Greenwich Village - Dayton, OH

During the late 1800s, a population boom in Dayton caused the city’s African-American population to move away from the inner city and into West Dayton. Over the years, West Dayton continued to grow at a steady pace, and after World War II the city experienced a second population boom, which caused the area to expand further. It was during this time that the Greenwich Village area was developed to serve as a transitional area into the city’s northwest suburbs.

Greenwich Village doesn’t have an arts scene, host annual events and or have any museums. However, residents often travel into the downtown area to visit the Dayton Art Institute, Victoria Theater and the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Downtown Dayton also hosts a slew of annual events, including the city’s Fourth of July celebration and the Dayton Celtic Fest.

Greenwich Village residents travel outside of the small, solely residential neighborhood to enjoy a variety of fast food, barbecue and home-style restaurants.

J J Fish & Chicken, a locally operated fast-food establishment on North Gettysburg Avenue, serves fried chicken, fish and shrimp. Customers rave about the restaurant's massive gyros topped with a cucumber and onion tzatziki sauce and the perfectly seasoned French fries. Also known for its crispy fried chicken and fish dinners, Moe's Fish & Chicken on Free Pike gives patrons the option to have their food delivered. The carry-out style restaurant serves cooked-to-order fish, fried okra, hush puppies and sweet potato pie.

Located on Salem Avenue, El Greco's Pizza Villa doesn't look like a great restaurant from the outside, but many locals consider it one of the city's hidden gems. The restaurant consists of two sections: a bar area with limited seating and a dining area with cafe-style seating. El Greco's features a versatile menu that includes subs, chicken fingers, pizza, Italian dishes and Mexican food. Visit El Grecos' for Taco Tuesdays to get half-price tacos.

Greenwich Village doesn't have much in the way of nightlife, but residents can easily venture into downtown Dayton when they desire a night on the town. Some of the bars favored by locals include Ned Peppers Bar and Newcom's, both located on Fifth Street in Dayton's Oregon District. Both bars have a laid-back atmosphere and house dance floors and pool tables. Newcom's hosts several events, including the area's First Friday Art Hop and occasional live music events.

Greenwich Village is a small residential neighborhood with relatively flat roads, but the neighborhood doesn’t have designated bike lanes. Because traffic on its main streets gets congested and most errands are competed outside of the neighborhood, the area isn’t considered pedestrian- or bike-friendly.

State routes 35 and 49 run through adjacent neighborhoods, and the area features ample free parking options, so most residents prefer to drive their own vehicles. Residents who don’t drive, ride the Greater Dayton RTA buses that run through the area. You can’t hail a taxi, and Uber doesn’t service the area, so you’ll have to call a cab company to arrange for pickup.

The neighborhood doesn’t have any parks within its boundaries, but residents can drive into downtown Dayton to visit the RiverScape MetroPark. RiverScape, a free, family-friendly public park, features splash fountains for children and hosts several events throughout the year, including the Hispanic Heritage Festival. RiverScape MetroPark also has an ice skating rink in the winter and offers kayak rentals in the summer, all available for nominal fees.

Located across the river from RiverScape MetroPark, Deeds Park features paved walking and biking trails, along with an off-leash area for dogs. Parents often take their children to Island MetroPark on East Helena Street, just north of downtown Dayton, to play at the playground or water play area. Island MetroPark also features more than 2 miles of paved trails, perfect for walking, biking, jogging and skating. Here you can also access a picnic canopy surrounded by Sycamore trees and a stage that hosts live summertime performances held in the park.

The cost of living in Greenwich Villages averages 2 percent lower than the city of Dayton’s cost of living. Median rental costs average $690 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Residents expect to pay $1.75 for a one-way bus ride and between $3 and $5 for a beer at a local bar. On average, Greenwich Village’s gas prices rest approximately 4 percent lower than the national average.

Discount stores and grocery stores line North Gettysburg Avenue just outside of the Greenwich Village area, but you won’t find any upscale stores here. Residents often travel to the Dayton Mall in Miamisburg or to the boutiques in nearby neighborhoods to shop.

Located on North Main Street, Sadie’s House sells a variety of discounted gift items, including coffee mugs, cards and holiday ornaments. Animal lovers enjoy the shop's selection of pet-themed gifts, which include small plaques designed specifically for dog and cat owners. Also on North Main Street, Dayton Candy & Nuts sells candy and gift baskets. Customers can choose from a selection of personalized gifts, candy tins and party favors when visiting the small candy shop.

Several grocery stores serve the neighborhood, including IGA Supermarkets and Save-A-Lot, perfect for large grocery shopping trips, as well as smaller stores such as Stop 'N' Shop and Express Mart, which stock the basics needed in between grocery trips.

Greenwich Village residents can purchase fresh produce and baked goods from the year-round farmers market, 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton. The market is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, in addition to special dates during the holidays. The market hosts activities for kids as well.