r/dayton

I’ve been collecting real, homeowner-reported prices for common projects. Figured Dayton was worth a post — I’ve got 20 reports across 9 services so far, and a couple patterns stood out.

4 reports for full furnace + AC combo replacement:

Low end: $8.2k (Trane, top-of-line two-stage units, 0% financing)

Middle: $10k–$12k (standard full-system replacements)

High end: $13k (3,500 sq ft house, AC-side replacement)

Ballpark ~$10k for a standard swap looks fair here. One homeowner even noted their price was “about what I paid a decade ago,” which is unusual given how most markets have been trending upward.

Two patterns worth flagging from the thinner data:

Sewage backup cleanup:

4 reports, all involving Roto-Rooter, and every one included a billing dispute. One homeowner had a $23k bill audited down to $11,328. Another settled at $19k after extended negotiation. A third was charged $24k for a relatively minor backup in a 792 sq ft basement. If a quote comes in high, it’s worth auditing line items before paying.

Fence installation:

Two different Dayton homeowners got quotes for the exact same scope — 190 feet of 6-foot vinyl privacy fence — from different contractors. Quotes came in at $11k and $17k. Same fence, $6k apart. Definitely shop around.

Other data points:

Water heater install: $2.5k–$3.25k (gas vs electric)

2-ton AC install (no furnace): $3.7k (homeowner noted this was much cheaper than chain store quotes)

So at my work we have like 3-4 guys whose wives are all pregnant. My office manager and I are the only women in the shop but we wanted to have a babyshower for them, yannow…for fun.

But I’m looking for ideas on what to do or what to eat? We have a conference room, we could do it here. Like a food truck or maybe catered?

Or we could rent a venue. Like a restaurant or something. I honestly think we will lean more towards here at the shop. But I welcome ideas!

We are a small company so we can’t go too extravagant or crazy, and we do have company days quarterly where we either go out to eat or do something fun outside of the shop. My my office manager wants this to be a separate event, not tied into company days. So! What choo got Reddit?!?

Thank you!!

I’m looking to go thrifting today. What are the best thrifting spots in the greater dayton area?

So I’ve made quite a few friends since I’ve moved to the US, however, I’ve been finding it a bit difficult to not feel so alone at times. As an international student, there’s other concerns (finances, not having my family nearby, dating issues) that have caused me to spiral in a bit of a depression.

I’m curious for those who have ever moved states, cities, countries away, how did you ease the pain and loneliness?

I get out often, go to school and making friends isn’t difficult, but as I near 30 years old, it’s been a rough go.

I have a 2018 Chevy Volt that requires pretty specific repairs likely covered under warranty, so I have to take it to a dealer. Does anyone know which ones suck the least in the Dayton Area? I took it to Jeff Schmitt on 35 first, and they refuse to even consider the issue being the thing covered by warranty, so I want to take it somewhere else.

Dayton Children’s Hospital announced on Monday that Paychex founder Tom Golisano donated $40 million to support preventative care for children across the region.

This is the largest, single philanthropic donation in the hospital’s history.

My wife and I just visited for the first time. She is 44F and I am 48M. We are considering moving here and were scoping it out. We did a lot with the short time we had.

Riverwalk

Dayton mall

Oregon district on a Friday night

Beavercreek outdoor mall area on a Saturday

Multiple dog parks

And more

Everywhere we went there was no traffic, no wait more than 10 minutes at a restaurant, and no crowds. There were people around, but just barely. Is Dayton always like this? We were surprised because the city has a lot to offer. Where do older people go that aren't sports enthusiasts? Or is everyone just enjoying their homes all the time?

Hello everyone,

Looking to get my cars detailed. They are normal cars used for normal things so nothing needs to be too fancy.

I don’t understand the logic that everyone seems to agree on. It’s not a turn lane, and people go from both lanes. Some people hardly even slow down. And if I stop and don’t run the red light, the people behind me get pissed off

I purchased a multi pack off of Amazon and was happy with the price, but I don’t want to purchase another six pack when really only used a couple of them

I found a great deal at Sam’s Club on Danno’s original seasoning. The big giant bottle was only around seven or eight dollars I think.

They charge around that same price in the grocery stores and other various retail outlets for the small bottle of all the various flavors

Has anyone found any specific store selling Danno seasoning at affordable prices instead of two dollars per ounce?

I do not see Costco carrying it which hopefully they will someday soon because it will be a good deal and as I stated above, Sam’s Club is only carrying the one single original seasoning, which is great because it’s a fantastic price, but that’s only one flavor

Thank you, everyone and yes, I’ve seen the Danno’s online store which is gonna be my last option. If I don’t find some locally to just cash in Carrie at some of the retailers that provide a place to purchase it.

Is this place as awesome as it looks? I'm the type who goes giddy at the idea of an Air & Space or military museum, so I feel like it is a must, even if Dayton isn't exactly on my tourism radar otherwise.

I haven't had a trim since I did a big chop in 2022. I've also been natural and heat-free since then as well, but I haven't taken care of my hair the way it needs it and it's gotten out of hand. 😔

I've been wanting a trim or maybe even a proper haircut for a long time now, but because my hair is already in a fragile state, I've been weary of going just anywhere. I'd love some recs for reputable hair stylists/salons, preferably ones that specialize in Afro hair so I feel more comfortable. But I'm okay with anyone who is skilled and experienced with type 4 hair :)

Thanks so much!

I was driving to work on 75 South, last Thursday morning around 9:15ish, and as I was approaching Heidelberg on my left, I noticed a helicopter flying over the plant. It didn't look like a regular helicopter, though. It was bigger, white on top and orange on the bottom. It also had what looked like a long rope hanging from it. It was not flying smoothly. It had made it over the highway and across the water by the time I lost sight of it. Did anyone else see it? Does anyone have any ideas or information about it? Thank you for any responses.

I called every shelter & rescue, and not a single one will accept the surrender. We didn't even live together! I do not want these dogs, I cannot afford them, they are not spayed. I literally cannot afford vet care, food, or anything. She refuses to get them, won't even pick up the phone at this point. Her mom won't take them. I have 0 support network here. I do not have a job that accommodates a healthy environment for them. What the eeffff am I supposed to do? Cops won't do anything, bc they aren't microchipped. ETA: they're German Shepherds

On top of that, if my apartment management finds out ...... PET FEES ARE NOT IN MY BUDGET.

I AM SPIRALING. Please send me actual helpful suggestions. Pleeeaaaase

Hopefully this is allowed, if not mods please feel free to remove.

I’ve been considering applying for a post office job but I’m a little on the fence. I’ve heard bad things in the past when I applied a few years back, but nowadays have a friend who seems to be content with it so I didn’t know if things had changed. I know it pretty heavily depends on the office you’re at. I already have a decent full time job but I’m looking for a job that pays better, but I’m not sure what they pay these days and if it’ll be worth moving over. Was hoping anyone who worked there or knew people who did could offer some feedback on what it’s like these days. Thanks

Hey! My buddy has lived in the Centerville area for a long time but has been unimpressed by local strawberries and loves farm fresh eggs. Her bday is coming up and I was hoping to snag some really good, farm fresh strawberries/eggs for her. Anybody have recommendations for the best in the area?

SafeTrade is one of those programs that quietly does a lot of good work every week. They’re out here meeting people where they’re at—providing services, handing out naloxone, and showing up for folks who are often completely left out of everything else.

The grant funding they get does help cover the medical side of things, like supplies and naloxone.

But there’s always this other piece that doesn’t get covered—basic stuff like food and water. And those are usually the first things people need when they walk in.

I’m just trying to pull together a little support so SafeTrade can keep some snacks and drinks on hand for community members when they need them. Nothing fancy. Just some granola bars or something. Hmu if you’d like to know more about the program or if you want to help out