Englewood, OH Area Guide

Before it carried its current name, the community now known as Englewood grew from Randolph Township, where settlers arrived around 1800 and built livelihoods around agriculture, sawmills, and flatboat trade along the Stillwater River. Residents voted to rename the town Englewood in 1898 through a local naming contest, and the city was formally incorporated in 1914.

The historic earthen Englewood Dam, constructed between 1918 and 1921 by the Miami Conservancy District, stands as one of the area's most tangible landmarks from that era. It was built as part of a regional flood control system following the catastrophic 1913 floods. Within Englewood MetroPark, visitors can find the remains of an old National Road bridge constructed with limestone blocks and oak planks -- a quiet glimpse into the region's early transportation history.

Englewood's dining scene leans casual and approachable, with neighborhood staples anchoring the local food landscape. American comfort food, burgers, pizza, and diner-style breakfasts are well-represented, and the US Route 40 corridor brings familiar chain options alongside locally owned spots.

Dayton is just minutes away and adds considerable range, with Lebanese, Ethiopian, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines all available across the metro area. Company 7 BBQ, a locally established restaurant serving ribs, brisket, and burnt ends in a tavern-style setting, has built a strong following in the area.

Getting around Englewood means relying primarily on a car, with Interstate 70 and US Route 40 -- the historic National Road -- both passing directly through the city. State Route 48 intersects those corridors within city limits, making it easy to reach Dayton, Vandalia, and Clayton in any direction.

For those who prefer alternatives to driving, an RTA bus route connects Englewood MetroPark to downtown Dayton. The Stillwater River Trail, also known as the Grossnickle Bikeway, is a paved path linking Grossnickle Park to Englewood MetroPark and giving cyclists and pedestrians a dedicated route through the area. Dayton International Airport is just a short drive east, a practical perk for frequent flyers and those working in aviation or logistics.

Englewood MetroPark is the standout of the city's outdoor offerings, covering roughly 1,900 acres along the Stillwater River with lakes, wetlands, meadows, and bottomland hardwood forests. Three named waterfalls, more than 20 miles of hiking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing ponds, horseback riding trails, and a nature play area make it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The Benedict Blincoe Wildlife Observation Area within the park has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, with roughly 90 percent of all bird species recorded in the greater Dayton area spotted there.

Beyond the MetroPark, Centennial Park offers a catch-and-release pond, sand volleyball, a splash pad, and bike trails, while Jake Grossnickle Memorial Park connects to the Stillwater River Trail via a paved bikeway. Carriage Hill MetroPark, a short drive away, features prairies and a working historical farm. Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and Sycamore State Park are both reachable within a brief drive from the city.

Rents in Englewood come in well below the Ohio statewide average, making it one of the more accessible rental markets in the Dayton metro area. A range of unit sizes is available, from studios to larger multi-bedroom options, at price points that reflect the area's overall affordability. Ohio already ranks among the more affordable states for renters nationwide, and Englewood sits toward the lower end of even that range.

Most of Englewood's retail activity lines the US Route 40 and State Route 48 corridors, where national chains, auto-oriented retailers, and everyday service businesses are within easy reach. Grocery stores and home improvement retailers are conveniently close for daily errands.

Dayton expands the options considerably. The Greene Town Center in nearby Beavercreek and the 2nd Street Market in Dayton offer everything from national department stores to locally grown food and handmade goods. The 2nd Street Market, operated by Five Rivers MetroParks, is a well-established indoor market drawing shoppers from across the region for fresh produce, artisan items, and prepared foods.

Englewood pairs accessible rents with quick access to Interstate 70, a 1,900-acre MetroPark featuring waterfalls, hiking, and a nationally recognized bird observation area, and a short ten-mile drive to downtown Dayton -- all within a compact and walkable suburban setting.