Is Enon Ohio Expensive? Complete Cost of Living Breakdown
Enon Ohio is not generally expensive compared with larger suburbs near Dayton or Columbus, but it is not the cheapest small village either. Most residents find that housing and basic living costs are manageable within typical regional budgets, while transportation and optional services like childcare or dining can add up quickly if not planned carefully. The real question is not “cheap or expensive.” It’s what your budget has to cover and whether Enon matches your priorities for housing, travel, utilities, and everyday life.
By Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® brings more than 13 years of residential appraisal management experience and an MBA in Applied Management to affordability and relocation guidance across Enon, Springfield, Dayton, Columbus, and the Wright-Patterson AFB corridor. This guide breaks down cost of living into real components that affect your monthly budget so you can decide with clarity whether Enon fits your personal affordability goals.
What “expensive” really means in cost of living
When buyers ask whether a place is expensive, they are usually referring to one or more of these:
Housing costs relative to income
Everyday living costs (groceries, utilities, insurance)
Transportation and commute costs
Childcare and healthcare costs
Taxes and mandatory expenses
A place can be inexpensive in one category and expensive in another. The question is whether your personal budget matches the cost structure of the community.
How Enon compares to nearby cities
Enon sits between Springfield and Dayton. It’s generally less expensive than many Dayton suburbs, especially those closer to urban cores or major amenities, and more expensive than some lower-priced Springfield neighborhoods depending on home size and condition.
The reason is simple. Enon’s location offers both convenience and calm, which is appealing. That creates steady demand in the mid-range price bands, especially around the low-to-mid $200,000s for housing.
Whether that feels expensive depends on your specific housing budget and lifestyle priorities.
Housing: the biggest cost component
Housing is the largest expense for most households. In Enon, home prices tend to center in the mid-range compared with nearby markets. They are not the lowest in the region, but they also do not carry the premiums of closer-in or high-amenity suburbs.
Housing costs include more than the purchase price. They also include property taxes, insurance, and future maintenance. In Enon, the balance between price and quality often feels manageable for many buyers who are comfortable with resale homes rather than waiting for new construction.
Monthly housing breakdown (purchase and holding)
| Cost category | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage payment (principal + interest) | Varies by down payment and rate | Lower rates and higher down payments reduce monthly cost |
| Property taxes | Moderate for Clark County | Budget annually but pay monthly in escrow |
| Homeowners insurance | Typical for region | Includes dwelling and liability coverage |
| Maintenance and repairs | Variable | Older homes cost more to maintain |
Everyday living costs
Housing is usually the largest single line item, but everyday expenses matter too.
Groceries in Enon tend to be similar to surrounding communities
Utilities can vary a bit more depending on home age and insulation
Internet and cable costs are similar to regional averages
Gas and transportation can add up because driving is part of daily life
Compared with urban cores, Enon residents do not typically save a lot on groceries or services, but they often find overall monthly costs fit within a regional commuter market range.
Transportation and commute costs
Because Enon is small and driving is part of life, transportation can shape your budget.
Most errands involve short drives, but if your day includes daily trips to Springfield, Dayton, or the Wright-Patterson AFB area, fuel and vehicle maintenance become part of your recurring cost.
Transportation budgeting includes:
Fuel costs
Periodic maintenance
Insurance
Longer trips for dining or entertainment
Some buyers underestimate this, especially if they are used to walkable or mass-transit environments.
Childcare and education costs
Enon families with young children should plan carefully for childcare costs. Childcare varies widely based on provider, age group, and schedule.
Public schooling is generally part of the regular calendar and does not have out-of-pocket tuition, but before-school and after-school care can add monthly costs.
Retirement or college savings goals also affect the family budget.
Healthcare affordability
Healthcare costs are not entirely predictable, but proximity to larger medical centers in Springfield and Dayton helps keep access reasonable.
Routine services, specialists, and hospital care may require short drives, which many residents accept as part of life in a smaller community. This affects both time and expense.
Taxes: what you should budget for
Tax obligation includes:
Property taxes
Local levies
School district allocations
Property taxes in Ohio vary by parcel. Buyers should confirm the exact amount for the specific address they are considering. Property taxes show up as part of the monthly escrow for most mortgages.
What feels expensive and what feels affordable
Families often say:
Housing feels affordable compared with larger suburbs
Transportation costs add up with daily driving
Utilities can surprise on older homes
Entertainment and dining usually involve short trips to nearby cities
Perception matters. A community that feels affordable for housing can still stretch a household budget on other fronts.
Comparing affordability perspectives
People with different priorities experience the cost of living differently.
A retiree on a fixed income often values predictable monthly housing costs above entertainment budgets.
A family with children might find housing affordable but face higher childcare and transportation costs.
A commuter sees transportation costs as a routine part of life, not a surprise.
Understanding your top cost drivers before you move helps prevent surprises.
Trade-offs that shape the cost of living in Enon
| Category | What feels affordable | What costs add up |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Competitive compared with nearby Dayton suburbs | Older homes need maintenance |
| Transportation | Short drives for errands | Fuel and maintenance for commute |
| Utilities | Similar to regional averages | Older home inefficiencies |
| Services | Routine services available locally | Specialty services require travel |
Who finds Enon affordable
Enon tends to feel affordable for people who:
Prioritize housing budget over frequent amenities
Are comfortable with driving for shopping and services
Plan and budget for utilities and routine upkeep
Have stable commute routines
These buyers often feel they are getting a strong balance of housing value and location access.
Who may feel Enon is expensive
Some households feel Enon is expensive when:
They underestimate transportation costs
They rely on frequent dining or entertainment
Childcare or education costs are high for their family
They compare only housing price without total monthly planning
Affordability is personal. People with different priorities reach different conclusions.
How to decide if Enon fits your budget
Before moving, do this:
Make a monthly budget sheet that includes housing, transport, utilities, childcare, healthcare, taxes, and savings.
Run the commute you expect during real work hours.
Visit during different times to see activity and traffic.
Compare with nearby cities you are considering.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® helps buyers build individualized cost comparisons so you know whether Enon fits your real budget, not just a general affordability label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enon Ohio expensive to live in?
Enon is moderate in cost when compared with larger suburb markets, but total cost depends on your personal budget and priorities.
Is housing expensive in Enon compared to Dayton?
For similar housing types, Enon can be less expensive than some Dayton suburbs but may be higher than lower-cost Springfield areas depending on home size and condition.
Do residents pay a lot for utilities?
Utilities in Enon are typical for the region, but older homes can cost more to heat and cool.
Is transportation expensive in Enon?
Daily driving is part of life, so fuel and maintenance can add up if you commute or travel frequently.
Does Enon have higher taxes?
Taxes depend on parcel and school district levies, but Enon does not have uniquely high tax rates compared with the region.
Closing perspective
Enon Ohio is not inherently expensive, but cost of living is a balance. Housing often feels manageable compared with many nearby options, but transportation, utilities, and lifestyle choices shape your real monthly burden. The smartest approach is to plan total cost, not just purchase price, so you can decide with confidence whether Enon matches your budget and priorities.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Phone: 317-750-6316
Email: amullinsmba@gmail.com
Serving Enon, Springfield, Dayton, Columbus, and Wright-Patterson AFB areas
