Dayton 73 Excellent
Dayton Livability #198 ranked city in New Jersey#5,201 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Dayton

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Dayton?

Dayton, New Jersey is a smaller city with a population of 8,389 residents. In Dayton, there are 3,981 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (32%) and Asian (56%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Dayton. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Dayton offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 40 minutes.

Living in Dayton can be a great experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of New Jersey, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Dayton and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

The livability score in Dayton is 72 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 80th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Dayton ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Dayton does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Dayton, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Dayton excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Dayton is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Dayton come in at $737,302, which is 32.7% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dayton, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 21.6% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dayton

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Dayton?

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Compare Dayton, NJ Livability

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      Dayton transportation information

      Statistic Dayton New Jersey National
      Average one way commute40min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.1%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.9%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.3%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.2%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home7.6%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Dayton, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.