Americans love Ohio! And why wouldn’t you? Be it the best fertile soil to having coal and natural gas, the Buckeye State has got it all.
The median home value for Ohio is $227,800. The state scores 75/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Cincinnati and Columbus are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Ohio.
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📉 3 Reasons to Live in Ohio ⚽
- Growing Job Market Ohio plans to add 138,697 jobs between 2018 and 2028 at a rate of 2.4%. The home and healthcare sectors plan to add the most, 11.3%, of the total jobs.
- Affordable Housing: Housing in Ohio is fairly affordable, at 27% below the national average.
- Craft Beer Scenes: Ohio is home to around 366 breweries, if you want to enjoy great beer, then this might be the place for you.
Best Places to Live in Ohio in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Columbus | 902,449 | $265,000 | $6,743 | 2.8% | 64/100 |
| 2. | Cincinnati | 308,870 | $259,500 | $6,652 | 3.0% | 57/100 |
| 3. | Cleveland | 370,365 | $110,000 | $6,232 | 2.7% | 53/100 |
| 4. | Toledo | 269,962 | $116,750 | $6,123 | 3.6% | 64/100 |
| 5. | Youngstown | 60,048 | $110,000 | $5,886 | 3.7% | 56/100 |
| 6. | Dayton | 137,305 | $115,000 | $6,261 | 3.2% | 64/100 |
| 7. | Delaware | 41,926 | $359,000 | $7,259 | 2.8% | 64/100 |
1. Columbus: Best City in Ohio for Sports and Music
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.3% |
| Median Income | $62,994 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,743 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
The median home price in Columbus is $265,000, significantly less than the national average of $408,537. Moreover, the cost of living is 10% less than the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Ohio.
College football is the most enjoyed sport in Columbus, among other activities like art, music, etc. The Arch City is home to Ohio State University and carries a young and energetic vibe. Economically growing sectors include fintech, fashion, life sciences, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Columbus, OH: View thousands of properties in the Arch City
2. Cincinnati: Best Place to Live in Ohio for Young Adults and Families
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.6% |
| Median Income | $49,191 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,652 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.0% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 57/100 |
Cincinnati is among the best places to live in Ohio due to its home prices, which are 18% lower than the national average. The median home price in the City of Seven Hills is $259,500.
Apart from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, it also offers top-notch public and private schools. Moreover, the city is also home to some Fortune 500 companies, like Procter & Gamble, offering numerous employment opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Cincinnati, OH: Find your home in this metro area.
3. Cleveland: One of the Nicest Cities in Ohio for Retirees
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.8% |
| Median Income | $37,271 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,232 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 53/100 |
The median home price in Cleveland is $110,000 making it one of the top cities to live in Ohio on a budget. The cost of living in Forest City is 6% lower than the national average.
Geographically, Cleveland is split between two parts, east and west, by the Cuyahoga River. The west boasts Gordan Arts Square and Great Lakes Brewing Co. The East is home to the Indiana Baseball Team and a waterfront district.
» Homes for Sale in Cleveland, OH: Get a home in this artistic city.
4. Toledo: Best Ohio City in the USA for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.8% |
| Median Income | $45,405 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,123 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
Toledo is among some of the good places to live in Ohio for outdoor enthusiasts. The median home price is $116,750. Food and healthcare expenses are 25.9% and 29.5% less than the national average, respectively.
Toledo earned the name “Glass City” because of its historical glass-making industry. The city is big on art and is home to the Toledo Museum of Art. Apart from this, residents can also enjoy music concerts and sports events at the Huntington Center.
» Homes for Sale in Toledo, OH: View thousands of listings in this happening city.
5. Youngstown: Best Place to Live in Ohio on a Budget
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.7% |
| Median Income | $34,295 |
| Monthly Expenses | $5,886 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 56/100 |
Located on the way from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, Youngstown is one of the best towns in Ohio, with a tight-knit community of people. The median home price in Y-town is $110,000 and the cost of living is 18% lower than the national average.
The residents enjoy shopping at the fresh farms surrounding the city’s downtown area. In addition, there are a lot of businesses coming up, like restaurants, bars, galleries, and local stores. In the coming time, Y-town can become one of the best cities in Ohio to live in.
» Homes for Sale in Youngstown, OH: Find your home in this rust belt city.
6. Dayton: Best City in Ohio for a Suburban Lifestyle
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.5% |
| Median Income | $41,443 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,261 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
Home to the Wright brothers, Dayton boasts a rich aviation history. The median home price in Gem City is $115,000 and the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average.
Dayton offers several outdoor activities with a tight-knit community of people. Moreover, you can enjoy a 350-mile biking trail in Gem City.
» Homes for Sale in Dayton, OH: View thousands of properties in Gem City.
7. Delaware: One of the Good Places for College Students
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.1% |
| Median Income | $86,387 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,259 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
Delaware is home to Ohio Wesleyan University, which boasts around 1,950 students from more than 50 countries and 40 states. The university is famous for its liberal arts program. The median home price is $359,000 and the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average.
Apart from this, there are various restaurants, markets, theaters, and other entertainment venues across the city. In addition, the management of companies and enterprises has been a growing industry in Delaware.
» Homes for Sale in Delaware, OH: Find a home in this college town.
Bottom Line
Ohio is one of the best places to live in the US due to its robust employment market and affordable living. Buckeye State is also big on sports and outdoor recreation.
The state offers a low cost of living, 11% below the national average, and the median home price is $228,600. However, home prices are inconsistent throughout the state. Ohio can be your top choice if you’re looking to live on a budget.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in OH
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Ohio. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Ohio and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Ohio Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Ohio for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Ohio is the best to live in?
The mid-western metro area of Ohio offers the best lifestyle experience. Some of the cities in that area are Cincinnati, Columbus, etc.
Is Ohio a good place to live?
Ohio has some of the cheapest places to live. It can be a perfect place if you're looking to move to an economically growing state but on a budget.
Where is the best place to live in Ohio for singles?
Columbus and Cincinnati have taken the top spot on the list of the top dating-friendly places in Ohio.
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