Moving to or from Dayton?
Orville and Wilbur Wright built the first airplane here. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is still one of the country's most important military installations. And Dayton holds more US patents per capita than any US city, thanks to a century of aviation and automotive engineering.
- 135,000 City population
- 820,000 Metro area
- 1796 Founded
- Southwest Ohio (Miami Valley) Region
Why people move to Dayton.
- Birthplace of aviation — Orville and Wilbur Wright's hometown and workshop
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base — one of the largest US military installations
- National Museum of the US Air Force — largest military aviation museum in the world
- Dayton was the US patent capital per capita in the early 20th century
- NCR Corporation's origin
- The 1913 Great Dayton Flood that drove early flood-control engineering
Dayton had more patents per capita than any US city in the early 20th century. The Wright brothers, NCR (cash register) founder John Patterson, Kettering (Delco/auto-starter), and dozens of other inventors made Dayton a genuine engineering capital. Even today, Wright-Patterson's research labs generate a steady stream of patents.
Where people live in Dayton.
A quick guide to Dayton's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Oregon District
Historic entertainment and restaurant district.
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Downtown
Revitalized urban core with 2nd Street Market.
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Huffman
Near Huffman Prairie where the Wrights tested flights.
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Oakwood (separate city)
Affluent inner-ring Dayton suburb.
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Kettering (separate city)
Dayton suburb.
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Centerville (separate city)
Dayton suburb with historic core.
Where people spend their time in Dayton.
- National Museum of the US Air Force Wright-Patterson AFB
- Carillon Historical Park South Dayton
- Wright Brothers National Memorial Huffman Prairie
- Dayton Art Institute Downtown
- Oregon Historic District Downtown
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery North Dayton
Planning a Dayton move.
- Wright-Patterson AFB PCS moves are a major part of the market.
- Ohio tornado season (April–June) affects Southwest Ohio.
- Winter snow is less than Cleveland but still real.
- Ohio PUCO licensing is required.
Moving in Dayton: FAQ.
How much does it cost to move within Dayton?
Local moves run $650–$2,200 for 1–2 bedroom and $2,100–$4,900 for 3–4 bedroom. Among the more affordable Ohio markets.
Is Dayton really the birthplace of aviation?
Yes. The Wright Brothers designed and built their first airplane in their Dayton bicycle shop and tested it at Huffman Prairie just east of the city. They only went to Kitty Hawk, NC for the first public flight because of better wind conditions.
Do Dayton movers need a state license?
Yes. Ohio PUCO licensing is required.
When's the best time to move to Dayton?
May and September–October. Winter snow and spring tornadoes are real.
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