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 $255,200. 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 7% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Ohio.
Best Places to Live in Ohio in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top areas in Ohio to live in. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Columbus | 913,175 | $280,000 | $8,082 | 64/100 |
| 2. | Cincinnati | 311,097 | $260,722 | $8,110 | 57/100 |
| 3. | Cleveland | 362,656 | $125,000 | $8,010 | 53/100 |
| 4. | Toledo | 265,304 | $130,000 | $7,593 | 64/100 |
| 5. | Youngstown | 59,108 | $116,750 | $7,730 | 56/100 |
| 6. | Dayton | 135,512 | $134,525 | $7,658 | 64/100 |
| 7. | Delaware | 45,158 | $361,400 | $8,747 | 64/100 |
| 8. | Dublin | 48,923 | $1,455,000 | $7,165 | 54/100 |
| 9. | Hudson | 22,968 | $575,000 | $8,017 | 59/100 |
| 10. | Worthington | 14,497 | $530,000 | $8,098 | 61/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Ohio
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Buckeye State:
#1 Columbus
- Median Home Price: $280,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Columbus: $62,994[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Columbus, OH: 43206 | 43207 | 43204
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a vibrant city with a strong economy and rich history. It’s home to over 900,000 people, which makes it the state’s largest city. Moreover, the cost of living is 7% less than the national average. The economy is stable and the unemployment rate is at a low 4%, which is constantly declining.
The Arch City is home to Ohio State University and is renowned for its young and energetic vibe. College football is highly popular in Columbus, among other activities like art, music, etc.
» Columbus Homes for Sale: Explore properties in the best place to live in Ohio.
#2 Cincinnati
- Median Home Price: $260,722[2]
- Median Household Income in Cincinnati: $49,191[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 57/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Cincinnati, OH: 45202 | 45211 | 45205
Cincinnati, the “Queen City,” has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse economy, which makes it a a major Midwest hub on the Ohio River. The city is home to the University of Cincinnati, a key educational institution that drives research and development.
Apart from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, it also boasts top-notch public and private schools. Moreover, the city is home to Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, and Kroger, and offers numerous employment opportunities.
» Cincinnati Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best cities to live in Ohio.
#3 Cleveland
- Median Home Price: $125,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Cleveland: $37,271[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 53/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Cleveland, OH: 44102 | 44105 | 44109
Cleveland is a dynamic city on Lake Erie. It’s known for its rich industrial past. Today, it’s a hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and tech. The Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth are major employers. Moreover, the living costs in Forest City are 9% lower than the national average.
Geographically, Cleveland is split between two parts, east and west, by the Cuyahoga River. The west boasts the Gordan Arts Square and the Great Lakes Brewing Co. The East is home to the Indiana Baseball Team.
» Cleveland Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best areas to live in Ohio.
#4 Toledo
- Median Home Price: $130,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Toledo: $45,405[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Toledo, OH: 43612 | 43613 | 43615
Toledo is 15% more affordable than the rest of the country. Moreover, it is a diverse economic hub with major employers like Jeep, Owens Corning, and ProMedica. Its strategic location on the Maumee River near Lake Erie makes it a vital center for trade and transport.
Toledo earned the name “Glass City” because of its historical glass-making industry. The city is big on culture 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.
» Toledo Homes for Sale: Explore thousands of listings in this one of the best cities to live in Ohio.
#5 Youngstown
- Median Home Price: $116,750[2]
- Median Household Income in Youngstown: $34,295[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Youngstown, OH: 44509 | 44505 | 44511
Located on the way from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, Youngstown is one of the best towns in Ohio, with a tight-knit community. Y-town offers affordable living, with homes that cost 15% less than the national average. Food and utility prices are also 3% lower.
The residents enjoy shopping at the fresh farms surrounding the city’s downtown area. In addition, there are several upcoming businesses like restaurants, bars, galleries, and local stores. Besides, Youngstown has a rich cultural scene. It features the Butler Institute of American Art, with over 22,000 American artworks.
» Youngstown Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the best towns to live in Ohio.
#6 Dayton
- Median Home Price: $134,525[2]
- Median Household Income in Dayton: $41,443[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Dayton, OH: 45417 | 45424 | 45406
Dayton is known as the ‘Birthplace of Aviation’. It is a hub for tech and innovation, especially in aerospace and engineering. Top employers in the area are the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Premier Health, and the University of Dayton.
Moreover, the city’s MetroParks offer hiking and river activities. You can also visit the US Air Force Museum and Dayton Aviation Heritage Park to explore the city’s aviation history.
» Dayton Homes for Sale: Discover your ideal residence in one of the best places to live in Ohio.
#7 Delaware
- Median Home Price: $361,400[2]
- Median Household Income in Delaware: $86,387[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Delaware, OH: 43015 | 43003
Delaware is home to Ohio Wesleyan University. It has about 1,950 students from over 50 countries and 40 states, and is famous for its liberal arts program. In addition, living in Delaware is 5% more affordable than the rest of the country.
Apart from this, various restaurants, markets, theaters, and other entertainment venues dot the city landscape. Delaware also offers opportunities for outdoor fun at places like the Delaware State Park and the Olentangy River.
» Delaware Homes for Sale: Find your perfect home in one of the best cities in Ohio to live.
#8 Dublin
- Median Home Price: $1,455,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Dublin: $158,363[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Dublin, OH: 43016 | 43017
Dublin, a city northwest of Columbus, is known for its natural beauty and strong community. It also has a great quality of life, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and several parks. These collectively make Dublin one of the best places to live for families.
Dublin’s Irish Festival celebrates its heritage with music, dance, and cultural exhibits. It draws thousands of visitors each year. The city’s lush green spaces and vibrant community have earned it the nickname ‘Emerald City’.
» Dublin Homes for Sale: Look for your dream home in one of the good cities to live in Ohio close to Columbus.
#9 Hudson
- Median Home Price: $575,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Hudson: $160,280[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Hudson, OH: 44236
Hudson is a picturesque town located between Akron and Cleveland. It has over 1,100 acres of parks and recreational areas, including the Hudson Springs Park. It offers hiking, fishing, and various sporting activities.
Living in Hudson offers suburban peace and easy access to Cleveland’s amenities. Utility costs in the city are 18% lower than the national average. Each September, it hosts the Hudson Indie Art Month to showcase local artists and their work in the community.
» Hudson Homes for Sale: Find lavish homes in one of the best places to live in Ohio.
#10 Worthington
- Median Home Price: $530,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Worthington: $119,408[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Worthington, OH: 43085
Worthington is a highly sought-after suburb located just north of Columbus. It offers a small-town feel with easy access to urban amenities. It is 17% more affordable to live in Worthington, compared to the US average.
Moreover, downtown Worthington has several picturesque boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Notable spots include Cameron’s American Bistro and The Whitney House. You’ll also find parks and facilities like the Community Center and the Griswold Center, which are open to all ages.
» Worthington Homes for Sale: Find your ultimate home in one of the best cities in Ohio to live in.
Best Places to Live in Ohio Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Mason | Westerville | Powell |
| Young Professionals | Cincinnati | Columbus | Cleveland |
| Retirees | Yellow Springs | Lima | Ashtabula |
Is Ohio the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Ohio is one of the best places to live in the US due to its robust employment market and affordable living. The Buckeye State is also big on sports and outdoor recreation.
The state offers a low cost of living at 7% below the national average, with the median home price being 19% lower. However, home prices are inconsistent throughout the state. Ohio can be your top choice if you want to live on a budget.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Ohio. Get a mortgage pre-approval to make sure your offer stands out from the competition.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Ohio
We evaluated different regions to rank the best places in Ohio. Here are the comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Ohio and the information sources:
- Population: Ohio Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
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, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio a good place to live?
Yes, the Buckeye State is a good place to live. It has a fast-growing economy, affordable housing, and great schools. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland are some of the best places in Ohio.
Which is best city to live in Ohio?
Columbus is the best city to live in Ohio. The cost of living is 7% less than the national average. Also, the economy is stable, with a low unemployment rate of 4%.
What are the nicest parts of Ohio to live in?
The best parts to live in Ohio are the Northeast and Central regions. These regions include cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Dublin, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Ohio?
Youngstown is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Ohio. It has a cost of living 25.6% below the national average.
