Centerville or Kettering | Which Dayton Suburb Is Better To Live?

Photo by Michael Bowman on Unsplash

Choosing where to live is always a big decision, and if you’re considering the Dayton area, two names likely come up again and again: Centerville and Kettering. Both are highly desirable suburbs with strong reputations for schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to everything the Miami Valley has to offer. But which one is actually better to live in?

That’s a question many new residents wrestle with when deciding where to put down roots. The truth is, both suburbs bring unique strengths to the table, and the “best” choice depends heavily on what you value most, whether it’s schools, housing, recreation, or cost of living.

This article takes a deep dive into Centerville vs. Kettering, comparing their neighborhoods, affordability, schools, amenities, and overall lifestyle so you can make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of which Dayton suburb might be the better fit for you and your family.

Centerville vs. Kettering

Centerville: Income, Housing & Demographics

• Median household income: $81,500 in 2023.
• Per capita income: about $50,770
• Poverty rate: ~ 8.9% of persons below poverty line.
• Housing values: median value of owner-occupied housing ~ $262,300
• Homeownership: ~ 68% of the housing units are owner-occupied.
• Educational attainment: about 47.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• School district size: Centerville City School District has ~ 8,420 students across 12 schools.
• Test proficiency (at Centerville High School):
  
  • Math proficiency: ~ 62%, vs state average ~52%.
  • Reading/Language Arts proficiency: ~ 82%, vs state ~60%.
• Average commute time: ~ 20 to 21.5 minutes for workers.

Kettering: Crime, Schools & Other Metrics

• Population: ~ 56,876 residents.
• Crime rates:
  
  • Violent crime: ~ 0.56 incidents per 1,000 residents (≈ 1 in 1,777 chance of being a victim) in recent reports.
  • Property crime: ~ 14.28 incidents per 1,000 residents (≈ 1 in 70 chance) in those same reports.
  • Overall crime rate: some sources say ~21.16 per 1,000 people for violent + property crime combined; this is lower than the U.S. national average in some metrics.
• School district size & performance:
  
  • Kettering City School District has about 7,700–7,800 students and 12 schools.
  • Graduation rate (4-year) ~ 94% in recent years.
  • On performance index for 2023, Kettering district scored around 91.8 (on whatever local state metric used) and received a “B” letter grade in that analysis.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Dayton is known as the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest,” and both suburbs provide easy access to trails, parks, and recreation.

• Kettering: Home to the Fraze Pavilion, a popular outdoor music venue that hosts concerts and festivals throughout the summer. The suburb also features Kettering Recreation Complex, ice arenas, pools, and multiple large parks like Delco Park. Active families love the variety of activities offered year-round.
• Centerville: Known for its well-maintained parks and green spaces. Stubbs Park is a local favorite with walking trails, playgrounds, and an amphitheater for community events. Centerville also connects easily to the greater Miami Valley bike trails, offering miles of scenic cycling opportunities.

Both suburbs take pride in recreation, but Kettering leans toward more entertainment and events, while Centerville emphasizes community parks and family-friendly green spaces.

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

When it comes to convenience and lifestyle, both Centerville and Kettering offer plenty of options.

• Centerville: Features The Greene Town Center just minutes away, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment in a walkable outdoor mall environment. Downtown Centerville also has charming local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Residents appreciate the balance of national chains and small-town character.
• Kettering: Offers plenty of local restaurants, grocery stores, and shops, though it doesn’t have quite the same “destination” retail areas as Centerville. Its entertainment is anchored by community events, local eateries, and the Fraze Pavilion. For large-scale shopping, residents often head to The Greene or Dayton Mall, both nearby.

For those who love shopping and nightlife, Centerville has the advantage. But if you prefer laid-back, community-driven entertainment, Kettering may be your match.

Community Feel & Lifestyle

This is where the subtle differences between the suburbs really shine through.

• Centerville: Has more of an “upscale suburban” vibe. With newer developments, highly rated schools, and well-kept neighborhoods, it attracts professionals, families, and those looking for long-term stability. The community is known for being tight-knit, with many events organized around the schools and city parks.
• Kettering: Feels more diverse in terms of demographics and housing. It’s less expensive, making it accessible to young professionals, retirees, and working families. Kettering tends to feel more urban-adjacent because of its proximity to Dayton, and it embraces a more down-to-earth, community-oriented lifestyle.

Your preference depends on whether you want a polished, suburban atmosphere (Centerville) or a more practical, mixed, and accessible environment (Kettering).

Safety & Crime Rates

Safety is always a priority when choosing a place to live.

• Centerville: Consistently ranked as one of the safest suburbs in the Dayton area. Its crime rate is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, which adds to its appeal for families.
• Kettering: Also considered safe but has a slightly higher crime rate compared to Centerville. Most of the crime in Kettering is property-related rather than violent crime. Overall, it’s still a safe community, but Centerville has the edge in this category.

Employment & Economy

Both suburbs benefit from their proximity to Dayton’s job market, which includes opportunities in aerospace (thanks to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), healthcare, and education.

• Kettering: With its location bordering Dayton, Kettering provides one of the easiest commutes into downtown. It’s also home to employers like Kettering Health Network, one of the region’s largest healthcare providers.
• Centerville: Many residents commute to Dayton or Cincinnati for work, though the suburb itself has a growing number of small businesses, retail jobs, and professional offices.

If you’re tied to Dayton’s downtown for work, Kettering offers unmatched convenience. But if you don’t mind a longer commute, Centerville gives you the perks of suburban living while still accessing the job market.

Demographics & Diversity

• Centerville: Known for a more affluent population, with higher median household incomes compared to Kettering. It’s also more family-oriented, with a larger percentage of households with children.
• Kettering: Offers a wider mix of residents, including young professionals, retirees, and middle-income families. Because it borders Dayton, it tends to feel more diverse both economically and culturally.

If inclusivity and diversity are important, Kettering might feel more balanced, while Centerville offers a more family-focused suburban experience.

Cost of Living Beyond Housing

It’s not just about the price of homes, living costs like groceries, utilities, and taxes also matter.

• Centerville: Higher property taxes and utility costs on average, reflecting the newer housing stock and larger homes.
• Kettering: More budget-friendly in nearly every category, from utilities to groceries, making it more appealing for those conscious of everyday expenses.

So while Centerville offers upscale amenities, Kettering may be easier on your wallet in the long run.

Which Suburb Is Right for You?

So, which suburb is the winner, Centerville or Kettering? The answer depends on what you value most.

• Choose Centerville if:
  
  • Top-rated schools are your #1 priority.
  • You want newer, larger homes in well-planned neighborhoods.
  • Safety and quiet, family-friendly living are important to you.
  • You don’t mind paying a little more for housing and property taxes.
• Choose Kettering if:
  
  • Affordability is a major factor in your decision.
  • You want a quick commute to Dayton.
  • You appreciate diversity and a practical, down-to-earth lifestyle.
  • You enjoy community events and entertainment like Fraze Pavilion concerts.

Which Dayton Suburb Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

Both Centerville and Kettering are excellent Dayton suburbs, and neither is a “bad” choice. Centerville tends to attract families and professionals seeking stability, safety, and excellent schools, while Kettering appeals to those who want affordability, convenience, and a lively community atmosphere. 

Once you’ve chosen your ideal Dayton suburb, the next step is planning your relocation. Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be when you work with the right professionals. If you’re preparing to relocate, consider hiring moving companies in Dayton to make the process efficient. 

We understand the unique needs of families relocating in and around Dayton and offer services that make the transition smooth and stress-free. From careful packing and loading to timely delivery, AWVS treats every move with the same level of dedication, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new home.

At the end of the day, the best suburb for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. If possible, spend time in both communities, visit the parks, drive through the neighborhoods, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Sometimes the right decision isn’t just about statistics, it’s about where you feel at home.