Beavercreek/Bellbrook Dayton, OH

Settled in the early 1800s, both Beavercreek and Bellbrook started as rural townships. In fact, Beavercreek was one of the state’s first four townships. Development began after World War II when people began moving out of Dayton into the suburbs. However, neither area grew as rapidly as some of the city’s southern suburbs. In 1974, Bellbrook achieved city status, and Beavercreek wasn’t far behind, becoming a city in 1980. Since the early 1990s, both areas have seen rapid development, with Beavercreek growing to become the third largest city in the area, just behind Dayton and Kettering. Neither city has much of an arts scene, nor are there local museums to visit. However, both house a handful of art galleries that feature the work of local artists, including Life in Letters in Bellbrook and Simply Vague in Beavercreek. Beavercreek also hosts an annual popcorn festival in September.

Both Beavercreek and Bellbrook residents enjoy a wide array of dining options, covering everything from mom-and-pop diners and small cafes to mid-priced chain and fast-food restaurants. For lunch, visit the Cherry House Cafe on Meadowbridge Drive in Beavercreek. Reminiscent of a 1940s tea house, the cafe features pink pastel walls with lovely floral patterns. It serves a variety of sandwich combinations, such as its famed cherry apricot chicken salad sandwich served on a croissant or a Reuben on toasted rye that many locals say is the best in Dayton. Don't forget to order dessert -- locals can't stop raving about the eatery's baked goods, especially the fresh cookies and peanut butter pie. Head to the Blue Berry Cafe in Bellbrook for a hearty breakfast, but get there early because it's common for this popular establishment to have patrons waiting. Crowds love the restaurant's pancakes, which are so big they hang over the edge of your plate, and the locals look forward to seeing the Muffin Man approach their tables. A weekend regular, the Muffin Man has been selling muffins to Blueberry Cafe patrons for years. He sells everything from classic blueberry and pumpkin muffins to pineapple-upside-down muffins, and often gives free muffins to children dining with their parents. To satisfy your pizza craving, visit the Bellbrook Pizza Cottage on East Franklin Street. The small pizzeria doesn't look like much from the outside, but it serves the neighborhood's best pie, according to locals. The thin-crust pizza arrives cut into small squares and generously covered with cheese and toppings. Fans also praise the Italian sub, as well as soft pretzels that kids love. At night, locals often head into nearby Dayton for dancing, live music or comedy shows. Beavercreek isn't without nightlife, and neighborhood watering holes provide a comfortable spot to relax at the end of the day, including sports bars near the Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Submarine House Bar & Grill on Dayton-Xenia Road, where the bartenders shake up signature cocktails while you catch the game on the TVs. However, most of the after-dark excitement happens at the Greene Town Center, known simply as the Greene, which houses several pubs, including Bar Louie and the Pub.

Dayton’s public buses run throughout Beavercreek and Bellbrook, but most locals prefer to drive to their destinations. Interstate 675, which runs between Miamisburg and New Carlisle, runs directly through the area, connecting residents with Interstate 70 and Interstate 75. Traffic gets congested in major shopping areas, especially during rush hour, but parking remains free and readily available. Beavercreek and Bellbrook neighborhoods span mostly flat land that’s easily walkable and bike-friendly. However, the cities' spread-out nature means walking and cycling are mostly used for leisure or exercise. You can’t hail a cab in either city, but you can call a taxi service or schedule a ride with Uber when you’re in a jam.

Both Beavercreek and Bellbrook have several options for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Beavercreek houses several golf courses, and Bellbrook has a creek where people frequently go canoeing. Shoup Park in Beavercreek features a large playground for children and a few covered shelters. While the free public park is dog-friendly there isn’t a dedicated dog run, and dogs need to remain on a leash.

Bellbrook’s cost of living averages approximately 13 percent higher than the average cost of living in Dayton, while Beavercreek's cost of living runs about 17 percent higher than Dayton’s average. Expect to pay around $700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Bellbrook and $800 per month for one in Beavercreek. While housing costs are higher than the city’s average, other costs remain about the same. Average gas prices run around 4 percent lower than the national average, it costs $1.75 for a one-way bus ride and it costs between$3 and $5 for a pint of beer.

Shopping in Beavercreek centers around The Mall at Fairfield Commons and The Greene, while shopping in Bellbrook centers around Sugarcreek Plaza. Even though residents have an abundance of options, neither city houses high-end or designer stores, and there aren't many small, locally owned shops. Most of the shopping options consist of chain and department stores that carry moderately priced merchandise. Located on Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek, Cake Craft, Inc. has sold cake, candy and wedding supplies to residents for decades. The small shop often has seasonal sales on cake decorating supplies and offers monthly decorating classes. Just down the street from Cake Craft, Busy Beaver Arts & Crafts sells a wide variety of craft supplies, including supplies to make jewelry, needle arts and stained glass. Several chain grocery stores service the area, including Kroger, Sam's Club and Meijer. During the summer, residents can purchase fresh produce from the Sugarcreek Township Farmers' Market on Wilmington Pike.