Top 10 Reasons to be Proud of Dayton and Optimistic for 2013
I can't believe we're about to celebrate another new year. As a native Daytonian and advocate for my hometown, I hope you'll share my optimism about our forward momentum and bright future.
Top 10 Reasons to be Proud of Dayton and Optimistic for 2013
I can't believe we're about to celebrate another new year. As a native Daytonian and advocate for my hometown, I hope you'll share my optimism about our forward momentum and bright future. Charles Kettering said, "High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation." I have high expectations and hope you do too!
10. Daytonians are generous
In 2012, we learned that Daytonians are generous! Of course, we already knew this, but according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, we donate on average 4.6% of our discretionary income, making us the most generous major metropolitan area in Ohio. Charitable donations aren't the only way that Dayton is generous. There are thousands of volunteers giving their most precious commodity - time - to scores of non-profit organizations in the area.
9. Dayton is the safest big city in Ohio for drivers
Dayton actually ranks among the 20 safest major U.S. cities for motorists according to a study by Allstate Insurance Company.
8. Dayton is the place for high-tech job growth
Great news! Dayton is now the No. 3 fastest-growing metro area for high-tech jobs in the country. High-tech job growth is projected to outpace job growth of the economy as a whole over this decade, expanding by 16.2 percent between 2011 and 2020.
7. Dayton is a Healthy Community
The City of Dayton was a 2012 Healthy Ohio-Healthy Community Silver Award winner. Our recreation trails and bike lanes (let's give a shout out to Five Rivers Metroparks here!), as well as future plans for biking and walking enhancements, community gardens and urban agriculture as well as low-cost community centers and participation in Montgomery County's GetUP program were all factors.
6. The U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds are back!
The Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the Best Air Show in the Nation (aka Vectren Dayton Air Show) in 2013 at the same time the last flying World War II-era B-29 makes its first appearance here in a decade. The 2013 show will be held a month earlier than usual on June 22nd and 23rd at the Dayton International Airport in hopes it will be a little cooler.
5. Dayton's Economic Outlook is looking GREAT!
Dayton's economic recovery is being driven by an improving jobs picture and surge in overall economic output according to a new report from the Brookings Institution. Dayton's unemployment was 5th-best in the nation, showing an improvement of 4.2 percentage points since the fourth-quarter of 2009.
4. DDC chosen to lead planning for the UAS Center
The State of Ohio is creating the Ohio Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center and Test Complex to serve as a single-point resource for government, industry, and universities seeking to conduct research, train personnel, and develop the technologies and procedures to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System. The Dayton Development Coalition was chosen by the State to lead planning for the UAS Center. After all this is the birthplace of aviation.
3. Construction on River Run
The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan leaders announced October 25th the community has reached its goal and raised $4 million for the next phase of development at RiverScape MetroPark. Construction on River Run is expected to begin in 2013.
2. Best Arts Destination: Dayton Ohio
Dayton also rocketed to the No. 2 spot nationwide in a 2012 poll by American Style magazine for best arts destination, beating out many much larger cities. Dayton debuted at second place on the list among mid-size cities for its arts scene, despite not being included on the ballot.
1. Dayton is the most affordable city in the country
More bang for our bucks! Dayton is the No. 1 most affordable city in the country, according to Forbes annual ranking. Fortunately, the local median family income of $62,400 is not much less than the national average of $64,150 and $1 million can buy a 12,000-square-foot house on five acres in the Dayton area, or it can buy a 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom unit in Los Angeles.
Lisa's Final Thoughts for 2012
Personally, I love that Dayton has such a long wonderful festival season and look forward to it every year. There are cultural festivals such as the Celtic, Spanish, German, Greek, Lebanese, A World Affair, African American, and Italian festivals. There are County Fairs, Annie Oakley Days, Poultry Days, Church, Strawberry, Pork, Mum, Popcorn, Potato, Pretzel, Pumpkin, Blues, Jazz, and Cajun Festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, and many other low cost or free venues for fun.
Dayton also has a great live music scene, many local restaurants, and other small businesses that need your support. Dayton Local is proud to support small businesses - you can use our business directory, restaurant guide, and community calendar to locate businesses, restaurants, and to find "things to do" in the Dayton area.
Above, I've shared some of the things we've noticed at Dayton Local. But I'm sure we've missed plenty too - please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing you out and about.
Lisa
