and property tax bills fund Kettering City Schools on top of that. All resident taxpayers file an annual city return. Glasshouse Realty agents can provide specific tax estimates.
Is Kettering a good place for first-time buyers?
Yes. Kettering pairs A- rated schools and low violent crime with homes in the $240,000 to $250,000 range, making it one of the best first-time-buyer markets in the Dayton metro. Programs like OHFA down payment assistance can help qualified buyers get in with less cash. Glasshouse Realty agents specialize in first-time buyers.
Is Kettering a good place to raise a family or retire?
Yes on both counts. Families get well-regarded schools, low violent crime, and parks like Lincoln Park and the Fraze Pavilion concert series, while retirees get access to Premier Health and Kettering Health hospitals, Cox Arboretum MetroPark, and a central location close to Dayton. Glasshouse Realty agents can match you to the right home.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kettering?
The pros: A- rated schools, violent crime well below the national average, a central location about 10 minutes from downtown Dayton, and a cost of living roughly 12% to 20% below the U.S. average. The cons to research: property taxes run above the state median, most homes are mid-century ranch and two-story stock, and the 2.25% city income tax applies to residents. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you weigh the trade-offs.
Are property taxes high in Kettering?
Kettering's effective property tax rate runs around 2.19%, above Ohio's statewide median of about 1.60%, with the largest share funding Kettering City Schools. Residents also pay a 2.25% city income tax with a credit for taxes paid to an employer city. The tax bill is one of the most-asked costs for buyers here, so it is worth modeling before you offer. Glasshouse Realty agents can estimate the full picture for any home.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Kettering in 2026?
Yes for buyers who can act when the right home lists. Kettering is a competitive market with median sale prices near $247,000, up about 3.6% year over year, and the wider Miami Valley still runs a seller's market with only about 2 months of supply against a 4 to 6 month balanced mark. Well-priced homes in desirable pockets often go under contract within a week. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you see new listings first and move fast.
Explore More in Montgomery County
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner
in Kettering
Glasshouse Realty is deeply rooted in the Kettering market. Our agents live and work in Montgomery County, and we bring that ground-level knowledge to every transaction. Whether you're buying your first home or selling a property, we know the schools, the neighborhoods, the market trends, and the details that make the difference in Kettering.
The Difference is Clear. We built Glasshouse Realty on a simple idea: put agents first, treat every client like a neighbor, and let the results speak for themselves. Since 2019, that approach has made us one of the fastest-growing brokerages in the Dayton area.
Agent-Centric Model
Leads are shared, not sold. Our agents invest in each other — and in you.
Deep Local Knowledge
We know the neighborhoods, schools, and market shifts that matter here.
Community Roots
We live and work in the communities we serve — not somewhere else.
Transparent Process
Honest guidance, clear communication, no surprises at the closing table.
Interested in Kettering? Let us help you find your home here.
A Glasshouse Realty agent who knows Kettering inside and out is ready to help you find your place. The Difference is Clear — reach out today.
No pressure, just a real conversation about your goals. We'd love to hear from you.
Schedule a ConsultationReady to explore Kettering?
Let us help you find the right home in Kettering. A local Glasshouse agent is ready to guide you through the market and match you with the perfect property.