Downtown: A Perfect Address High above the city, Tom and Marcia Rajkovich make plans to go out for a drink at the local martini bar, catch a flick at the Neon, take a walk by the river, and maybe stop in a club for a few dances before heading home. For most, this would be a lively night out on the town. But for Tom and Marcia, it’s just another day in the life.

The couple led active lives for 30 years in Centerville, where they raised a family and managed their two businesses in Moraine. But when their children left, the house grew too quiet and the lifestyle too routine. For five years they searched unsuccessfully for a smaller home to fit their needs. One visit to Performance Place, however, changed everything. “We weren’t even considering downtown,” Marcia explains, “but as soon as we stepped through the front door we knew it was perfect for us.”

Moving from the suburbs to the city was quite a change, but the Rajkoviches consider it to be one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. “The most obvious difference is that we have more fun,” Tom says with a smile. “Instead of sitting around we go out for live jazz, baseball games or festivals. We’re interacting with our neighbors all the time.”

The Rajkoviches found that living in the city was more convenient, too. “In the suburbs, everything revolves around the car. Going places turns into a chore because nothing is within reach. Here, everything we need is just a block or two away,” Tom explains.

Since moving downtown, Marcia says that the most common question she’s asked is where she buys groceries. She smiles and explains that like everyone else, she drives to the nearest store. “Who walks to the supermarket anyway? You’d have nowhere to put the bags!” she chuckles. The question that always follows is if downtown is dangerous. Tom and Marcia see this as one of the biggest misconceptions facing downtown Dayton. “Downtown is actually one of the safest areas of Dayton, with the lowest crime rate,” Tom explains.

In fact, they both maintain that downtown feels like a warm, welcoming community. They may not have their own lawn or garden, but Dayton has beautiful MetroParks and green spaces to enjoy. “They’re better-kept than my own ever were,” Marcia jokes, “and best of all, I never have to water them!”

With a stunning high-rise view of the city skyline and river horizon, the grass certainly doesn’t seem to be greener on the other side.