Moving to Dayton, TX: The Ultimate Guide from Top REALTORS®

Your Personalized Guide to Making Dayton, Texas, Your New Home

Are you considering moving to Dayton, TX? Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a family-friendly community, or seeking an affordable place to call home near Houston, Dayton has everything you need—charming neighborhoods, new construction homes, top-rated schools, and a thriving local economy.

At Red Hawk Property Team powered by JLA Realty, we’ve helped countless families find their dream homes in Dayton. As local real estate experts, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know before making this exciting move!

Why Move to Dayton, TX?

Dayton, Texas, offers small-town charm with easy access to big-city amenities. Located just 40 miles northeast of Houston, this growing community provides an affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and a high quality of life.

Top Reasons to Move to Dayton, TX:

✅ Affordable Housing – Get more home for your money compared to Houston suburbs
✅ Proximity to Houston – Easy commute while enjoying peaceful suburban living
✅ Great Schools – Highly rated schools in Dayton Independent School District (DISD)
✅ Booming Real Estate Market – New construction homes, master-planned communities & resale opportunities
✅ Tight-Knit Community – Friendly neighbors, local events, and a small-town feel
✅ Low Property Taxes – Compared to other Houston-area suburbs

Best Neighborhoods & New Construction Homes in Dayton, TX

Whether you’re looking for a new construction home or a quiet, established neighborhood, Dayton offers diverse housing options to fit your lifestyle.

New Construction Homes & Master-Planned Communities

🏡 River Ranch – Dayton’s premier master-planned community featuring modern homes, parks, trails, and family-friendly amenities. New builds offer customizable designs with the latest home technology.
🏡 Encino Estates – Large, wooded lots with beautiful homes and plenty of privacy.
🏡 Fordland Estates – A popular option for buyers looking for new homes in a growing community.

Established Neighborhoods in Dayton, TX

🌳 Dayton Lakes Estates – Spacious homes, large lots, and a peaceful setting near nature.
🌳 Linney Creek – A well-maintained, family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to shopping and schools.
🌳 Westlake – A quiet, suburban community with classic Texas-style homes.

A REALTOR’S INSIGHT: How to Pick the Right Neighborhood

• New construction vs. resale – Do you prefer a move-in-ready new build or a home with character?
• Proximity to schools/work – Consider commute times and school district ratings.
• Lot size & future growth – Many Dayton communities offer large lots compared to Houston suburbs.

🚀 Pro Tip: Want to explore Dayton’s best neighborhoods? Contact the Red Hawk Property Team for exclusive listings and off-market opportunities!

Cost of Living in Dayton, TX

Dayton offers one of the most affordable real estate markets near Houston, with a lower cost of living compared to nearby areas like The Woodlands and Kingwood.

Dayton vs. Houston Cost of Living

📉 Median Home Price in Dayton: $250,000 (compared to Houston’s $330,000+)
📉 Property Taxes: Lower than the national average and neighboring cities
📉 Utilities & Transportation: More affordable than Houston’s urban core

✅ Bottom Line: If you want a high quality of life at an affordable price, Dayton, TX, is a great choice!

Schools in Dayton, TX

Families moving to Dayton will find great education options in the Dayton Independent School District (DISD).

🏫 Top Schools in Dayton ISD:

• Richter Elementary School (Highly rated for academics & student engagement)
• Nottingham Middle School (Strong STEM & extracurricular programs)
• Dayton High School (Known for athletics, college prep, and vocational training)

Private & Charter School Options

• The Varnett School – Northeast (Charter school alternative)
• Baytown Christian Academy (Nearby private education option)

📚 Higher Education Nearby: Lee College (Baytown) & Lone Star College offer trade programs and higher education.

🚀 Pro Tip: Considering schools while house hunting? We can help find the perfect home in the right school district!

Dayton, TX Job Market & Business Growth

Dayton’s job market is booming, with opportunities in multiple industries:

💼 Major Employment Sectors:

• Energy & Petrochemical (ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell in Baytown/Houston)
• Education & Healthcare (Liberty ISD, Houston Methodist Baytown)
• Retail & Small Businesses (New commercial growth in Dayton)

💼 Commuting to Houston?

• Highway 90 & Grand Parkway 99 make for an easy drive.
• Many residents work remotely or commute to Houston/Baytown for high-paying jobs.

Things to Do in Dayton, TX

Dayton offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of activities for residents.

🎡 Annual Events & Festivals

• Dayton Ole Tyme Days Festival – Family-friendly carnival & live music
• Liberty Jubilee – Local Texas culture, food, and entertainment

🌳 Outdoor Activities & Parks

• Trinity River – Fishing, hiking, and water activities
• Dayton Community Center – Events, classes, and local sports leagues

🍽️ Local Dining & Shopping

• El Burrito Mexican Restaurant – Best Tex-Mex in town
• Texas Seafood & Steakhouse – Classic Southern flavors
• Main Street Shops – Small-town charm with local boutiques

Moving to Dayton, TX? Let Red Hawk Property Team Help!

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Dayton, TX, you deserve local real estate experts who understand the market.

Why Work With Us?

✔️ Local Experts – We know Dayton inside and out.
✔️ Exclusive Listings – Access homes before they hit the market!
✔️ Stress-Free Buying Process – We handle everything from start to finish.

🏡 Ready to Find Your Dream Home? Contact the Red Hawk Property Team powered by JLA Realty today!

🚀 Let’s Find Your Perfect Home in Dayton, TX!

Final Thoughts: Is Dayton, TX Right for You?

If you’re looking for affordable living, great schools, and a strong sense of community, Dayton is the perfect place to call home. With new construction communities like River Ranch and a growing job market, there’s never been a better time to move to Dayton, Texas!

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, members of the Red Hawk Property Team—Cynthia Disney, Pati Juarez, and Jeanette Williams Davis, brokered by JLA Realty, attended an exclusive VIP Real Estate Roundup at River Ranch in Dayton, Texas. This event showcased the latest developments in this exciting master-planned community, which offers modern new homes, a variety of builders, and resort-style amenities just northeast of Houston.

If you’re searching for new construction homes in Dayton, TX, this guide covers everything you need to know about River Ranch, from home prices and floor plans to amenities, local attractions, taxes, and cost of living.

Why Choose River Ranch?

River Ranch in Dayton, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in Liberty County, offering affordable new homes, a variety of floor plans, and top-tier amenities.

🏡 New homes starting from the high $200s to $500s.
🌳 Spacious homesites with modern floor plans.
🏖 Resort-style living with direct access to Angel Lagoon.
🚗 Easy commute to Houston via Hwy 99 (Grand Parkway).

Top Builders & Floor Plans in River Ranch

One of the standout features of River Ranch is its collaboration with 13 renowned builders, offering a wide range of home styles, lot sizes, and price points.

Builders in River Ranch

🏠 Brightland Homes – Contemporary designs with spacious layouts.
🏠 Century Communities – Functional, open-concept floor plans starting in the $270s.
🏠 CastleRock Communities – Homes with high-end finishes starting in the high $280s.
🏠 Colina Homes – Affordable, energy-efficient homes starting in the $270s.
🏠 Davidson Homes – Modern, customizable homes for every lifestyle.
🏠 D.R. Horton Homes – Family-friendly homes from 2,457 to 3,261 square feet.
🏠 Empire Homes – Luxury-style homes with elegant finishes from the high $300s.
🏠 First America Homes – Spacious, oversized homesites with three-car garages.
🏠 K. Hovnanian Homes – Energy-efficient designs from the mid $300s.
🏠 Long Lake Homes – Affordable new builds with multiple floor plan options.
🏠 Pulte Homes – Smart-home designs with open-concept layouts.
🏠 Smith Douglas Homes – Classic, family-friendly homes with modern touches.
🏠 Tricoast Homes – Quality craftsmanship with premium materials.

Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a spacious family retreat, or a high-end luxury property, River Ranch has options for every buyer.

Resort-Style Amenities in River Ranch

Living in River Ranch means having access to state-of-the-art amenities, including a 40-acre beach and entertainment district.

🌊 Angel Lagoon – The Crown Jewel of River Ranch

River Ranch is adjacent to Angel Lagoon, a world-class resort-style water attraction featuring:

🏝 White sand beaches & crystal-clear water.
🎶 Live music stage & amphitheater.
🍽 Shoreline Grill restaurant & bar.
🚤 Boat docks & water sports activities.
🍹 Swim-up Aqua Bar.
🏐 Beach volleyball courts & cabanas.

🎾 Recreation & Fitness Park

River Ranch offers a fully equipped park with:
✔️ Pickleball courts.
✔️ Playground & daycare center.
✔️ Dog park.
✔️ Fitness loop & walking trails.

🚶 GreenBolt™ Trail System

A 12-foot-wide walking, jogging, and biking trail connects River Ranch residents to Angel Lagoon and community parks.

What’s Nearby? Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

River Ranch is just minutes from local conveniences, with easy access to Houston, Baytown, and The Woodlands.

🚗 Local Attractions

• Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge – Hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
• Dayton Community Center – Hosts local events, markets, and concerts.

🍽 Best Restaurants Near River Ranch

• Jose’s Mexican Restaurant – Authentic Tex-Mex.
• Texas Roadhouse – Classic American steakhouse.
• The Republic Grille – Upscale comfort food.

🛍 Shopping & Grocery Stores

• H-E-B and Kroger for everyday essentials.
• Dayton Farmers Market for fresh produce.
• Boutique shops offering unique home décor and fashion.

Cost of Living & Property Taxes in River Ranch

One of the biggest benefits of living in River Ranch is the affordable cost of living compared to other Houston suburbs.

💰 12% lower than the national average.
🏠 Housing costs are 38% lower than other Texas metros.
📈 Property tax rate: 1.21%, lower than Houston’s average.

Schools & Education in River Ranch

Families moving to River Ranch will benefit from the highly-rated Dayton Independent School District (Dayton ISD), offering:

✔️ Strong academic programs.
✔️ Advanced Placement (AP) & Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.
✔️ Small class sizes & dedicated teachers focused on student success.

Is River Ranch the Right Community for You?

If you’re looking for a brand-new home in a master-planned community with luxury amenities, top builders, and an affordable cost of living, River Ranch in Dayton, TX, is an excellent choice.

📢 Interested in learning more?

Connect with the Red Hawk Property Team powered by JLA Realty today!

🏡 Our team can help you find the perfect home, navigate the buying process, and secure the best deals on new construction homes in River Ranch.

📞 Call or text us now to schedule a private tour!

If you’re searching for land or property in Dayton, Texas, you’re not alone. This thriving community, conveniently located near 99 (Grand Parkway), I-10, New Caney, and Kingwood, Texas, has become a sought-after destination for buyers looking for space, affordability, and small-town charm with easy access to major metropolitan areas.

Cynthia Disney Secures FSBO Property for Her Buyer in Dayton, Texas

🏡 Congratulations to Cynthia Disney, a dedicated real estate professional with the Red Hawk Property Team powered by JLA Realty, for successfully helping her buyer secure a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) property in Dayton, Texas!

Navigating FSBO transactions can be challenging, but Cynthia’s expert negotiation skills, market knowledge, and commitment to her clients ensured a seamless process from start to finish. By working with Cynthia, her buyer was able to secure a fantastic property that wasn’t even listed on the MLS—demonstrating why having an experienced agent on your side opens doors to opportunities beyond traditional listings.

If you’re looking to buy land, a home, or investment property in Dayton, Texas, let Cynthia Disney put her expertise to work for you.

Why People Are Moving to Dayton, Texas

Dayton, Texas, is rapidly growing as buyers look for affordable land, spacious homes, and a quieter lifestyle while staying close to the conveniences of Houston and surrounding areas. Here’s why so many people are choosing to call Dayton home:

🌟 Prime Location & Easy Commutes

Dayton offers the perfect blend of country living with city accessibility. With its location near:

• Grand Parkway (99) – Quick access to The Woodlands, Cypress, and Katy.
• Interstate 10 (I-10) – Easy drive to Houston, Baytown, and Beaumont.
• New Caney & Kingwood – Growing communities with shopping, dining, and entertainment.

This prime location makes Dayton a great choice for homebuyers who want more space without sacrificing convenience.

📚 Great Schools in Dayton ISD

Families moving to Dayton appreciate the strong local schools under Dayton Independent School District (Dayton ISD). The district is known for:

• Student-focused education with a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
• Growing academic programs that prepare students for college and careers.
• A supportive community where teachers, parents, and students work together for success.

Quality education is a top priority for families considering a move to Dayton, Texas.

🏡 Real Estate Market & Property Availability

One of Dayton’s biggest draws is affordable land and homes. Buyers can find:

• Acreage for sale – Ideal for building custom homes, ranches, or investment properties.
• New construction homes – Modern living with updated amenities.
• Charming resale homes – Established neighborhoods with mature trees and spacious lots.

With Dayton’s real estate market on the rise, now is the perfect time to explore your options before prices increase.

🚀 A Growing Community with Small-Town Charm

Dayton offers a welcoming, tight-knit community with:

• Local events and festivals that bring residents together.
• Outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and trails.
• A relaxed lifestyle with easy access to big-city entertainment and job opportunities.

If you’re looking for a slower pace of life while still being connected to Houston’s economic opportunities, Dayton, Texas, is a great place to plant roots.

Ready to Buy or Sell in Dayton, Texas? Work with Cynthia Disney!

Buying or selling a home—especially in a competitive market—requires a trusted real estate expert. Whether you’re:

✅ Looking for land or acreage in Dayton.
✅ Searching for your dream home.
✅ Selling a property and need expert guidance.

Cynthia Disney, a dedicated agent with the Red Hawk Property Team powered by JLA Realty, is here to help! With her proven track record, strong negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of the Dayton market, she’s the professional you want on your side.

📲 Call Cynthia Disney today at 832-447-0326
📧 Email: cynthia.disney@cynthiasellstexas.com

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to find the perfect property in Dayton, Texas. Contact Cynthia now and start your real estate journey with a true professional!