Discover the Top Five Places in Ohio to Live, According to Local Real Estate Brokers

Over 200 million people visit Ohio every year to enjoy its wide river valleys, beautiful rolling hills, green state parks, UNESCO-listed sites, and top-notch entertainment. While Ohio is becoming more famous as a place to live, over 200,000 new residents from outside the state moved there in 2022, most of them coming from Florida.

Different people choose to settle down in new places for different reasons. However, Ohio is a great place to live for many reasons. The state has an 8% lower cost of living than the national average, and the median home price is $217,698. These factors make the state a popular choice for both young families looking for a place to settle down and retirees looking for a cheap place to spend their golden years.

And there are many cute towns to choose from. These are the best places to live in Ohio, ranging from quiet small towns to busy cities.

1. Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio’s third-largest city, is also one of the greenest in the country, with parks covering 10% of its land area. Sports fans here have three professional teams to root for, but art lovers possibly have it the best. With nearly two dozen excellent museums and at least ten performing venues and theaters, the city is an art lover’s dream.

“While most of the state is very flat, Cincinnati is set among rolling, green hills overlooking the Ohio River, offering outdoor recreation year-round and a milder climate than our northern neighbors,” said Steve Early, a broker with Sibcy Cline Realtors/Luxury Portfolio International. “From suburbs with large yards to urban living on the streetcar line with award-winning dining only steps away, this affordable city has never been more vibrant and diverse.”

Because the city has a rich history, newcomers can discover a variety of housing options, including classic Victorian and craftsman homes, modern apartments, and urban lofts. But, best of all, housing values here are significantly lower than the national average – at around $235,00, according to Zillow.

2. Dayton

“One of the best things about Dayton is that, despite its size, it still has a small-town feel — you’ll be greeted with a smile and polite hello no matter where you go,” Dayton-based president of Irongate Inc., Realtors Rhonda Chambal said of the city of over 137,000 residents. Dayton is home to one of the largest Air Force bases in the country, with approximately 30,000 employees. Healthcare, defense, and education are three of the city’s most important industries, with an unemployment rate of 4%, which is only 0.1% more than the national average.

Chambal explained that the area’s relatively inexpensive cost of living (approximately 6% lower than the national average), closeness to major cities (Cincinnati and Columbus are about an hour away), good-rated school systems, diverse culinary options, and a vibrant cultural scene all draw people to it.

Another significant draw? According to Zillow, the median property value in Dayton is roughly $143,000, more than $200,000 less than the national average.

3. Cleveland

If access to world-class healthcare facilities is important, Cleveland should be at the top of your list. The city is home to two of the nation’s largest multi-branch medical centers, The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, as well as other children’s hospitals.

“Cleveland’s attraction is enhanced by its reputation for variety and culture. Janis McCormick, regional vice president of Ohio East at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services/Luxury Portfolio International, stated that University Circle is a hub for global arts, higher education, culture, and science. She also mentioned that the city’s year-round cultural festivals, local craft brewery scene, and street fairs contribute to its appeal to newcomers. The city is also recognized as one of the greatest places to retire in the country, with monthly expenses of no more than $1,700.

In terms of real estate, McCormick stated that the city has a variety of architectural styles.

“For example, we have urban, rural, and small-town environments. A cottage on the river is only a short walk from the city center, as is a 10-acre ranch estate. We also have a bunch of pretty lovely midcentury modern homes built during the Frank Lloyd era that are scattered throughout Cleveland,” she said.

Cleveland’s median property values are around $100,000, making it one of the most affordable urban locations in the country.

4. Columbus

To say that Columbus is thriving right now is an understatement. The city’s population increased faster than any other metropolitan area in the United States in the second half of 2023, owing mostly to its low cost of living and housing.

“It is a goldmine for anyone looking to advance in their career,” Julie Wills, a real estate agent at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, explained. “Here, you’ll find everything from major Fortune 500 firms to bustling startups and a wide range of industries, from technology to healthcare. Throw in top-tier schools and a family-oriented ambiance, and you have more than just a destination to visit.”

Ten percent of the city’s population is 65 or over, which is good news for people looking to retire here, as the city also provides a variety of activities for seniors.

Home prices in Columbus have been steadily rising over the past eight years, with no signs of decreasing. However, they remain reasonable for first-time purchasers. The median home price is roughly $240,000, and Wills explained that as property values continue to rise, people who invest now may expect a “sweet return down the line.”

5. Newark

If bustling Columbus is not your cup of tea, explore this mid-sized town of around 50,000 located just 40 miles east of Ohio’s capital. Newark is undergoing a significant downtown makeover, making it even more appealing to prospective residents. The community is ideal for families because of its numerous parks and green areas (the 775-acre Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is nearby), excellent schools, and low property costs – the current median house value is $217,000, up 10% from last year.