‍Ohio is an awesome state to live. It’s easily travelable, wholesome, and a fun place to enjoy life or raise a family. Many of its cities are ranked in the top 50 of Niche’s 2018 Best Places to Live in America.

Dayton especially is a hidden treasure inside of the state - it isn’t nicknamed “the gem city” for nothing! It’s affordable, has a rich culture, an amazing food scene, and is packed full of green parks and trails to explore. Excited to pay Dayton a visit? 

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Here are 25 reasons why you should move to experience Dayton:

1. Dayton is affordable

Trulia ranked 100 metropolitan areas based on what percentage of their income residents pay for living expenses. Dayton, Ohio was chosen as the #2 least expensive city to live in.

2. It’s an awesome city

The Dayton region was reported by U.S. News to be a better city to live in than places like Philadelphia or New York City. It took the 75th spot for best places to live.

3. Dayton is a great place to attend college...

Ohio is full of top-notch colleges and universities. The University of Dayton is ranked #7 in Niche’s 2018 Best Colleges in Ohio. Within 17 miles you can also find Wright State University Main Campus, Kettering College of Medical Arts, and Central State University.

4. ...or any school

Oakwood High School was ranked 21st for U.S. News’ Best High Schools in Ohio.

5. The University of Dayton is super accommodating

The University of Dayton is a fantastic place to attend college if you’re vegan or gluten-free, or into fitness. It’s been listed as one of Greatist’s Healthiest Colleges in the U.S.

6. Dayton is the best place to start your career

CBS news chose Dayton as one of the best up-and-coming towns for college grads.

7. Or continue it

Dayton is in the top 20 locations for mid-career professionals. Considering job growth, unemployment rates, salaries, and housing costs, Forbes named this one of the best cities to live.

8. Or finish it

It’s #56 in the Best Places to Retire category by U.S. News. Don't forget to check out one of the local golf courses if you find yourself with some extra time to enjoy your hobbies!

9. Dayton is happy

Forbes ranked it as one of the happiest places to work in the country.

10. But also manly

Sperlings Best Places gave it the 15th spot for Manliest Cities. This was based on lifestyle behaviors, enthusiasm for sports, concentration of stores aimed at doing business with men, and even subscriptions to masculine magazines.

11. They have the BEST donuts

Dayton has a terrific food scene. Bill’s Donuts was ranked #2 in the nation for best donut shops in America.

12. They have the best classic steaks

The Pine Club Steakhouse is in the top 5 steakhouses in the U.S. according to Food Network.

13. Their beer is legendary

Dayton’s Warped Wing Brewing Company won 1st place for one of its specialty beers. The city is so enthusiastic about beer, they even have an annual beer week.

14. Dayton will take your breath away

If you're looking for ways to get fit, Dayton has you covered. With countless gyms, fitness studios, classes, and green space, you can work out whatever way works for you.

15. They will take care of you

The Miami Valley Hospital is nationally ranked in 2 different adult specialties - nephrology and pulmonology. It’s ranked 4th in the region for best hospital.

16. And they take care of the environment

Site Selection ranked Ohio as 3rd in their list of top 10 states for sustainability. Check out local favorite Mission of Mary Cooperative.

17. Dayton has Boonshoft

The Boonshoft Museum is awesome to spend an afternoon on your own, with friends, or family. Their Distance Learning Program received the Pinnacle Award from the Center of Interactive Learning which indicates stellar educational content and program delivery. With a wide variety of activities ranging from live animal interactions to exploring the stars, there's something for the whole family to learn and enjoy. The Boonshoft Museum is also available for weddings and events!

18. They have top rated historic centers

The Aviation Heritage National Historic Park was named one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the city.

19. And museums

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force was listed as the top museum in Dayton on Tripadvisor.

20. They live to entertain

The Victoria Theatre was ranked 2nd for best theaters in Ohio. It offers a number of family-friendly shows year-round. Dayton Live offers a variety of shows and live events from concerts to ballets and everything in between, so be sure to check out what's coming up.

21. You need to experience their art

According to Best Things Ohio, the Dayton Art Institute was named one of the top 10 best art museums in America.

22. Dayton is a hot spot for nature lovers

The Miami Valley region in Dayton is the nation’s largest paved trail network with over 340 miles of trails to explore. Walk through meadows, forested areas, or city centers. Parks like Caesar Creek State Park boast beautiful hiking trails and fun water activities for the whole family during warm weather.

23. It’s packed full of “hidden” treasures

Have you ever seen a flying saucer? Or a museum exhibit dedicated to one? The Avrocar was a veritable flying saucer, part of experiments to design a ship that could launch vertically without the need for a launch pad.

24. And I mean packed

So was the Grave of Johnny Morehouse. An unusual headstone tells the story of a lost boy and his pet dog.

25. You simply need to see Dayton!

Dayton was named one of the 25 best places to visit in Ohio. The list, compiled by VacationIdea, was done in no particular order.

Dayton is a great place to live affordably and still receive a high quality of life. If you’re interested in learning more about the gem city, be sure to get in touch with a HER agent!

What’s your favorite number on this list? Let us know why you think Dayton is awesome in the comments!