Downtown Dayton - Dayton, OH Area Guide

Dayton's rich history surrounds the Downtown-Montgomery area. This aviation-centric city was where the Wright Brothers first took to the sky. At the Montgomery County Historical Society , visitors can relive Dayton's journey through history, from intense warfare between the French and the Indians to the culmination of the land by Jonathan Dayton. Learn about historical events like the great flood of 1913, and peruse collections of over 1,000 architects for an educational trip the whole family can enjoy.

The residents in Downtown-Montgomery enjoy the variety and close-by access to favorite chain restaurants, plus an eclectic mix of cultural flavors. Find the taste you crave whether it is spicy Mexican, savory Italian or good old American fare.

Sushi lovers head over to nearby Thai 9 to sample Dayton's premier Thai and sushi restaurant, located on Brown Street. Don’t let the sushi and Thai combo confuse you. This little gem offers the best of both worlds. Dig into some authentic spring rolls and satay before sinking your teeth into a variety of entrée options. The owners of this upscale restaurant know how to blend elegance and quality without gouging you on prices. Sample the green curry with fried tofu for a healthy option that comes served to your liking. Here, you can choose your spice level on a scale of one to 10. Try the Thai Spicy with chicken at a level you can love for one local favorite.

Residents on their way to work don't miss a chance to stop by the neighborhood's favorite coffee stop, Cafe Roma. Here you can grab a quick cup of your favorite brew, or stop in for lunch and choose from an impressive menu that ranges from tasty empanadas to Roma linguine smothered in a creamy white clam sauce.

If it's the nightlife you crave, you won't have to look far whether you prefer rowdy sports bars or low-profile dive bars. Dayton also houses a number of dance clubs where you can kick up your heels. Club Vex, located only a few miles away on Saint Claire Street, remains the go-to place to relish in the club scene. Residents head here to enjoy a different theme every night of the week. Great drinks combine with awesome music that lead to a night to remember.

Bourbon lovers head on over to The Century A Bourbon House on Jefferson Street when in the mood for elegance. This classy establishment features over 100 varieties of bourbon and an expansive list of whiskey from which to choose. A friendly and knowledgeable staff is a nice addition to the beautiful decor.

Plentiful transportation options exist for walkers and commuters. Many of the streets have sidewalks, plus the area has close access to numerous hot spots within walking distance. Two major bus lines run through the Downtown-Montgomery area, offering inexpensive rides. Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority and Greyhound have pick-up locations at many spots, 21 hours a day and seven days per week.

Bikers will not be disappointed either; Downtown-Montgomery's busiest streets are lined with well-maintained bike paths and pristine sidewalks. A variety of taxi and limousine providers cater to the area, always ready to whisk you off to the Dayton International Airport for business or pleasure, or for a night out on the town. Another popular option, Uber, provides hook-ups to local drivers through an app on your mobile device. With easy access to interstates and free or inexpensive public parking, travel by car remains the most popular mode of transportation for residents.

Escape busy city life by traveling to one of Dayton's various well-kept parks. If passing by Dave Hall Plaza Park every day isn't enough for you, dive into the great outdoors at Deeds Point Metropark located just off of Webster Street for an excellent view of the Dayton River. Also nearby, Ruskin playground attracts the neighborhood kids wanting some fun in the sun.

Hikers delight in the regional trails they find throughout the Dayton area, known by many as the outdoor adventure capital of the Midwest. Although the larger parks sit a short drive outside of Downtown-Montgomery, there are plenty of smaller parks in the area. Carriage Hill MetroPark provides one option the whole family can enjoy. This dog-friendly park features 7.5 miles of excellent hiking terrain spread across 900 acres of land. During the winter months, come for the cross-country ski trails. All year round, the park houses historical buildings, barn animals and a visitor center.

Annual activities held at a variety of the parks throughout Dayton promise to keep you entertained. Even the cars wear costumes at the Fall Harvest "Trunk or Treat." The city sponsors this event the night before Halloween at the close-by Kettering Field Complex, to provide a safe but exciting trick-or-treat adventure for the little ones.

The cost of living in Downtown-Montgomery rests at about 5 percent less than the Ohio average. A stable housing market in the neighborhood provides options to suit just about any budget. Find one-bedroom residences ranging from $500 to $2,000 per month, with the median rent sitting at $1,475.

Expect to pay about $2.65 for a bus ride to the Cincinnati city center. Gas prices sit at about 3 percent less than the national average in this busy town that knows its residents need to get around. A visit to a local pub will have you paying around $4.50 for a pint of beer.

Shopping won't be a chore with such an array of stores in the vicinity. High-end shoppers go to Dayton Mall, while thrifty shoppers visit big-box chains like Kroger and Costco to stretch a buck on favorite name-brand groceries. For a homegrown favorite, stop in to enjoy the variety of baked goods that 2nd Street Market keeps on the shelves. Find fresh-from-the-farm produce or the highest quality meats while enjoying the convenience of small-store shopping.

Boutiques are plentiful throughout the greater Dayton area, but there are a few nearby treasures as well. Bonnett’s Book Store on 5th Street has all the charm you might expect to find in an old-time shop. Be prepared to wade through shelves stocked with all of the classics. A knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you track down even the hardest to find book. In addition, the store has an expansive selection of comics, magazines and DVDs. Omega Music, also on 5th Street, has all of the latest hit music. Stock up on DVDs, or trade in some old, unwanted ones. Music lovers never miss a chance to stop by to see what's new or to check out the regular freebies.

The health conscious residents of Downtown-Montgomery enjoy having several farmers markets to visit. Bellbrook Farmers Market continues to be a favorite for residents. Don't be fooled by the no-frills setup. This little shop operates at random times, but it's worth the wait. The market carries only the best produce at unbeatable prices. For another option, try Centerville Farmers Market where you can find homemade preserves plus all of the other goodies you might hope to discover in a larger market.