Welcome to the Dayton area! If you are moving to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) or supporting a family member serving there, we’re here to provide all the information and resources you need for a smooth relocation. With over 20 years of experience helping military families move to the Dayton region, Don and Cyndi Shurts, certified Military Relocation Professionals (MRP), are ready to assist you every step of the way. This guide will help you explore the Dayton area's housing options, schools, daycare centers, and more to make your move as seamless as possible.
Dayton is a mid-sized city known for its aviation history, affordable cost of living, and friendly communities. The city’s location offers easy access to WPAFB, making it an ideal place for military families. Dayton combines suburban charm, great schools, outdoor activities, and a wide range of housing options for those moving to serve at WPAFB.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) is one of the largest and most critical U.S. Air Force bases, employing over 30,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. It offers diverse job opportunities, extensive medical services, recreational amenities, and educational support for military families. Many military families choose to live in nearby communities such as Beavercreek, Fairborn, Centerville, Huber Heights, and Bellbrook due to their close proximity to the base and family-friendly environments. Each of these areas provides easy access to WPAFB, ensuring a short commute, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the community you choose. These suburbs offer a range of housing options and boast excellent schools, parks, and amenities that make them ideal for military families looking to settle near WPAFB.
When relocating to Dayton, you’ll find a wide variety of housing options that cater to military families, including single-family homes, rentals, and new construction. The communities surrounding WPAFB offer homes in all price ranges, from affordable starter homes to luxury properties. Let’s explore some of the most popular housing options in the area.
Single-family homes are the most popular choice for military families moving to the Dayton area, and for good reason. These homes offer the space, privacy, and convenience that many families need while also providing an excellent investment opportunity in a stable real estate market. In the Dayton region, communities like Beavercreek, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Bellbrook, and Centerville are top destinations for military families due to their combination of affordability, family-friendly environments, and proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB).
For families with short-term assignments or those looking for flexibility, renting is a great option. You’ll find a variety of rental homes and apartments in Fairborn, Huber Heights, and Centerville, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end homes with luxury amenities.
New Construction Opportunities: Build Your Dream Home Near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
If you’re looking for a brand-new home tailored to your preferences, the Dayton area offers a wealth of new construction opportunities in popular communities like Beavercreek, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Bellbrook, and Centerville. New construction homes provide many advantages for military families, including modern designs, energy-efficient features, and the ability to customize finishes to fit your unique needs and style.
New Developments: Beavercreek has seen significant growth in recent years, with several new home communities popping up throughout the area. The Woods at Beavercreek and Nathaniel’s Grove are two popular developments that offer new construction homes with a variety of floor plans and customization options.
What to Expect: Homes in these developments feature modern kitchens with granite countertops, spacious living areas, and energy-efficient appliances. You’ll also find amenities like community parks, walking trails, and ponds, making them great for family living.
New Developments: Waterford Landing is one of the top new home communities in Fairborn, located just minutes from Wright-Patterson AFB. It’s an ideal option for military families looking for quick access to the base while enjoying the perks of a newly built home.
What to Expect: Homes in Waterford Landing offer open-concept floor plans, modern finishes, and large yards. The community also has green spaces and is close to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
New Developments: Huber Heights is a fast-growing area with several new construction developments. Carriage Trails is one of the most sought-after new home communities, offering a range of home styles and designs to suit any family’s needs.
What to Expect: Homes in Carriage Trails feature spacious layouts, energy-efficient systems, and customizable interiors. The community is known for its beautiful walking trails, parks, and proximity to Carriage Hill MetroPark.
New Developments: Bellbrook offers a quieter, more suburban lifestyle with several new home developments that provide larger lots and scenic surroundings. Highview Terrace and The Landings at Sugarcreek are two popular new construction communities in the area.
What to Expect: Homes in Bellbrook’s new developments are perfect for families who value privacy and space. These homes typically offer open floor plans, modern finishes, and energy-efficient designs. Many also have large yards, perfect for outdoor entertaining or gardening.
New Developments: Centerville has a range of new construction opportunities, particularly in communities like Yankee Trace and The Grove at Yankee Trace. These communities are popular with families due to their proximity to top-rated schools and modern amenities.
What to Expect: Homes in these Centerville communities feature customizable layouts, gourmet kitchens, and luxurious master suites. Many developments also offer community amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses, and swimming pools, providing a resort-like atmosphere right in your neighborhood.
For those seeking luxury properties, communities like Fox Ridge Estates and Willow Creek Farm offer high-end custom-built homes, expansive lots, and scenic views. These exclusive communities provide a peaceful environment while remaining within a short drive of WPAFB.
As a military service member or veteran, you can take advantage of several housing benefits that make purchasing a home more affordable and convenient.
Military personnel and veterans can often qualify for a VA Home Loan, which offers significant benefits, such as:
Our team is highly experienced in the VA loan process, and we can connect you with trusted lenders to help make your home purchase as seamless as possible.
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is designed to cover your housing costs based on rank and duty location. If you are stationed at WPAFB, your BAH will reflect the cost of living in the Dayton area, making it easy to find homes within your budget. We specialize in helping military families find homes that fit comfortably within their BAH allowances.
The quality of education is a top priority for military families, and the Dayton area is home to some of the best public school districts in Ohio. These schools offer strong academic programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and personalized support for military children transitioning into new environments. Below, we’ve highlighted the strengths, programs, and sports offerings at some of the top school districts near WPAFB.
Strengths: Recognized for academic excellence, Beavercreek Schools emphasize a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum and offer a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Programs: The district provides honors programs, gifted education, and a comprehensive fine arts curriculum, including award-winning music and theater programs.
Sports: Beavercreek Schools excel in athletics, offering competitive sports programs in football, basketball, soccer, and cross-country. Their facilities are state-of-the-art, and their teams consistently rank among the best in the region.
Strengths: Fairborn City Schools are known for their inclusivity and strong support for military families. The district has excellent programs designed to help children transition smoothly between schools.
Programs: Fairborn offers AP courses, vocational training programs, and a well-regarded performing arts department.
Sports: The district offers a variety of athletic opportunities, including football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling. They are well-known for their community support of student-athletes.
Strengths: Huber Heights Schools offer a comprehensive educational experience, with a focus on college readiness and vocational training programs.
Programs: Wayne High School offers a variety of career tech programs that prepare students for immediate employment or further education after graduation. Business, engineering, and healthcare are key focus areas.
Sports: Wayne High School is known for its powerhouse football team, along with competitive basketball, swimming, and baseball programs.
Strengths: A smaller district with a focus on individualized education, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek is highly regarded for its academic performance and strong student support services.
Programs: Bellbrook offers AP courses, a strong focus on arts education, and STEM initiatives designed to prepare students for future careers in science and technology.
Sports: Bellbrook’s athletic programs are competitive in football, soccer, tennis, and cross-country. The district's sports teams have strong community backing and consistently perform well in the state championships.
Strengths: Centerville Schools are considered one of the best in the state, with a focus on academic achievement and preparing students for college and career success.
Programs: The district offers a wide range of AP and honors courses, STEM education, and nationally recognized music and band programs. Centerville also has an award-winning robotics team and various other STEM clubs.
Sports: Centerville Schools have an excellent athletic program, with successful teams in football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and cross-country. The school’s sports facilities are top-notch, and their teams have earned multiple state titles.
The Dayton area offers a rich variety of recreational activities, community events, and family-friendly venues for military families. Each town surrounding Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has its own unique charm and a host of things to do, from parks and nature trails to shopping and cultural activities. Here's an overview of the activities and venues you’ll find in Beavercreek, Fairborn, Huber Heights, Bellbrook, and Centerville.
Beavercreek is known for its extensive parks, shopping centers, and recreational activities, making it a popular choice for military families.
Beavercreek Community Park: This local park offers playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. It’s a great spot for family outings and outdoor activities.
Rotary Park: Perfect for sports enthusiasts, Rotary Park has baseball fields, soccer fields, and a disc golf course. The park also hosts community events and recreational leagues.
The Greene Town Center: A premier shopping and dining destination, The Greene offers a mix of high-end stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There's also a movie theater and regularly scheduled events such as live music and holiday celebrations.
Beavercreek Golf Club: This scenic golf course offers an 18-hole championship layout. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors while playing a round of golf.
Fairborn is located right next to WPAFB and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural venues, and community events.
Huffman MetroPark: This park is known for its hiking and biking trails along the Mad River. It’s also home to the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright brothers perfected flight.
Fairborn Community Park: With 220 acres, this park offers hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and tennis courts. It’s a popular spot for local festivals and gatherings.
Wright State University’s Nutter Center: A multi-purpose arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and large community events. It’s also home to the Wright State Raiders basketball team.
Downtown Fairborn: This charming downtown area features local shops, restaurants, and the annual Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival. The downtown area regularly hosts community events like parades and festivals.
Huber Heights is known as the "Music Center of the Midwest," offering entertainment options, parks, and family-friendly activities.
Rose Music Center: A popular outdoor concert venue that hosts big-name artists, summer concerts, and community events. It's a great spot for live entertainment during the warmer months.
Carriage Hill MetroPark: Step back in time with a visit to this historical farm and nature reserve. You can explore the working farm, hike scenic trails, and participate in educational programs.
Aquatic Center at Kroger Aquatic Park: A fun spot for families with water slides, pools, and play areas. The park offers summer memberships and day passes.
Thomas Cloud Park: This expansive park includes baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails. It’s a central spot for local sports leagues and family activities.
Bellbrook is known for its small-town charm, scenic parks, and community-oriented lifestyle.
Bellbrook Park: Located in the heart of downtown Bellbrook, this park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful creek. It’s a popular spot for family outings and local events.
Sugarcreek MetroPark: This nature preserve features scenic hiking trails, horse trails, and a wide range of wildlife. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore nature.
Bellbrook Canoe Rental: Enjoy a day on the water by renting a canoe or kayak and paddling along the Little Miami River. This is a favorite activity for families during the warmer months.
Downtown Bellbrook: A quaint downtown area with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival is a beloved annual event that brings the community together for arts, crafts, and entertainment.
Centerville offers a mix of history, culture, shopping, and outdoor activities. It’s a vibrant community known for its historic charm and modern amenities.
Stubbs Park: This park offers an amphitheater for outdoor concerts, walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields. It’s also the site of the Centerville Summer Concert Series.
Bill Yeck Park: A large park with extensive hiking trails, a nature reserve, and educational programs. It's a peaceful place for outdoor recreation and birdwatching.
The Heart of Centerville: This historic downtown area is filled with locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants. It hosts seasonal events such as Fall Fest and Christmas in the Village.
Centerville-Washington Township RecPlex: A popular community center offering fitness facilities, indoor swimming pools, gymnasiums, and sports programs for all ages.
The Golf Club at Yankee Trace: A top-rated golf course offering 27 championship holes, scenic views, and a clubhouse. It’s a favorite spot for golf enthusiasts.
Finding reliable childcare is crucial for military families, and Dayton offers a variety of daycare options, from full-time care to part-time drop-in services. Below are some of the top-rated daycare centers near WPAFB.
Top Daycare Centers Near Beavercreek:
Location: 3200 Kemp Rd, Beavercreek
Specializes in early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a focus on flexible scheduling and developmental milestones.
Primrose School of Beavercreek
Location: 1323 Research Park Dr, Beavercreek
Known for its balance of academic and social-emotional development, Primrose offers programs for infants through kindergarten.
Location: 255 Blakely Dr, Beavercreek
Offers Montessori-based programs that focus on individualized learning from infants to preschool-age children.
Top Daycare Centers Near Fairborn:
Fairborn YMCA Childcare Center
Location: 300 S Central Ave, Fairborn
Provides full-time and part-time care for infants through preschool, with additional before-and-after-school care programs.
Location: 1000 Rainbow Ct, Fairborn
Offers care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a curriculum designed to promote early childhood learning.
On-Base Childcare:
Wright-Patterson Child Development Center (CDC)
The Wright-Patterson Child Development Center offers full-time and part-time care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The center is located on base, providing military families with convenient, high-quality childcare close to their home and work.
The Dayton area offers a variety of resources and support for military families, ensuring that you have everything you need during your relocation.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?We’re here to help you find the perfect home near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Whether you’re buying or renting, we’ll provide you with personalized advice and assistance tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or begin exploring homes in Beavercreek, Fairborn, Huber Heights, and beyond.
Contact Us Today
Don Shurts: (937) 241-2124
Cyndi Shurts: (937) 604-5194
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Dayton area!
