The Best Places to Live in Ohio

Located in the Midwestern region of the United States, Ohio is known as the Buckeye State, earning the name thanks to its abundance of Ohio buckeye trees. With a population of nearly 12 million, three major metro areas provide greatly to the state — Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. But with these metropolitan regions existing as the most well-known parts of Ohio, you might be wondering, “Are there other cities to keep an eye out for? Where are the best places to live in Ohio?” The good news is, Ohio is home to plenty of hidden gems that provide excellent options for people seeking a place to relocate. If you’re interested in finding your perfect Midwest home, check out our five favorite Ohio locations, and discover your new home today! Keep reading to learn more…

• Dayton

Ever heard of Dayton, Ohio? If you haven’t, it’s time to discover what this great town has to offer to its residents! This mid-sized city is located 50 miles north of Cincinnati, and it has a strong, diversified economy that thrives with defense, aerospace, healthcare, and service, among other industries. One of the best perks of Dayton is its low cost of living, not only when compared to other cities in Ohio but also when compared to cities nationwide. Trulia ranked it as the #2 least expensive city to live in, and with such an affordable cost of living, this is an advantage that can draw in many people.

Aside from the economic benefits, there are many entertaining points of Dayton that attract residents. The city has its own baseball and soccer teams that the locals love to watch and support. If sports aren’t your thing, then you can always count on the local restaurants to fill an empty stomach with plenty of delicious food, along with a great beer from one of the town’s excellent breweries. Also, Dayton is home to historical attractions such as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and America’s Packard Museum. With plenty to do, this is a great place to explore as a resident.

• Powell

Next on our list is Powell, located north of Columbus, the state’s capital. This Columbus suburb has a population of around 14,000, and although the cost of living is higher in comparison to our previously discussed city, this difference is offset by the average salary in this midwestern town. The median salary sits well above the national average, bolstering Powell’s strong economy. As a result, the town has some of the best schools, homes, parks, libraries, and more. This is a coveted perk for families looking for an area to settle down.

This quaint, walkable area has the charming small-town feel that you see in storybooks, full of everything from community events to boutique shopping to fine dining. The Olentangy School District offers an excellent education, and families can enjoy beautiful parks to stroll to and safe neighborhoods to reside in. For the adults, you can spend a relaxing evening at one of the local breweries or wineries or enjoy a delicious meal at one of Powell’s many restaurants. No matter what you’re looking for, this town can fit the bill.

• Ottawa Hills

Interested in a town with a seriously stellar reputation? Try Ottawa Hills. Niche ranked Ottawa Hills as the second-best place to live in Ohio and distinguished the town’s public schools as the fifth-best in the state. This Toledo suburb is home to around 5,000 people, and its residents can enjoy a low crime rate, excellent median household income, strong education, and a wonderful sense of community. The town is known for its friendly residents who can easily make a new neighbor feel welcome, only adding to the curb appeal of this beautiful town.

If you take a look at the town’s calendar, located on its website, you’ll be greeted by plenty of entertaining and educational community events that can appeal to the entire family. From kids cooking classes to committee meetings, and yoga classes to chess leagues, you can enjoy your interests with like-minded people, all while making yourself feel like a true part of the neighborhood.

• Youngstown

Sitting right on the Mahoning River, Youngstown is right between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and is even situated on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This city’s cost of living is much lower when compared to other metro areas of a similar size, which is an excellent advantage for people considering Youngstown as a potential place to relocate to. Even buying a house in this city is much more affordable. Additionally, this Ohio town has a booming downtown area that has grown exponentially since 2010. You can visit the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, visit plenty of museums, shop till you drop, discover delicious food and drink, and much more.

This town also has a great abundance of outdoor attractions where you can enjoy nature. The Mill Creek Metroparks is the first park district ever founded in Ohio, offering 45 miles of trails to explore by biking or hiking. It also offers an opportunity to fish, boat, play golf or tennis, and even more to keep the whole family entertained in the great outdoors. Just another reason to consider Youngstown as your next place to live!

• Findlay

Last but not least on our list is Findlay, one of the most affordable places to live. From low rent to low sales tax, this city has excellent economic perks that simply can’t be ignored by prospective residents. This small city has an enjoyable suburban feel and can be defined as “micropolitan” — a significant center of production with a population between 10,000 and 50,000. The area is known for its beautiful landscape, with plenty of stunning nature parks for families to enjoy, complete with scenic landmarks and interesting wildlife.

Aside from these outdoor attractions, residents can also enjoy museums, such as the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center, the Hancock Historical Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Findlay. The downtown area of the city has plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, meaning you’ll never be bored in this micropolitan area! With so much for families to explore, this is an appealing place to move to in 2023.

Are You Ready for Your Ohio Move?

Now that you’ve learned about five of our favorite Ohio towns, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get ready for your Ohio move! If you’re looking for a reliable moving company to get you there with confidence and ease, consider E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. to assist with your move. Since 1881, E.E. Ward has proudly served the community, providing dependable and trustworthy relocation solutions, no matter if you’re moving local or long distance. Request a quote today, and discover the affordable rates of our high-quality services!