Moving to Dayton for
Wright-Patterson AFB
The complete guide to finding a home near Ohio's largest single-site employer. Base housing vs. off-base, neighborhoods by commute time, BAH rates, schools, and everything you need for a smooth PCS.
Ohio's largest single-site employer.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the economic engine of the Dayton region. With over 30,000 military and civilian employees, it's the largest single-site employer in the state of Ohio. The base spans more than 8,000 acres across Montgomery and Greene counties, straddling I-675 near the intersection of several major highways.
WPAFB is home to some of the Air Force's most critical missions — the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), and the Aerospace Museum. Beyond active-duty military, the base supports thousands of defense contractors — Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, BAE Systems, and many more — creating a robust ecosystem of engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and research jobs.
Stationed at WPAFB? Find your next home on Glasshouse Realty — browse listings near the base in Beavercreek, Fairborn, and Centerville.
30,000+
Employees
8,000+
Acres
3 Major
Commands
Largest
Single-Site Employer in Ohio
Base housing vs. off-base housing.
On-Base Housing
- Zero commute — walk or bike to work
- Maintained by the housing office
- Built-in community of military families
- No renter's insurance required (BAH goes to housing)
- Waitlists can be long — apply early
Note: On-base housing is managed by Wright-Patt Family Housing. Waitlists vary by rank and family size. Apply as soon as you receive orders.
Off-Base Housing
- More choices — buy or rent in the community
- Own your home and build equity (BAH offsets mortgage)
- Access to top-rated school districts (Centerville, Beavercreek, Oakwood)
- More space, bigger lots, and neighborhood variety
- Commute of 5–30 minutes depending on gate and neighborhood
Pro tip: Many WPAFB families use their BAH to purchase a home off-base. At Dayton's price points, a significant portion of the mortgage is covered by BAH — building long-term equity.
Where to live by commute time.
Your commute to WPAFB depends on which gate you enter and where you live. Here are the best options, organized by drive time:
Fairborn
The closest off-base community to Gate 1B. Small-town feel, affordable housing, and immediate access to the base. Popular with younger airmen and first-time buyers. Wright State University is also here.
Schools: Fairborn City Schools (4★)
Beavercreek
The go-to choice for military buyers who want top schools. The Greene shopping center, modern housing, and a 95% graduation rate. Worth the commute for buyers who prioritize schools.
Schools: Beavercreek City Schools (4.5★)
Xenia
Best value in Greene County. Ohio's cycling capital with an extensive trail network. Improving schools and growing community. Great for airmen who want space and affordability.
Schools: Xenia Community Schools (3★)
Huber Heights
America's Brick Capital. Affordable ranches with I-70 access. The most budget-friendly option close to the base, with improving schools.
Schools: Huber Heights City Schools (2.5★)
Springfield
The most affordable housing in the metro. Clark County's largest city with a cultural revival underway. Longer commute but unbeatable value.
Schools: Springfield City Schools (2.5★)
Centerville / Washington Twp
Top-rated schools (5 stars), 51 parks, and community-oriented living. Worth the longer commute for many WPAFB employees who prioritize education.
Schools: Centerville City Schools (5★)
What your BAH gets you in Dayton.
current Basic Allowance for Housing rates for WPAFB (MHA OH231). With Dayton's low cost of living, BAH goes further here than in most military markets.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents | What It Gets You |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $1,536 | $1,341 | 2BR apartment in Fairborn or Xenia |
| E-6 | $1,740 | $1,512 | 3BR townhome in Fairborn or Huber Heights |
| E-7 | $1,815 | $1,584 | 3BR home in Xenia or Fairborn |
| O-3 | $2,097 | $1,773 | 3–4BR home in Beavercreek or Centerville |
| O-4 | $2,277 | $1,986 | 4BR home in Beavercreek or Oakwood |
BAH rates from the Department of Defense. Rates are for the Dayton/WPAFB area (MHA OH231). Verify current rates at the DoD BAH website.
Top schools near Wright-Patt AFB.
Beavercreek City Schools
95% graduation rate · 8,000 students · Purple Star certified for military families
Fairborn City Schools
87% graduation rate · 4,238 students · Most affordable option near base
Xenia Community Schools
82% graduation rate · 3,738 students · Best value in Greene County
Centerville City Schools
95% graduation rate · 8,264 students · Top 20% in Ohio
What military families love about Dayton.
BAH Goes Far
Dayton's cost of living is 9% below the national average. Your BAH can cover most — or all — of a mortgage payment on a quality home.
Top Schools Nearby
Four school districts rated 4 stars or higher within 30 minutes of the base. Beavercreek is Purple Star certified for military families.
Home Ownership is Real
With median home prices around $239K, military families can build equity instead of paying rent. Many purchase within their first year.
Strong Military Community
WPAFB families are a tight-knit group. From base events to community organizations, you'll find your people quickly.
Central Location
Dayton is within a 1-hour drive of Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Weekends and holidays offer easy access to major cities.
Quality of Life
25+ parks in Kettering alone, the Oregon District nightlife, minor league baseball, and a revitalized downtown. More to do than you'd expect.
Your WPAFB relocation checklist.
Apply for on-base housing early
Waitlists vary by rank and family size. Submit your application as soon as you receive orders.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
VA loans offer 0% down with competitive rates. Get pre-approved so you can act fast when you find the right home.
Research school districts
Use our school district guide to compare ratings, graduation rates, and neighborhoods.
Connect with a local agent
A Glasshouse agent who understands WPAFB will help you find the right neighborhood based on your commute, schools, and budget.
Tour neighborhoods on a TDY or house-hunting trip
Drive the commute from each neighborhood to your assigned gate. Visit schools, shops, and parks to get a feel for the area.
Set up your move
Coordinate with your TMO office. If you're driving, Dayton is accessible via I-70, I-75, and I-675.
Report and settle in
Check in at the newcomer's office on base. Attend the in-processing brief and connect with your unit.
WPAFB relocation — common questions.
The Difference is Clear.
Relocating to WPAFB is a big step — and the right neighborhood makes all the difference. Let a Glasshouse agent who understands military life guide you home.
PCS to Wright-Patt? We can help.
Tell us your timeline and pay grade, and we'll help you find the right home near the base.
From Fairborn apartments to Beavercreek family homes, we know every neighborhood around WPAFB.
Schedule a Consultation