The methodology Forbes Advisor implemented was based on 12 metrics that had corresponding weights and examined them against data for the 100 most populous metro areas in the U.S. across four categories — employment and pay, housing affordability, cost of living and lifestyle.
The news comes as no surprise to Julie Sullivan, Dayton Development Coalition executive vice president, regional development.
“We’ve seen record job commitments from new and existing companies in the last three years. Dayton’s affordability, amenities, and job opportunities mean young professionals can build more than a meaningful career in the Dayton Region. They can enjoy world-class recreation, arts, and restaurants, and root for the home team in a variety of sports. Dayton’s showing on Forbes’ Best Places for Young Professionals to Live highlights everything we pitch to prospective employees and businesses about our region,” Sullivan said.
Dayton is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest employer in the state of Ohio and STEM-related job opportunities are vast thanks to federal research installations, like the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright State University and the University of Dayton.
In rating Dayton fourth place for the most livable cities for young professionals, the articles author, Jamela Adam wrote, “a rich cultural scene, high earning potential and low local taxes and rent costs make Dayton-Kettering an ideal spot for young professionals to live and work. If you’re looking to rent in the Dayton-Kettering area, you’ll be happy to learn that it ranks fourth-lowest for median rent costs as a percentage of income (19.95%). Homeownership here isn’t too expensive either. The area ranks 21st for the lowest median home cost as a percentage of income (24.77%).”
Eight midwestern metro areas dominate the Forbes top 10 best places for young professionals and all of the list’s top 10 best places have median individual incomes over $50,000.
In addition to a robust and thriving business community and cost of living that outperforms most markets across the U.S. based on data coming in at more than 10 points below the U.S. average, Dayton is a hub of logistics and distribution with the Dayton MSA home to four interstates, five U.S. routes and 10 state routes. It’s also home to the nation’s largest paved trail network with 340 miles of connected paved bikeway.
The average commute time is 21 minutes and the entire county region is accessible within an hour’s drive.
Adam ended her thoughts on Dayton’s fourth place writing, “When the workday ends in Dayton-Kettering, the fun begins. The metro ranked 16th for most food and drink establishments per 100,000 residents, offering no shortage of options to unwind and indulge after a long day.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was in Dayton this week speaking to the Rotary Club of Dayton and spoke about the offerings in Ohio.
“No matter where you live in the state of Ohio you are within a fairly easy drive of world class art, world class sports and on and on,” he said.
About the Author