Ohio is growing fast—and so are the people choosing to call it home. The state has a growing economy with 28 Fortune 500 companies. Plus, the State aims to add over 257,000 new jobs by 2030, making it one of the most desired states if you’re moving for opportunities.
Moreover, Ohio offers a great quality of life. It’s a place where you can have growing job opportunities without sacrificing peace, space, and affordability. This blog is a complete step-by-step guide for moving to Ohio without any hassle.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Ohio’s job market is booming with 28 Fortune 500 companies and over 250,000 new jobs coming by 2030. It’s a great pick for career growth.
- Housing is very affordable (median price around $254K), and first-time buyers get solid perks like down payment help and tax credits.
- With top-rated schools, great colleges, and a cost of living below the national average, Ohio makes it easy to live well without overspending.
- You’ll get four true seasons, about 180 sunny days, and plenty of space to breathe—whether you’re in the city or the suburbs.
4 Reasons to Move to Ohio
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Ohio, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
The median house price in Ohio is $254K, which is nearly half of the national average. Plus, inventory has increased by 10.3%, and about 26.6% of homes are being sold with price drops. This gives home buyers more space to negotiate, making it favorable for them.
Additionally, Ohio’s YourChoice! Down Payment Assistance offers 2.5% or 5% of the home price for any upfront cost. Another key benefit of moving to Ohio is the Mortgage Tax Credit Plus, which offers first-time buyers up to $2,000 per year in federal tax savings.
2. Employment Opportunities
With 28 Fortune 500 companies, Ohio is the 7th-largest state economy in the country. Healthcare, manufacturing, and retail lead the job market with over 40% of the residents employed. Plus, the state plans to add 257,000 new jobs between 2020 to 2030.
Additionally, the state offers programs like Ohio Works First and Workforce Training grants to help residents gain in-demand skills. The state also invests in site redevelopment and low-interest loans to encourage companies to expand or relocate to the state.
3. Education and Schools
Ohio has the 6th largest public education system in the U.S., serving over 1.8 million students across 615 school districts. Schools like Walnut Hills and Bexley High School are among the top schools in the state and even rank high on national lists.
The Ohio State University ranks among the top universities in the country, while Case Western is known for its programs in medicine and research. Additionally, Ohio supports college students through programs like the OCOG, scholarships, and tuition aid.
4. Climate in Ohio
Ohio’s climate is warm and humid, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer ranges between 66°F and 87°F, while in winter it is 12°F and 39°F, depending on your location. The state enjoys about 180 sunny days per year, giving plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Pros and Cons of Living in Ohio
Here are the key drawbacks and benefits of living in Ohio:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The state has affordable housing with almost half the national median house price. | 1. Ohio levies a 2.75–3.5% income tax on your annual income. |
| 2. The state has a robust job market, with investments from Intel, Amazon, and others creating thousands of jobs. | 2. Smaller towns often have fewer job opportunities and slower economic growth as compared to big cities. |
| 3. The state has a warm, humid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. | 3. The state is prone to Spring storms and tornadoes, though major disasters are rare. |
| 4. With over 180 sunny days a year, the state is great for outdoor lovers and active lifestyles. | 4. Outside big cities, transit options are very limited. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Ohio ✅
Before entering the Ohio housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration: After moving to Ohio, you have 30 days to complete your vehicle registration and acquire a new driver’s license. You’ll also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Ohio residency.
- Pet Laws: All dogs older than 3 months must be licensed by the county office. Plus, rabies vaccination is mandatory for both cats and dogs. Additionally, keeping an exotic pet is strictly regulated by the government.
- Firearm Laws: Both open and concealed carry are allowed without a permit for adults aged 21 and above. However, firearms are banned in certain places like schools, courthouses, and posted private properties.
Cost of Living in Ohio
The average cost of living in Ohio is 7% lower than the national average. That means you spend less on groceries, utilities, and transportation, which means more disposable income to save or invest. Plus, renting a house costs 22% less than the national average.
All of this makes Ohio a very attractive option for those looking to relocate. However, you pay more on property taxes, and many cities have local income tax, typically 1%-3% of your income.
How to Move to Ohio?
Here is the step-by-step guide for relocating to Ohio:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you don’t want any hassle and you are thinking about hiring a mover, you can expect to pay around $124[3] per hour. However, this rate depends on the size of your belongings and the distance you will cover.
- On the other hand, if you are in for some heavy lifting and want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent for a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks:
- Electricity and Gas: Most of the cities in Ohio are managed by companies like AEP Ohio or Dominion Energy. Visit your city website to find the electricity and gas service provider in your city. You can set up service online or by phone.
- Water & Sewer: This is usually managed by the local municipality’s utility department. Visit your city website or contact the town hall to start the services.
- Internet and Cable: Providers like Spectrum, AT&T, and Xfinity cover most of Ohio. Depending on your location, check the packages and your usage requirements, and schedule an appointment early since appointments fill quickly.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 for first grade by September 1st. You’ll need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, and a photo ID to enroll.
For Older Students: If your child is older, you will need all the documents listed above, plus academic documents and a withdrawal form from the previous school.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For the Remote Workers: If you work remotely and are moving to Ohio, ask your employer about the state-specific employment and taxation. Some companies may offer relocation assistance or may have branches in Ohio.
- If You’re Job Hunting: Ohio’s job market is strong. Industries like healthcare, tech, and education are growing fast. You can also check platforms like LinkedIn, OhioMeansJobs, or local staffing agencies. Consider joining local professional groups or meetups.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, the average rent ranges from $350 to $16,700[2], depending on the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a city, on average, homes for sale in Dublin cost around $572K[2]. On the other hand, cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati offer affordable options with median housing costs of $116K[2] and $252K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Ohio?
Yes, you should definitely move to Ohio. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Ohio isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Ohio’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Ohio is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Ohio, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Ohio
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Ohio, long before the moving boxes are packed.
