The cost of living in Xenia and the greater Dayton region runs approximately 7% below the national average. This translates directly into increased purchasing power for your $260,000 guaranteed salary. A lifestyle that would require $350,000 or more in many coastal metropolitan markets can be achieved here at a substantially lower cost. Housing, food, transportation, and healthcare all trend below national averages, allowing you to build wealth, reduce debt, or enjoy a higher standard of living than your income would support elsewhere.
Compared with major physician employment markets, the Dayton area offers exceptional value. Overall living costs are approximately:
These differences compound over the course of a career, influencing everything from monthly mortgage payments to long-term retirement savings.
Housing represents the most significant financial advantage in the Xenia area. Local housing costs run approximately 25% below the national average and 16% below the Ohio state average. The median home price in Xenia is approximately $164,000, while physician families typically purchase homes in the $250,000 to $400,000 range to secure larger properties in desirable neighborhoods or nearby communities such as Beavercreek.
With a $260,000 annual salary, a $350,000 home would require roughly 11% of gross monthly income for mortgage payments (assuming 20% down and prevailing interest rates). In contrast, a comparable home in San Francisco would approach $1.4 million and consume 40% or more of an equivalent salary. This difference allows physicians in the Xenia area to own substantial homes, build equity quickly, and avoid housing-driven financial stress.
Grocery costs in the Xenia area run approximately 2% below the national average. While modest on a single trip, this savings compounds across a full year of household spending. Dining out is notably affordable, allowing frequent restaurant meals without the budget pressure common in larger cities.
Transportation expenses—including fuel, insurance, and maintenance—also fall below national averages. Ohio’s average annual auto insurance premium of $1,023 is lower than the national mean, and gas prices generally remain below coastal state levels. Short, predictable commutes further reduce both time and fuel costs.
Utilities run slightly above national averages due to winter heating needs, with higher costs concentrated in colder months. Even so, the savings from housing and transportation more than offset these expenses, resulting in a net financial advantage.
Ohio’s tax structure has become increasingly favorable. For 2024, the top state income tax rate is 3.5%, reduced from nearly 5% in prior years. Current brackets include:
Property taxes in Greene County are moderate by national standards, ranking in the middle range nationally. Sales tax totals approximately 7.25% when state and county rates are combined. Ohio does not impose a state inheritance tax.
Your $260,000 guaranteed salary delivers purchasing power equivalent to $350,000 or more in high-cost coastal markets. In practical terms, this means:
In addition, employment with Kettering Health qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For physicians with federal student loans, qualifying payments made while employed here count toward the 120 payments required for forgiveness—representing a substantial long-term financial benefit.
Taken together, the cost-of-living advantage, favorable tax environment, and PSLF eligibility create a financial profile that is difficult to match in higher-cost markets. This position allows you to live comfortably, save aggressively, and maintain work-life balance without the financial pressure that contributes to physician burnout.
The Xenia and greater Greene County housing market offers exceptional value for physician families. The median home price in Xenia is approximately $225,000, with average sale prices around $288,000 over the past year. Homes typically sell within 28 to 42 days, and the market has appreciated approximately 14% year over year. While competitive, the market remains accessible, with many homes selling at or below asking price, giving buyers meaningful negotiating room.
With your $260,000 guaranteed salary, your purchasing power would be unattainable in most coastal markets. A $350,000 home would require mortgage payments of approximately $1,800 to $2,000 per month (assuming 20% down), representing roughly 8–9% of gross monthly income. Financial advisors typically recommend housing costs not exceed 28% of gross income, meaning you could comfortably afford homes priced at $600,000 or more while maintaining conservative debt-to-income ratios.
Xenia offers a variety of neighborhoods across multiple price points. The most sought-after areas include Shawnee Hills, Arrowhead (rebuilt after the 1974 tornado), and Quail Hollow. These established neighborhoods feature single-family homes and townhouses on well-maintained streets, with convenient access to parks, schools, and shopping. The historic downtown area includes Victorian-era homes with distinctive character, while newer developments on the city’s edges offer modern construction and contemporary amenities.
New construction subdivisions such as Grandstone Trace and Edenbridge feature homes from national builders including D.R. Horton. These communities offer floor plans ranging from 1,800 to 2,500+ square feet, with open layouts, modern kitchens, and energy-efficient construction. Prices typically range from $280,000 to $400,000, providing move-in-ready options without renovation requirements.
Many physicians working in the Xenia area choose to live in Beavercreek, located approximately 15 minutes west. Beavercreek offers higher-rated schools, with Beavercreek City Schools consistently earning excellent ratings, as well as upscale shopping at The Greene Town Center and Mall at Fairfield Commons. Proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base further enhances its appeal.
The median home price in Beavercreek ranges from approximately $322,000 to $336,000, with homes in the 45434 zip code averaging around $540,000 for larger properties. Popular neighborhoods include Hunters Ridge, Spicer Heights, Stonehill Village, Tara Estates, and Shaker Heights. Homes range from $150,000 starter properties to $500,000+ executive homes, often with outdoor space and lot sizes that would command millions in coastal markets.
Yellow Springs, located nine miles north of Xenia, offers an alternative for physicians seeking a more artistic and progressive environment. This village of approximately 3,700 residents is known for its eclectic downtown, strong arts culture, and proximity to Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Antioch College. Limited inventory keeps home prices higher than Xenia, but the walkability and cultural engagement appeal to many buyers.
Bellbrook and Sugarcreek Township, southwest of Xenia, provide access to the well-regarded Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools. Fairborn, northwest of Xenia, offers affordable housing near Wright State University, while Cedarville, east of Xenia, provides small-town living near Cedarville University. Each community maintains reasonable commute times to Greene Memorial Hospital.
Your $260,000 salary provides exceptional housing flexibility. At various price points, you can expect:
At the $350,000 price point, you can expect a 2,000 to 2,500 square foot home with four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a fenced backyard. Many homes include updated kitchens with granite or quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and open floor plans. Mortgage payments typically consume 8–10% of gross income, leaving substantial capacity for savings, investments, and lifestyle spending.
For physicians who prefer to rent initially, the rental market remains affordable. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for $785 to $1,083 per month, with two- and three-bedroom units available at proportionally higher but still reasonable rates. Renting for six to twelve months allows you to explore neighborhoods before committing to a purchase.
Local real estate agents experienced in physician relocations can assist throughout the buying process. Active brokerages include Coldwell Banker Heritage, Irongate Realtors, and Wright-Patt Realty. Online tools such as Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and the Dayton Area Board of Realtors MLS provide current listings. With typical market times of 28 to 42 days, buyers have time for deliberate, informed decision-making.
The Xenia-area housing market rewards physician relocations with space, quality, and financial flexibility rarely available in metropolitan markets. Whether you choose Xenia for convenience, Beavercreek for schools, or Yellow Springs for culture, your salary supports a home that exceeds what many colleagues can achieve at far higher incomes elsewhere.
The Xenia area offers the safety advantages characteristic of smaller Midwestern communities. While crime statistics vary by neighborhood, the overall environment differs markedly from the safety concerns often associated with metropolitan medical practice. Residents frequently report feeling comfortable walking in their neighborhoods, leaving cars unlocked, and allowing children to play outside—contrasting with the heightened security awareness required in many urban physician practice locations.
In Niche resident surveys, 65% of Xenia residents describe their community as “pretty safe” with some concerns but overall feelings of security, while an additional 12% report feeling “very safe” with no safety concerns. The most recent FBI data (2023) reported zero homicides in Xenia. The violent crime rate of 188 per 100,000 residents is approximately 49% lower than the national average. Property crime rates align closely with national averages and primarily involve theft rather than violent incidents.
According to recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data, Xenia’s overall crime rate is approximately 9.6% lower than the national average when analyzing total crime. Violent crimes—including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault—occur at rates substantially below national averages. In the most recent reporting year, Xenia recorded 48 violent crimes total among its 25,000+ residents. Property crimes occur at rates roughly comparable to national norms, with 488 reported incidents.
Crime distribution varies by neighborhood. Central commercial areas show higher incident rates due to retail activity and visitor traffic, a pattern typical of most cities. Residential neighborhoods—particularly in the southwest and southeast portions of Xenia—report lower crime rates. Established neighborhoods where physician families commonly settle, such as Shawnee Hills, Arrowhead, and Quail Hollow, maintain safety profiles consistent with suburban communities nationwide.
For physicians choosing to live in Beavercreek, located approximately 15 minutes west, safety statistics are notably favorable. Beavercreek’s overall crime rate is approximately 27.6% below the national average. The violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents is 74.6% lower than the national average, placing Beavercreek among the safer communities for violent crime risk.
Resident surveys consistently rate Beavercreek highly for safety, with 67% of Niche respondents reporting they feel “very safe” with no safety concerns.
As with any community, safety varies by specific neighborhood. The residential areas where physician families typically settle—in Xenia and surrounding communities such as Beavercreek, Yellow Springs, and Bellbrook—maintain safety profiles well above urban averages. Local real estate professionals familiar with physician relocations can provide guidance on neighborhood-specific safety considerations.
Nearby communities offer additional options for those prioritizing safety. Yellow Springs maintains a close-knit environment with minimal crime concerns. Bellbrook and Sugarcreek Township provide suburban safety characteristics, while Cedarville offers small-town security with lower population density.
Greene County maintains comprehensive emergency services. The Xenia Police Department provides municipal law enforcement, while the Greene County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated areas and provides countywide support. Fire and EMS services are delivered through local departments with mutual aid agreements throughout the county.
Greene Memorial Hospital serves as a receiving facility for emergency cases and maintains Primary Stroke Center certification. The community’s experience with the 1974 tornado profoundly shaped emergency preparedness culture, resulting in strong early warning systems, modern communication infrastructure, and regular preparedness exercises.
Ohio’s primary natural hazard is severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. While the region lies on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley, tornado strikes are infrequent. Modern warning systems, improved building codes implemented after 1974, and strong community awareness significantly mitigate risk.
Overall, the Xenia area provides the sense of security many physicians seek when relocating from metropolitan practice environments. While no community is entirely without crime, the combination of low violent crime rates, stable residential neighborhoods, responsive emergency services, and a community-oriented culture creates an environment where families can focus on building their lives rather than managing safety concerns.
