Bexley Hills isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. Tucked away on Dayton’s northeast side, this friendly community offers the perfect balance of suburban calm and urban convenience. If you’re considering a move to Dayton or searching for a welcoming spot to put down roots, read on for an insider’s perspective on what it’s really like to live in Bexley Hills.
Community Vibe: Neighbors Who Know Your Name
One of the first things you notice about Bexley Hills is the genuine community spirit. From block parties to neighbors helping each other with yardwork, there’s a strong sense of belonging here. The neighborhood runs roughly along Bexley Drive, Woodman Drive, and Burkhardt Road. People greet each other on evening walks, and it’s common to see kids playing basketball at the neighborhood parks or friends waving across driveways on Arbor Avenue.
There’s a diverse, multi-generational mix of residents—young couples buying their first homes, retirees tending colorful flower beds, and families with kids of all ages. It’s this blend that gives Bexley Hills its warmth and welcoming vibe.
Types of Housing: Something for Everyone
Bexley Hills offers plenty of choice for homebuyers and renters alike:
- Classic Ranch Homes: Most properties date from the 1950s and 60s, with solid brick ranches lining Bexley Drive and adjacent side streets. Many have been lovingly updated, while others still retain mid-century charm.
- Cape Cods and Bungalows: Sprinkled throughout are well-kept Cape Cods and charming bungalows, a favorite for first-time buyers.
- Affordable Apartments: There are a handful of smaller apartment complexes along Wilmington Pike and nearby, providing affordable options for singles and small families.
Lot sizes are generous enough for gardening and playsets, and many homes have mature trees shading the streets. The feel is suburban without the sprawl—cozy, yet not cramped.
Walkability: Stroll to Essentials and More
One of the perks of Bexley Hills is its walkability. While you’ll want a car for bigger errands, day-to-day needs are within easy reach:
- Sidewalks wind through most streets, perfect for strolls or morning jogs.
- The neighborhood is just a short walk or bike ride to grocery stores, pharmacies, and eateries along Burkhardt Road and Wilmington Pike.
- The Eastown Shopping Center is a local favorite for quick errands and has everything from hardware to coffee shops.
Plus, Bexley Hills is well-connected by RTA bus routes for those who prefer public transportation.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Supporting Kids at Every Stage
Families love Bexley Hills for its excellent educational resources and safe, supportive environment:
- Public Schools: The neighborhood is served by Dayton Public Schools, with Kiser Elementary and Belmont High School nearby. Both have active parent communities and a variety of extracurriculars.
- Nearby Private and Charter Schools: St. Anthony Catholic School on Bowen Street is just a short drive, and several charter schools in the area offer alternative options.
- Family Activities: The Bexley Hills Community Center often hosts family movie nights and seasonal activities, strengthening the bonds between neighbors. Kids can safely bike or skateboard around quiet streets like Northcutt Place or Bexley Boulevard.
Parks and Green Spaces: Your Backyard Escape
Green spaces are the soul of Bexley Hills, inviting residents to unwind and connect with nature:
- Bexley Park: At the heart of the neighborhood, this park features a playground, basketball courts, and a shaded picnic area—perfect for Saturday picnics or after-school fun.
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: Just a short drive away, this expansive park offers walking trails, children’s discovery areas, and tranquil gardens for a bigger outdoor adventure.
- Community Gardens: Some blocks, especially near Gilmore Heights, maintain their own mini-community gardens, where residents grow vegetables and share tips each season.
Safety: Peace of Mind in Your Neighborhood
Safety is a big reason many choose to stay in Bexley Hills for years. The area benefits from a low incidence of crime compared to central Dayton. Longtime residents credit this to:
- Well-lit streets and active Neighborhood Watch groups.
- Friendly neighbors looking out for one another.
- Responsive local police presence from the East Dayton station, less than two miles away.
Walking at dusk, you’ll often see families out without worry—making it especially attractive for those with young children or retirees wanting extra peace of mind.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers: The Best of Both Worlds
Location is a key advantage for Bexley Hills residents:
- Downtown Dayton: Only a 10- to 15-minute drive via Wayne Avenue or US-35, making commutes to major employers, the University of Dayton, or Miami Valley Hospital simple and fast.
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Just 12 minutes away via Route 4, convenient for those in aerospace, defense, or related industries.
- Local Businesses: Wilmington Pike and Burkhardt Road host a range of local and chain restaurants, coffee shops, and services—no need to go far for a bite or basic errands.
The neighborhood strikes a rare balance between suburban comfort and urban access.
What Residents Love Most: The Bexley Hills Advantage
Ask around, and you’ll hear the same things over and over—here’s what locals say makes Bexley Hills such a special place to call home:
- Strong sense of community: Neighbors genuinely care and pitch in, whether it’s shoveling walks in winter or planning summer barbecues.
- Affordability: Well-built homes for a reasonable price, especially given the neighborhood’s amenities and access.
- Greenspaces and recreation: Kids, adults, and even pets have plenty of room to roam and explore.
- Unbeatable location: Near enough to everything, but far enough to offer quiet when you want it.
Thinking about moving here? Spend an afternoon walking along Bexley Drive or chatting with residents at Bexley Park—you’ll immediately see what makes this corner of Dayton feel so much like home.